- The bay was long known as a natural deep‑water harbour, protected by a sand spit called Pelican Point. That made it attractive for ships needing anchorage along the Atlantic coast.
- In the late 19th and early 20th century, colonial powers contested control of Walvis Bay. It became an exclave administered separately from mainland territories.
- After Namibia gained independence, Walvis Bay remained under different jurisdiction for a few years. On 28 February 1994 it was officially transferred to Namibian sovereignty.
- Over time, the harbour – once a base for naval and fishing fleets – evolved into the country’s principal port. It links Namibia to the world’s shipping routes.
- Alongside port and fishing industries, the lagoon and wetland area became recognized for ecological and tourism value. The wetlands are now among Namibia’s most important coastal natural assets.
- Walvis Bay sits on the central west coast of Namibia, at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert.
- The city’s municipal area covers a large coastal zone including dunes, wetlands, the lagoon, the harbour and adjacent desert plains.
- The lagoon and wetlands lie close to town, offering shallow‑water habitat protected from the open ocean by Pelican Point and sand spits.
- Inland from the lagoon the landscape changes: desert dunes and arid plains that merge with the Namib Desert.
- Walvis Bay weather is moderated by the sea. That makes it possible to visit almost any time of year without harsh extremes.
- For best wildlife‑ and bird‑watching (especially lagoon birds), the wetter months and migrations may bring large numbers of flamingos, pelicans and others.
- For desert and dune‑related adventures near town — sandboarding, dune‑climbs, quad biking — dry and stable weather helps, but coastal fog and wind are part of coastal desert life.
- If you want calmer seas for boat rides, kayaking or seal and dolphin spotting near Pelican Point and lagoon zones, calmer sea conditions matter — avoiding storm‑heavy periods makes sense.
- Take boat or kayak trips on the lagoon or harbour. You may see seals, dolphins, seabirds and sometimes whales from the water outside the harbour.
- Visit the lagoon and wetlands for bird watching. Large flocks of flamingos, pelicans, cormorants and other waterbirds gather there. A great spot for nature‑lovers and photographers.
- Head to the dunes near town — climb the sand hills or try sandboarding, quad biking or dune‑rides for a desert‑meets‑coast thrill.
- Do a fishing expedition — from shoreline fishing to deep‑sea fishing, often good for local fish species if conditions allow.
- Visit coastal spots like Pelican Point Peninsula — great for seal colonies, sea‑bird watching, sunset views and a different coastal vibe.
- Explore local heritage spots: the town has salt‑works, some historical buildings, markets, local crafts and seafood — you get a mix of coastal town life and natural scenery, rather than “just a tourist resort.”
- The lagoon and wetlands around Walvis Bay host large colonies of water‑birds — flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, gulls and migratory species. Bird‑watching here is among the best on Namibia’s coast.
- Marine mammals are part of the bay’s life. Seals, dolphins and sometimes whales use the bay’s nutrient‑rich waters — a draw for eco‑tourists on boat tours.
- The coastal‑desert edge supports desert‑adapted life. Even though the land seems harsh, some plants manage to survive in dune and coastal soil — forming part of that fragile coastal‑desert ecosystem.
- The mix of sea, lagoon, dunes and desert gives a range of habitats: from shallow wetland waters to dry dunes — supporting both marine and desert creatures.
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