Making the most of Walvis Bay
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships dock at Walvis Bay Harbor, approximately 1 mile or a 10-minute walk from the pier. Metered taxis are generally available pier side. Despite the short distance, passengers are discouraged from walking through the port to town because distracting work activity could cause injury; this is especially discouraged for people with mobility issues.
Shuttles set down near the Civic Center in the centre of old town. Shuttles P and O have been reported as the ones to take, but verify this in case routes change.
Wait times can be long because the terminal is small. Please plan accordingly.
Built very much for its harbor, the town has an unexciting but easily navigable grid of numbered streets around it. The city centre is walkable. Municipal buildings are of particular interest for their attractive wood carvings from Namibia's Kavango region, while the local museum has exhibits on the town's history and the indigenous Topnaar people. On Walvis Bay's outskirts, the lagoon contains a bird sanctuary where flamingoes and pelicans feed in nutrient-rich water, and it also supports an important salt industry.
Getting around
Walvis Bay makes a good base for desert and dune excursions, offering unspoiled landscapes, compelling beauty and a sense of unconfined space.
Nearby places
Located 13 miles north of Walvis Bay, the resort town of Swakopmund remained under German domination until 1915. While Walvis Bay was under British control, German authorities attempted, with little success, to develop their own interests by making Swakopmund a port. When German rule was surrendered to South Africa, all trade returned to Walvis Bay.
The beach has a nice pier and plenty of places for a wonderful meal.
Downtown's immaculate old buildings look as though they could stand in Bavaria. The drive from the port to Swakopmund is equally amazing, with gorgeous blue sea on one side and rolling sands and desert on the other.
Namib-Naukluft National Park contains some of the world's most iconic desert landscapes, including famous Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.
Food and shopping
Most shops serve local clientele. Shops in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund close on Sundays, although vendors usually create an arts and craft market at the pier whenever a cruise ship is in port.
Money
Most vendors accept U.S. dollars. The local currency, the Namibian dollar, has the same value as the South African rand.