Two dolphin species are regularly seen in Walvis Bay: the bottlenose dolphin, larger and widespread along many coastlines, and the much smaller Heaviside’s dolphin, found almost nowhere else on Earth outside Namibian and South African waters. Occasional dusky dolphin sightings also occur.
Bottlenose dolphins
The more familiar of the two species, bottlenose dolphins are robust, grey, and often the more confident around boats, sometimes riding the bow wave or breaching nearby. They’re found along coastlines worldwide, but the population here benefits from the same rich feeding grounds that support the region’s seals and whales.
Heaviside’s dolphins
Considerably smaller, with a distinctive rounded dorsal fin, Heaviside’s dolphins are endemic to the cold waters of the Benguela Current system, meaning this stretch of coast, along with parts of South Africa’s west coast, is essentially the only place in the world to see them. They tend to be a little shier around boats than bottlenose dolphins, moving in tighter, faster groups.
When and where to see them
Sightings happen year-round on our boat tours, with no strong seasonal pattern. See our dedicated dolphin cruise guide for the best tours to spot them.
Frequently asked questions
Which dolphin species is more commonly seen?
Bottlenose dolphins are seen slightly more often, but Heaviside’s dolphin sightings are frequent enough that most multi-day visitors see both.
Can I swim with the dolphins?
No: sightings are from the boat or kayak. This protects both guests and the animals, which are wild and not accustomed to close human contact in the water.
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Three decades of catamaran cruises on the bay, kayaking among the seals at Pelican Point and 4x4 trips through the dunes to Sandwich Harbour, under the wide-open Namib sky, with a Walvis Bay crew who know every tide and wind on this coast.