Searching for some facts about Walvis Bay? Walvis Bay is Namibia’s largest commercial port and a coastal city known for its mix of desert landscapes and a busy Atlantic harbour. The name Walvis Bay comes from Afrikaans and means Whale Bay, a name given by early European settlers because of the large number of whales once found in the area.
- Walvis Bay is located on Namibia’s central west coast, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, at the mouth of the Kuiseb River. The city is protected by the long sand spit of Pelican Point, which creates a natural deep water harbour. This protection has made Walvis Bay an important port for centuries.
- Although Walvis Bay lies within a tropical latitude, it has a mild cold desert climate. This is caused by the Benguela Current, which cools the air along the coast. Walvis Bay is one of the driest cities in the world, receiving only about 13.2 millimeters of rain per year. Frequent fog forms when cool ocean air meets warm inland air, and this fog provides moisture for local plants and animals.
- South of the city lies Sandwich Harbour, a lagoon and wetland where large Namib Desert dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. Walvis Bay is Namibia’s only deep sea harbour and its most important port. It plays a key role in trade for Namibia and other landlocked countries in the Southern African Development Community.
- Fishing is a major part of the local economy. The bay’s clean, plankton rich waters support many fish species and shellfish, and Walvis Bay is well known for its oysters. The Walvis Bay Salt Works also produces large amounts of salt using solar evaporation.
- Walvis Bay was first recorded by Bartolomeu Dias in 1487. It was later annexed by Great Britain in 1878 and became part of the Cape Colony. After years under South African rule, Walvis Bay was fully returned to Namibia on March 1, 1994.
Today, Walvis Bay is known for the Walvis Bay Lagoon, a UNESCO Ramsar site that attracts thousands of birds. Boat tours offer dolphin and seal viewing, while nearby Dune 7 is popular for views and sandboarding. Walvis Bay is also a key base for visiting the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
