TOP 5 Adventure Activities in Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Updated: Jan 19
Looking for adventurous things to do in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay? Known as the adventure capital of Namibia, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are a true haven for the thrill-seekers. Ideally located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose between: from quad riding deep into the sand dunes to conquering the waves of the Atlantic! If you are planning on spending two or three days in the area, then these are the top 5 adventure activities you CAN'T MISS!
One of our favorite activities in Swakopmund (and Namibia) was riding a quad bike deep in the sand dunes. Not only does the ride itself makes this an exhilarating experience, but also the feeling of freedom and being fully surrounded by nature's great desert wilderness. The dunes are immense and it is unlikely that you will bump into anyone else besides your guide and group during the ride! On top of that, you will access dunes that otherwise can't be reached, not even by 4x4.
As it isn't possible to just rent a quad and ride by yourself, you will need to book a tour. An experienced guide will shortly train you before leading you through the impressive dunes for a few hours. If you plan to go in the late afternoon, you might be able to top this amazing ride off with a stunning sundowner.
Sandboarding is another adventure-filled activity that should be on your bucket list! The spectacular Dune 7 near Walvis Bay is the perfect location. With a height of 383 meters (1,256 ft), Dune 7 is the highest dune in Namibia. Fast boarders are able to speed down the dunes in no less than 80 km/hour (50 mph)! But don't worry if you are not experienced, there are two styles of sandboarding: standing up versus laying down. The latter one requires no experience, only a great sense of adventure!
This activity can be combined with the quad bike tour.
If you are looking for a real adrenaline rush, skydiving is the top adventure activity for you. Not only is skydiving in Namibia cheaper than most places around the world, but it also offers endless views of Namibia thanks to its wide-open landscapes. From above, you are able to see all the way to Brandberg, Spitzkoppe, and beyond! Observe where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib Desert. And don't forget to have a video shot of your thrilling 12,000 ft free fall to show your friends! Different packages are available.
Besides the stinky seals at Cape Cross, Namibia also has a ton of other sea life inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean, such as whales, sharks, and dolphins. Watch dolphins frolic around the boat and get really close to wildlife as the seals and sea birds actually hop on the boat. They aren't scared of humans!
There are various tour companies in both Swakopmund and Walvis Bay that offer sightseeing trips on the calm waters. Tours last a few hours and go to Pelican Point, which is known for its seal colony and sea birds. Also, most tours include snacks and/or oysters, champagne and other cold beverages.
Explore the Desert Moon Valley
Not as adventurous as the activities above, but an absolutely stunning and unique sight is the Desert Moon Valley. This valley is 30 km (18.6 mi) away from Swakopmund in the Namib Desert, and still quite a hidden gem in the area. We did not see any other travelers when we were there. The Moon Valley consists of eroded hills and valleys, formed millions of years ago by the Swakop River. Nowadays, this lunar landscape is a true photographer’s heaven. Spend some time at the lookout point and take in this beautiful view found nowhere else in the world.
The Desert Moon Valley is often combined with a visit to the Welwitschia plains, famous for the ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis plants that are considered to be living fossils. These Plains are about another 30 km away.
If you have a 4x4, both destinations can easily be reached without a tour (which is recommended!).
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