Planning for a Cape Cross seal colony tour? The Cape Cross tour offers travelers the chance to see one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world, along with a rich mix of history, wildlife, and rugged coastal scenery. Located about 120 kilometers north of Swakopmund, the drive to Cape Cross is part of the adventure itself, taking you past vast stretches of desert and untouched coastline.
As you leave Swakopmund, the road runs parallel to the Skeleton Coast, named for its haunting beauty and scattered shipwrecks. Along the way, the Atlantic Ocean crashes against the rocky shore, filling the air with a cool, salty mist. When you arrive at Cape Cross, the first thing you notice is the sound – the deep grunts and calls of thousands of Cape fur seals spread across the rocks and beaches.
During the breeding season, from November to December, the colony can reach over 200,000 seals. A well-maintained boardwalk allows you to view them safely up close without causing any disturbance. Your guide will share insights into the seals’ behavior, diet, and how they survive along Namibia’s wild coastline.
Beyond the wildlife, Cape Cross is also an important historical site. In 1486, Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão placed a stone cross, known as a padrão, here to mark the first European landing on the Namibian coast. A replica of this cross now stands at the site, serving as a reminder of Namibia’s early maritime history.
The drive back to Swakopmund gives you time to reflect on the day’s experience. The combination of wildlife, dramatic coastal scenery, and history makes Cape Cross one of the most memorable places to visit in Namibia.
Watching thousands of seals bask under the Atlantic sun, listening to the waves crash against the rocks, and standing where the ocean meets the desert creates a feeling that is hard to forget. The Cape Cross tour is more than a visit to a seal colony; it is a journey into the natural and historical heart of Namibia’s coastline.
Included: water, park fees, and transfers to the meeting point (subject to availability).
