Catamaran Charters Pelagic Birding Excursion — Walvis Bay

Catamaran Charters' dedicated Pelagic Birding Excursion leaves the Walvis Bay Waterfront at 08:00 aboard a powered double-hull boat and heads 20–25 nautical miles offshore into the Benguela Current — one of the world's most productive marine upwelling systems, where cold, nutrient-rich water surges to the surface to sustain extraordinary densities of seabirds year-round. Outbound, the route passes Pelican Point with its resident colony of around 50,000 Cape Fur Seals and its historic lighthouse; Heaviside's, Bottlenose, and Dusky Dolphins frequently accompany the vessel through this stretch. Once offshore in the Benguela upwelling zone, a specialist pelagic bird expert on board guides identification of the suite of species that makes this coastline globally significant.

Shy Albatross and Black-browed Albatross are the regular albatross pair, with Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross encountered frequently. Northern and Southern Giant Petrels are prominent, alongside White-chinned Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Broad-billed Prion, and Sub-Antarctic (Brown) Skua completing the core pelagic assemblage. Cape Gannet — one of only six breeding colony sites in the world for this Endangered species — and Cape Cormorant represent the Benguela's distinctive nearshore character. African Penguin, Leatherback Turtle, and Southern Right Whale are additional highlights encountered on some trips.

Seabird abundance peaks during the austral winter (May–July), when birds from southern hemisphere breeding colonies disperse northward to forage in the cold Benguela upwelling, but exceptional seabird densities are guaranteed year-round. The return journey includes a premium coastal lunch of fresh Namibian oysters, savoury snacks and desserts, accompanied by sparkling wine.