Activities
Attractions of Wlavis Bay include its lagoon well known for its prolific bird life and prospects for a lots of recreational activities such as golfing, kayaking, dolphin cruises and harbor tours.
Originally in the shadows of Swakopmund this harbor town is now rapidly developing into a thriving destination for tourists with establishments such as guest houses and hotels opening along the lagoon.
Many of the water based activities such as dolphin cruises, catamaran trips, fishing expeditions and kayaking all start in Walvis Bay and while visitors staying in Swakopmund need to travel the 30km to participate, those who choose accommodation in Walvis Bay will find these activities starting on their doorstep.
The Walvis Bay Lagoon is the main reason for visiting the town, the bird life on the lagoon is plentiful including flamingoes, pelicans and many small waders. The Raft restaurant deserves a special mention, it is built on stilts in the lagoon and reached by a short bridge. This is a pleasant place to enjoy a meal completely surrounded by water while entertainment is provided by the birds, jelly fish and even the occasional seal. A visit to the Walvis Bay harbour is well worth the effort.
Climate
Despite its dry climate, the city is relatively humid. Its sunny weather makes it a good destination for beach and sun.
Eating Out
The Raft Restaurant Bistro and Bar. A Great Restaurant with great atmosphere, on a pier in the lagoon, an absolute must if you are in Walvis Bay.
Getting Around
The town is well serviced by public transport. Opposite the beach are the dunes where adrenaline seekers can try out quad biking or parasailing.
The town is laid out in a large grid pattern, and apart from the few shops in the centre that you can walk around, you really need a car, especially to reach the Yacht Club at the western end and to explore the lagoon. If you don't have your own wheels, there are plenty of taxis in Walvis Bay.
Kids Attractions
Spending some time Dolphin or whale watching or taking a catamaran cruise is a great place to start for kids. Quad biking (in Dune 7) the coastal dunes is lots of fun. Walvis Bay museum , bird island and MOTH Museum.
Language
English is the official language and is widely spoken. Older Namibians in the South are more likely to speak Afrikaans or German.Afrikaans is spoken by many and is the first language of the Coloureds and the Afrikaners. English is spoken as a first language by the remaining English families, and German is spoken by the Namibians of German descent
Money
The Namibian Dollar (NAD; symbol N$) is in note denominations of N$200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of N$5, N$1, 50 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents. It is linked to the South African Rand (R) on a 1:1 basis (South African Rand = 100 cents). The South African Rand is also acceptable as currency in Namibia.
Negatives
The harbour town having the highest HIV prevalence rate (28 per cent) in the country
Night Life
Nightlife in Walvis Bay is on the low side but with the opening of numerous establishments on the coast, it is on the rise.
Restaurants
The Raft Restaurant Bistro and Bar. A Great Restaurant with great atmosphere, on a pier in the lagoon, an absolute must if you are in Walvis Bay. Large restaurant offering a huge a la carte menu, and bistro and bar area with the best pizzas and burgers for miles.