This Cape Cross seal colony tour heads north along the Skeleton Coast to see one of Namibia’s largest Cape fur seal colonies, numbering in the thousands, at a site with its own layer of maritime history.
About This Cape Cross Seal Colony Tour
This Cape Cross seal colony tour travels along the Skeleton Coast, a stretch known for harsh desert conditions and unusual plant life that survives on coastal fog alone. The destination is Cape Cross, home to thousands of Cape fur seals and the site where a Portuguese navigator erected a cross in 1493 while searching for a sea route around Africa. Jackals are also commonly seen patrolling the edges of the colony.
Why Choose This Experience
- See thousands of Cape fur seals at one of Namibia’s best-known colonies
- Learn about the site’s 15th-century maritime history
- Travel through the stark, fog-fed plant life of the Skeleton Coast
- A light desert lunch included along the way
What to Expect
After pickup, the drive heads north along the Skeleton Coast toward Cape Cross, with stops to look at the coast’s distinctive lichens and desert plants along the way. At Cape Cross, travellers can view the seal colony at close range and visit the replica of the original cross. A brunch is served during the outing. Travellers who want to see additional shipwrecks further north should look at the operator’s separate full-day shipwreck tour, which covers an extra 200 kilometres of coastline.
Duration
This Cape Cross seal colony tour runs for approximately 4 hours.
What Is Included
- Brunch
What Is Not Included
No specific exclusions were listed by the supplier beyond items not stated under inclusions, such as personal gratuities. Confirm current inclusions on Viator before booking.
Meeting Point and Pickup
Pickup is available at any accommodation along the coast; provide the name of your accommodation at the time of booking. Pickup and drop-off at Walvis Bay airport is also available. Cruise ship passengers are met in the port area near a branded gazebo, with pickup timing starting around an hour after docking.
Safety and What to Bring
A wind and sun-resistant jacket is useful along the exposed coastline, along with a hat, sunglasses and a camera for the seal colony. The colony has a strong smell, which some travellers find intense at close range.
Cancellation and Booking Information
This activity uses Viator’s standard cancellation policy: a full refund applies when cancelling at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, with no refund for later cancellations. Always confirm current cancellation terms and availability directly on Viator before booking.
Operator Information
This experience is operated by an independent Swakopmund-based tour supplier, not by Namibia Travel Guide. Booking, payment and customer support are handled through Viator; Namibia Travel Guide does not process payments, control availability or manage cancellations for this activity.
Plan More of Your Swakopmund Visit
For more ways to fill out a Swakopmund itinerary, see our Swakopmund destination guide, browse other Swakopmund tours and activities, or check Self-Drive Namibia and Travel Planning for wider trip planning. Read our affiliate disclosure for how this listing works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this Cape Cross seal colony tour last?
It runs for approximately 4 hours.
Is food included?
Yes, a brunch is included during the tour.
How many seals are at Cape Cross?
The colony numbers in the thousands, making it one of Namibia’s largest Cape fur seal colonies.
Can I see shipwrecks on this tour?
Travellers wanting to see more shipwrecks further north should book the operator’s separate full-day shipwreck tour.
Who operates this activity?
An independent Swakopmund-based supplier operates the tour, and booking is completed through Viator.
