The coast north and south of Namibe has some of Angola's most spectacular beaches — long stretches of pale sand backed by desert dunes or rocky headlands, with the cold Atlantic breaking across them. Most are entirely undeveloped and all but empty. The sea is clear and cool rather than warm, cooled by the Benguela Current.
The beaches immediately south of town — Praia do Namibe and Praia de Cabo Negro — are easily reached by car or taxi and are popular with local families at weekends. For wilder beach, drive north towards Tombwa or south towards Lucira: the coastal track passes spectacular scenery, with dunes meeting the sea and the desert meeting the water in configurations that look almost Namibian. A four-wheel drive and local knowledge are needed for the more remote stretches.