The Walvis Bay Lagoon is a shallow, sheltered estuary tucked behind a long sand spit on the southern edge of the town. Around 45 square kilometres of mudflats, shallow water, and salt marsh, it is a Ramsar-listed wetland and one of the most important bird habitats in southern Africa. Up to 200,000 birds use the lagoon at peak season, with both greater and lesser flamingos in flocks running into the tens of thousands; the pink wash of birds against the silver water is unforgettable.
The waterfront promenade along Atlantic Street is the best place for a casual viewing — birds within twenty metres, no entry fee, accessible at any time. Wear warm layers; the cold Benguela wind sweeps in off the Atlantic even in summer. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light for photography. Several local operators run bird-watching tours that take you closer to the breeding areas on the lagoon's southern edge.