Skeleton Coast
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Positives
- Virgin waves
- Consistent, powerful swells
- Unchartered coastline
- Amazing scenery and wildlife
Negatives
- Heavy, scary conditions
- Onshore winds and sea fog
- Cold water & difficult, expensive access
- Sharks and seals
Skeleton Coast surf travel guide
The Namibia surf zone is one of the last frontiers of the surfing world. An isolated harsh environment, impossible access, heavy waves, strong currents, dense fog, very large sharks and the cold Benguela Current makes it a place suitable only for the most hardcore of riders. It receives consistent swell, but aside from one or two small patches of coastline close to the few towns, it remains almost completely unexplored.
Surf spots in Skeleton Coast
Research the 7 surf breaks in Skeleton Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 7 breaks in Skeleton Coast.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Skeleton Coast
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,499,000
- Population
- 2,540,905
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- NAD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 7.24 NAD NAD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +264
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Afrikaans, German, English, Owambo
Electricity
- Plug Type
- dm
Visas
Most nationalities don’t need a visa. For the latest Visa news and any updates check
Getting There
Driving to Torra Bay from Swakopmund takes 7hrs. Further north the Skeleton Coast Wilderness Area, stretches between the Hoanib and Kunene Rivers, making up the northern third of the Skeleton Coast and can only be visited as part of a fly-in safari.
Getting Around
Car hire is easily available and a 4x4 is not generally needed. Remember, visitors are not allowed to drive off-road. Permits are required for the Skeleton Coast National Park.
Accommodation
Excellent accommodation at the Cape Cross Lodge for $120 per night. Terrace Bay has a range of cheap $20 per night huts, and camping is allowed at Torra Bay. Free camping is neither permitted nor a sensible idea anywhere else. Skeleton Coast National Park is a protected area, and travellers will not be allowed in unless they have booked a place to stay at Terrace Bay. Skeleton Coast Wilderness Camp is close to Ovahimba ($450-670/n). Founded by the Germans in 1892, Swakopmund is a blend of colonial town and modern architecture with a variety of good hotels, pensions and coffee shops selling German cakes and pastries. Budget for between $40-$80 for daily living costs. Mile 4 Camping near Fiji.
Activities
The Skeleton coast is home to unique wildlife and plant life, including desert elephants and ‘dead’ plants that live for 2,000 years. Don’t miss the Etosha National Park, a long drive inland and one of the best wildlife spectacles in Africa. Other highlights include the sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the remote Damaraland in the northwest. Although Swakopmund offers entertainment like a casino, aquarium and waterslides, you haven’t come all this way to pretend you’re at home.
Hazards & hassles
There are lots of big sharks, not to mention jackals, hyenas and occasional lions on the beaches. The wildlife danger is over-hyped and a seal bite is far more likely than a shark bite. However, it’s actually much safer than people believe. In reality you’re more likely to be attacked by a seal during the Oct-Nov breeding season, when there have been two reported bites by seals on surfers. A bigger danger is hitting shallow reefs. The cold water, currents and heavy surfing conditions are genuine risks. Sandstorms can make driving near impossible.
Handy Hints
Take all surfing equipment and a pair of binoculars for spotting the amazing flora and fauna. Namibia is a stunning pristine wilderness where human impact is minimal - an intimidating but rewarding destination. Namibia’s best waves may be as yet unridden. Drive on the left.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.