Skeleton Bay Surf Spot, Namibia
8G79+PV Swakopmund, Namibia
Guide updated
Quick answer
Where is Skeleton Bay?
Skeleton Bay is a left-hand point break near Swakopmund in Namibia. Best season: April to September (winter swells). Level: Advanced. GPS: -22.6856, 14.5197.
| Location | Swakopmund, Namibia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | -22.6856, 14.5197 |
| Wave type | Point break |
| Direction | Left-hand |
| Wave quality | World-class |
| Best season | April to September (winter swells) |
| Tide | All tides; best on a pushing tide |
| Consistency | Very consistent on swell |
| Skill level | Advanced |
| Crowds | Experienced crowd — respect the lineup and locals |
About This Break
Skeleton Bay, also called Donkey Bay, is a left-hand sand point on Namibia's desert coast near Walvis Bay. Long-period south-west swell wraps around a sand spit and produces one of the longest barrelling lefts in the world, which can run for more than a kilometre when it lines up.
The season is April to September, the Southern Hemisphere winter. It needs a big, long-period swell and the right sand; on those days it is extremely fast, shallow and hollow. The current pulls hard down the point, and most surfers run back up the beach after each wave.
This is for expert barrel riders only. The water is cold, fog is common, seals are everywhere and the site is remote, with limited emergency services. Access is by 4x4 along the sand.
Most visitors base themselves in Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, where there are houses, apartments and holiday homes. Buyers who come for the wave usually look at property in those two towns.
Local Knowledge
Extremely shallow sand, very fast barrels and a brutal current down the point. Cold Benguela water, fog, sharks and a large seal colony. Remote desert site with limited emergency services and 4x4-only access. For expert barrel riders.
Skeleton Bay: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Skeleton Bay surf spot?
Skeleton Bay, also called Donkey Bay, is on Namibia's Atlantic coast near Walvis Bay. It is reached by 4x4 along the sand.
When does Skeleton Bay break?
April to September brings the long-period south-west swells it needs. It only fires when the swell and the sand line up.
Is Skeleton Bay good for beginners?
No. Skeleton Bay is rated Advanced — a left-hand point break for experienced surfers only. Extremely shallow sand, very fast barrels and a brutal current down the point. Cold Benguela water, fog, sharks and a large seal colony. Remote desert site with limited emergency services and 4x4-only access. For expert barrel riders.