Coastal Wildlife
Be inspired!
Most people visit Namibia for the adventure, freedom and open spaces our country and Continent are known for. Mola Mola certainly delivers on all of these fronts (and don’t forget our famous Namibian Hospitality). While planning for your boat cruise or dune adventure, also know that even though we are in the driest part of a desert country, you will not only enjoy epic scenery, but you will also experience our abundant coastal wildlife, as the Benguella current is one of the richest parts of our planet’s oceans.
Going on the Sandwich Harbour Dune adventures, you will further be amazed that so many life forms manage to live, and live well, in such a harsh environment, without a 4×4, coolerbox full of drinks and snacks, and off course the expert guide, that are accompanied by. Here are some of the marine and desert life that you are likely to come across, while experiencing landscapes that will remain with you for as long as the desert wind blows
Dolphins
This area of the African coast has two native species namely the Heaviside or Benguela Dolphin, and the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. Both of these beautiful creatures have playful, inquisitive natures, meaning they happily swim in the wake of our boats or put on a jumping display.
Whales
The predominant types seen in the area are the Southern Right and the Humpback whale. In Walvis Bay, whale-watching season is typically between June and November as these majestic animals are migratory by nature. Coming across these gentle giants on a Mola Mola Cruise is a true blessing!
Bird Life
For hundreds of years, seafarers have been joined by Sea birds on their journey. Walvis Bay is home to hundreds of species of bird life. You will experience the beautiful Eastern White Pelican up close and personal, as these majestic birds fly along with you, or land on the vessel with their massive two-meter wingspan and long colourful beaks.
Cape Fur Seal
Get up close and personal with the impressively large colony of Cape Fur Seals at the Pelican Point Peninsula. These excellent swimmers are also keen to show off by playing and splashing in the surf, and are great fun to observe.
Jackals
The desert often has little to offer in the way of food and water, but where the desert meets the Ocean, there is great opportunity. The opportunistic Black Back Jackals make the most of this. They are very opportunistic scavengers, making use of whatever the high tide has left for them on the beach.
Mola Mola
The inspiration for our name and logo, the Mola Mola, is not only the largest bone fish in our oceans, but is truly something that very few people have ever seen. The word Mola means millstone in Latin, which is a reasonably accurate description of this species’ round body, as well as their texture and colouring.
Springbuck & Oryx
Keep an eye out during your Sandwich Harbour tour for the desert adapted Springbuck & Oryx, where they often graze near dunes or roam across the dry, open landscapes! Both species play a crucial role in the desert ecosystem, showcasing incredible resilience in one of the world’s harshest environments.
