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Home / Destinations / Henties Bay

Henties Bay

Namibia · Coast · NAD · -22.116700, 14.283300
Family friendly 4.5/10 · Rank 2372 of 2 709
Best season: November-April

Best for

Suitable for fishing lovers, desert coast, seal watching, and those seeking a secluded holiday on the Skeleton Coast

Best season

November-April

Daily budget
$150.00 (≈ 12 588 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 050.00 (≈ 88 116 ₽)
Henties Bay is a small resort town on the Atlantic coast, popular among locals and tourists seeking a quiet seaside getaway. The town is famous for its beaches, excellent fishing, and serves as a starting point for exploring the infamous Skeleton Coast. Henties Bay is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the silence and beauty of the ocean coast.
Summer
32.0°C
Winter
10.0°C
Sea
18.8°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with fisherman and sailor traditions

Pros and cons

Pros

  • One of the largest seal colonies at Cape Cross
  • Excellent fishing
  • Scenic Skeleton Coast beaches
  • Affordable prices
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 90 days
  • Relaxed atmosphere without mass tourism

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • Ocean swimming is dangerous
  • Frequent fog
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few hotels and restaurants
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
21.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
23.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
14.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
22.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
10.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
17.7°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
18.8°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
September-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Henties Bay Main Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
No
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
No
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
high
Note

Ocean swimming in Henties Bay is extremely dangerous due to strong currents, cold water, and fog. Beach suitable for walks and fishing, not swimming

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are found on rocky bottoms in Henties Bay waters. Protective footwear is recommended when swimming.

Corals and reefs — details

  • No coral reefs in the cold waters of the Benguela Current off Henties Bay. Only cold-water corals are found at depth, which do not pose a danger to swimmers.

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish are found in Henties Bay waters, but they are usually not seriously dangerous. Avoid contact is recommended.

Sharks — details

  • Copper sharks (Carcharhinus brachyurus), which are a target for sport fishing, inhabit Henties Bay waters. Attacks on humans are extremely rare. Caution is advised when swimming.
Attractions

Cape Cross Seal Reserve

One of the world's largest Cape fur seal colonies, up to 210,000 in season, 60 km north

Zeila Shipwreck

Scenic remains of a shipwreck on the Skeleton Coast

Henties Bay Beach

Huge drive-on sandy beach, popular for fishing and walks

Henties Bay Jetty

Wooden jetty, popular for fishing and sunset watching

Lichen Fields

Unique lichen fields 30 km south of town, one of the oldest living things on Earth

Henties Bay Golf Club

9-hole golf course stretching 2.7 km with ocean views

Best areas

Henties Bay Centre

Main area with hotels, restaurants, and shops

North Dune

Residential area with hotels and restaurants, popular for families

South Dune

Coastal area with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Grilled Fresh Fish

Fresh Atlantic fish grilled, town specialty

Seafood Platter

Assortment of fresh seafood: oysters, shrimp, crab, shellfish

Biltong

Dried meat, traditional Namibian snack

Potjiekos

Traditional Namibian meat and vegetable stew in a pot

Oryx Meat

Local oryx dishes, popular in the region

Where to go next

Cape Cross Seal Reserve

Seal colony, 60 km north

Zeila Shipwreck

Scenic shipwreck remains, 30 minutes away

Swakopmund

Coastal city with beaches and German architecture, 1 hour away

Walvis Bay

Port city with flamingo lagoon, 1.5 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$117.00
≈ 9 819 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$96.00
≈ 8 056 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Henties Bay: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Henties Bay: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.0°C, during the day — up to +23.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Henties Bay: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +10.0°C, during the day — up to +22.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Henties Bay: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +18.8°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Henties Bay: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on September-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Henties Bay: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Henties Bay Main Beach. The beaches have cafes and bars.
Henties Bay: is it safe to swim in the sea?
The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas.
Henties Bay: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $150.00 (≈ 12 588 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Henties Bay: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $117.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $96.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $180.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Henties Bay: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Henties Bay: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $50.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Henties Bay: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Cape Cross Seal Reserve — One of the world's largest Cape fur seal colonies, up to 210,000 in season, 60 km north; Zeila Shipwreck — Scenic remains of a shipwreck on the Skeleton Coast; Henties Bay Beach — Huge drive-on sandy beach, popular for fishing and walks; Henties Bay Jetty — Wooden jetty, popular for fishing and sunset watching; Lichen Fields — Unique lichen fields 30 km south of town, one of the oldest living things on Earth. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Henties Bay: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Grilled Fresh Fish — Fresh Atlantic fish grilled, town specialty; Seafood Platter — Assortment of fresh seafood: oysters, shrimp, crab, shellfish; Biltong — Dried meat, traditional Namibian snack; Potjiekos — Traditional Namibian meat and vegetable stew in a pot; Oryx Meat — Local oryx dishes, popular in the region. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Henties Bay: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Henties Bay Centre — Main area with hotels, restaurants, and shops; North Dune — Residential area with hotels and restaurants, popular for families; South Dune — Coastal area with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Henties Bay: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Henties Bay: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Hosea Kutako International Airport (code WDH). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $50.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Henties Bay: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — NAD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $150.00 (≈ 12 588 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Henties Bay: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Henties Bay: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Henties Bay: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Cape Cross Seal Reserve — Seal colony, 60 km north; Zeila Shipwreck — Scenic shipwreck remains, 30 minutes away; Swakopmund — Coastal city with beaches and German architecture, 1 hour away; Walvis Bay — Port city with flamingo lagoon, 1.5 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

4.5/10
Overall rank: 2372 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1352