Guide to Day Tours and Activities in Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

Found between the rolling dunes of the Namib Desert and the wild Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are often called Namibia’s adventure capitals. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, exploring unique desert landscapes, or looking for cultural encounters, this coastal stretch offers something for everyone. From scenic flights over towering dunes to kayaking alongside dolphins, here’s your guide to the best tours and activities. 

Tours & Excursions

1. Marine Cruise (09:00 – 12:30)

Set sail from Walvis Bay harbour, cruising past the working trawlers before heading across the lagoon to Pelican Point. Expect dolphins playing alongside your boat and seals putting on a show. A highlight is stepping ashore near an old shipwreck by the lighthouse, where oysters and sparkling wine are served (groups of 10+). On scheduled cruises, you’ll enjoy fresh oysters and bubbly on board before returning to the Walvis Bay Yacht Club.

2. Sandwich Harbour Tour (tide-dependent)

A bucket-list trip for birders and nature lovers. Travel past the Walvis Bay Lagoon, salt pans and Kuiseb Delta to reach the dramatic dunes and shoreline of Sandwich Harbour. Rich in birdlife, steeped in whaling history, and notoriously difficult to access, this excursion promises one of Namibia’s most unforgettable experiences.

3. Wonders of the Desert Tour (09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 – 18:00)

Journey through the ancient Swakop River bed into the surreal Moon Valley, a landscape carved into deep chasms. Continue to Welwitschia Valley, home to thousands of Welwitschia mirabilis plants, some estimated at over 1,000 years old. The tour also includes a visit to the Namib-Naukluft Park to see rare lichens thriving in this desert ecosystem.

4. Rocks & Gemstones Tour (08:00 – 13:00)

Perfect for geology enthusiasts. This 4x4 tour explores the Swakop River area with stops at old mining sites. Collect your own mineral samples and, back in town, marvel at the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster (1.4 tonnes), excavated over five years.

5. Cultural Tour (09:00 – 13:00 / 13:30 – 17:00)

Learn about the history, traditions, and resilience of the Topnaar Nama community along the Kuiseb River. Combined with birdwatching and desert ecology, this half-day tour offers an authentic glimpse into Namibia’s cultural and natural heritage.

6. Living Desert Tour (09:00 – 13:00 / 14:00 – 17:00)

Discover that the Namib is far from empty. Expert guides introduce you to the desert’s “little five” - from the rolling White Lady spider and transparent Palmato gecko to the sidewinder snake and sand-diving lizard. Along the way, you’ll also learn about rare plants, roaring dunes, and the endangered Damara tern.

7. Birding Tour – Walvis Bay Lagoon

One of southern Africa’s most important wetlands, the lagoon hosts over 80,000 migratory birds, including greater and lesser flamingos, pelicans, and rare migrants. Best visited in summer (October–April).

8. Cape Cross Tour

Travel north along the Skeleton Coast to Cape Cross, home to the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape Fur seals - a noisy, smelly, and spectacular natural wonder. The site is also of historical importance, where Portuguese navigator Diego Cão erected a stone cross in 1486.

Add-on option: Upgrade any of these tours with a Champagne & Oyster Sundowner the perfect way to toast your day in the desert.

Adventure Activities

For adrenaline seekers, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are a playground of extreme and outdoor sports:

• Quad Biking: Conquer the shifting dunes on four wheels.
• Sandboarding: Zoom down giant dunes - standing up or lying down.
• Sea Kayaking: Paddle among dolphins and seals.
• Parasailing: Glide 50m above the desert and ocean.
• Tandem Skydiving: Freefall over the Namib for the ultimate thrill.
• Horse Riding: Ride into the desert or enjoy a magical moonlit excursion.
• Camel Riding: Experience the dunes the ancient way.
• Golfing: Tee off with desert landscapes as your backdrop.

Scenic Flights

Take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of Namibia’s dramatic contrasts. All scenic flights depart from Swakopmund airfield.

• Sossusvlei Scenic Flight: Fly along the Kuiseb River to the world’s tallest dunes at Sossusvlei, continuing over the restricted diamond area and shipwrecks.
• Sossusvlei Day Excursion: Land at Sesriem for a guided 4x4 trip into the dunes before continuing the flight.
• Desolate Diamond Coast Flight: A shorter version, flying over Conception Bay, Sandwich Harbour, and Walvis Bay.
• Fun Flip Flight: A “sundowner in the sky” over the coast and dunes.
• Fish River Canyon & Lüderitz Day Trip: Fly inland to see Africa’s largest canyon, then over Lüderitz and Kolmanskop ghost town.
• Coast of Loneliness Flight: Soar over Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, Toscanini, and Cape Cross.
• Skeleton Coast Day Trip: Includes a stop for lunch at Cape Cross Lodge.
• Himba Day Trip: Visit the Himba people in Opuwo, combining cultural immersion with Skeleton Coast views.
• Bushmen Experience: Meet the San in the Kalahari, then fly back via Sossusvlei and the coast.

Things to Do in Swakopmund

Beyond adventure, Swakopmund is a charming town with German colonial architecture, craft markets, and fascinating cultural attractions:

• Swakopmund Museum: Displays on Namib flora, desert life, mining, and indigenous cultures.
• National Marine Aquarium: Sharks, stingrays, and a walk-through glass tunnel.
• Woermann House & Tower: A landmark building from 1894, offering panoramic town-and-dune views.
• Kristall Galerie: Home to the largest crystal cluster in the world and a hands-on gem experience.
• Karakulia Weavers: Handwoven karakul rugs and community upliftment.
• Swakopmund Tannery: Locally made leather goods, including the iconic “Swakop Vellies”.
• Save the Rhino Trust Centre: Learn about conservation of Namibia’s desert-adapted black rhinos.
• Otavi-Bahnhof Arts & Crafts Centre: Housed in the old 1906 railway station.
• Palm Beach Craft Market: An open-air market with crafts from across Africa.

Why Swakopmund & Walvis Bay Should Be on Your Namibia Itinerary

These twin coastal towns pack an incredible mix of culture, history, wildlife, and adventure into one destination. Whether you’re cruising among dolphins, skydiving over the dunes, or learning about the Nama people’s traditions, this region offers a lifetime of experiences in just a few days.