Day 24 - Walvis Bay, Namibia: Seals, Pelicans & a Day on the Atlantic Coast

We arrived in Namibia this morning to a cool, cloudy, grey sky, a gentle contrast to the brighter days we’ve grown used to. The crisp air had its own freshness and charm, as if welcoming us into a new landscape altogether.

I began my day with my usual routine — the gym and a nourishing veggie juice — before heading back to shower and prepare for the rather serious but necessary immigration inspection. Every single passenger had to attend in person, presenting passports, landing cards, and yellow fever documentation. Only once this process was completed could anyone disembark.

Joe opted out of an organised tour today. Instead, he grabbed a taxi and ventured into town on his own. His mission? New lightweight trousers and the elusive medication he’d been trying to replace since the start of our trip. Delighted to report: success on both counts! He found the trousers and, finally, a pharmacy with exactly what he needed. A very happy Joe indeed — and an enormous relief for both of us.

My tour departed just after midday. We began with a short minibus ride to the Walvis Bay Marina, which was buzzing with locals and tourists weaving around each other. We waited briefly for our boat to arrive, then boarded in small groups of twenty. The crew provided blankets for warmth — much appreciated, as the Atlantic breeze was cool and crisp, although deceptive as the further we got out to sea, the sun started to shine....I may have caught a bit too much sun on my face.

Even before we left the harbour, seals were diving and flipping in the water right beside us, completely carefree and playful. Our guide Sammy and Captain Vian were absolutely wonderful — friendly, knowledgeable, and full of stories woven with humour and pride.

As we sailed further into the lagoon, the experience became more magical by the minute.

We passed a shipwreck, its dark outline stark against the pale sky — a reminder of how wild and unpredictable this coastline can be. Nearby were rows of oyster beds, tiny tin cans bobbing in the water. Sammy explained that oysters here take 8–10 months to grow before they are harvested. It was fascinating to see the birthplace of something so prized.

Then came a moment of pure awe: we witnessed a migration of birds right before our eyes, hundreds sweeping across the water in unison. And in the distance, just briefly, we caught sight of a whale — a dark arc rising and sinking again.

Then, one of the most unforgettable surprises:
A pelican landed on our boat, calm and majestic as though she were greeting old friends. We were able to feed her, stroke her, and take photos — such a rare and special experience.

We continued toward Pelican Point peninsula, home to an enormous colony of Cape Fur Seals. I have never seen anything like it — an estimated 40,000–70,000 seals gathered together, the shore absolutely teeming with movement and noise. The sound was like nothing else: playful, chaotic, and strangely comforting all at once.

On the sandbanks, we also spotted more pelicans as well as jackals, sleek and alert as they patrolled the edges of the colony.

Our crew then prepared a feast on board. For the oyster lovers, there were fresh Namibian oysters paired with champagne, while the rest of us enjoyed snacks and refreshments as we sailed back.

Upon returning to the marina, we boarded the minibus back to the ship — but not before one final stop at immigration to sign in again, ensuring all procedures were in place.

Back on board, Joe and I enjoyed catching up on our day’s adventures before getting ready for the evening. Joe chose to wear one of his new trousers for dinner.

Tonight’s entertainment was the beloved Liars Club — always such fun. Three speakers were each given a word, and each had to speak about it for three minutes. One told the truth; the other two fabricated wildly creative (and hilarious) definitions. Joe was very animated, guessing many correctly!

We finished the night with a relaxed dinner and headed to our suite for an early night.

Tomorrow is another sea day, a chance to rest, reflect, and prepare for the next stretch of this remarkable journey.

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Daily Reflection:

Today reminded me of the incredible diversity of our planet — in landscapes, wildlife, and ways of life.
Nature always has a way of humbling and uplifting the soul all at once.

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Highlight of the Day:
✨ A pelican landing serenely on the boat — allowing us to feed, stroke, and admire her up close. A once-in-a-lifetime moment.