Visit Namibia’s Skeleton Coast for epic ocean views, shipwrecks, and Cape Cross Seal Colony. Plan your trip with park info, attractions, and travel tips.
Did you know that the Namib Desert is next to a whole ocean? When you explore the endless Skeleton Coast, you will see this for yourself.
You may wonder why this part of Namibia has such a scary name. It is because many ships have crashed or sunk near this coast over time due to the Atlantic Ocean’s strong currents and rough waters.
Today, this area is better known for its wide open views, which many visitors say feel like the edge of the world. Read our full guide to learn more about Namibia’s Skeleton Coast.
Location
The Skeleton Coast is in the northern part of Namibia’s Atlantic Coast. The actual coastline, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the desert sand, is about 500 km long and 40 km wide.
You can visit Terrace Bay from southern Namibia as a day trip, but the far north has private wildlife lodges that must be booked in advance.
Seasonality
Namibia is a good place to visit all year. However, between October and March, it is warmer, and you may see more animals. The Skeleton Coast is near the ocean, so nights in the desert can still be quite cold even in warmer months.
Main Attractions
Skeleton Coast National Park
You can enter Skeleton Coast National Park through the Springbokwasser and Ugab gates. The park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. While there are some rare and interesting animals here, you may not see a lot of wildlife overall—so keep your eyes open.
Cape Cross Seal Colony
The most common animal in the area is the Cape fur seal at Cape Cross Seal Colony. There are more than 200,000 seals here! Visitors can enjoy the view of the strong waves and orange sands while watching the seals from the walkway that runs along the beach.
