Namibia’s coastline is one of contrasts: a narrow strip where the Namib Desert drops into the Atlantic, producing windswept shores, shipwrecks and rich marine life. Small in length but varied in character, the bays here have served as fishing harbors, sealing grounds and quiet coves for centuries.
There are 10 Bays in Namibia, ranging from Elizabeth Bay to Walvis Bay. For each entry you’ll find below how they’re organized with Coordinates (decimal°),Nearest town (km),Notability (max 15 words) so you can quickly locate and compare sites you’ll find below.
Which bay is easiest to visit from a major town?
Walvis Bay is the most accessible from an urban center — it has good road links, a functioning port and nearby services, making day trips or guided visits straightforward compared with more remote spots.
Are any of these bays protected or off-limits to visitors?
Some bays overlap with protected areas, private concessions or sensitive wildlife sites; check local park regulations and respect closures around breeding seasons, and contact local authorities or tour operators before visiting.
Bays in Namibia
| Name | Coordinates (decimal°) | Nearest town (km) | Notability (max 15 words) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrace Bay | -20.74,13.99 | Terrace Bay (0 km) | Former harbour, Skeleton Coast access |
| Henties Bay | -22.11,14.28 | Henties Bay (0 km) | Popular beach town, fishing and recreation |
| Skeleton Bay | -21.99,14.20 | Henties Bay (35 km) | World-class long left wave, surf destination |
| Swakopmund Bay | -22.68,14.53 | Swakopmund (0 km) | Coastal townfront, colonial architecture and beach access |
| Walvis Bay | -22.96,14.50 | Walvis Bay (0 km) | Major natural harbour, flamingos and lagoon wildlife |
| Sandwich Harbour | -23.16,14.64 | Walvis Bay (35 km) | Lagoon and dunes, protected wetland and birdlife |
| Pelican Point (Walvis Bay spit) | -22.98,14.48 | Walvis Bay (3 km) | Seabird colony and seal rookery on sand spit |
| Elizabeth Bay | -26.25,15.09 | Lüderitz (40 km) | Abandoned diamond works, wildlife and rugged coast |
| Lüderitz Bay | -26.65,15.16 | Lüderitz (0 km) | Historic harbour, colonial history and shipwrecks |
| Orange River Mouth (Oranjemund) | -28.55,16.45 | Oranjemund (0 km) | River mouth, border area and birdwatching |
Images and Descriptions
Terrace Bay
Terrace Bay sits on the Skeleton Coast with a small settlement and former fishing harbour. Rough 4×4 access and dramatic dunes make it a remote stop for explorers and photographers visiting Namibia’s northern Atlantic shoreline.
Henties Bay
Henties Bay is a recreational seaside town with sandy beaches, surf and good shore fishing. Easily reached from the B2, it’s popular with weekenders and anglers seeking accessible coastline north of Swakopmund.
Skeleton Bay
Skeleton Bay is famed for one of the world’s longest barreling left-hand waves. Remote dunes and a powerful surf attract experienced surfers; access requires 4×4 driving and local knowledge within the Skeleton Coast region.
Swakopmund Bay
Swakopmund Bay fronts the popular coastal town of Swakopmund, offering beaches, seaside promenades and adventure tourism. Easy road access, accommodations, and guided activities make it an inviting base for exploring nearby desert and coast.
Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is Namibia’s principal natural harbour and an important wetland for migratory birds, including flamingos. Accessible facilities, commercial port services, lagoon tours and close proximity to town make it a key stop for visitors and researchers.
Sandwich Harbour
Sandwich Harbour is a dramatic lagoon set against towering dunes within Namib-Naukluft Park, renowned for birdlife and scenic dune-backed coastline. Access is by guided 4×4 trips from Walvis Bay or Swakopmund; fragile environment is protected.
Pelican Point (Walvis Bay spit)
Pelican Point is the sand-spit guarding Walvis Bay’s entrance, known for seal colonies and seabirds plus lighthouse views. Boat and 4×4 excursions operate from Walvis Bay; it’s a popular wildlife-viewing and photography location.
Elizabeth Bay
Elizabeth Bay sits along the southern Namibian diamond coast with ruins of past mining operations and rich coastal birdlife. Access is controlled due to diamond area boundaries; visitors require permits and guided arrangements from Lüderitz.
Lüderitz Bay
Lüderitz Bay (Angra Pequena) is a historic harbour town with dramatic coastal cliffs, colonial-era architecture and nearby shipwrecks. Good road access from the interior makes it a key cultural and coastal destination in southern Namibia.
Orange River Mouth (Oranjemund)
The Orange River mouth at Oranjemund marks Namibia’s southern Atlantic boundary; it’s ecologically important for birds and estuarine life. Access is via Oranjemund with controlled border-area rules and opportunities for guided wildlife excursions.
