Namibia

Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast is a beach situated in Namibia, renowned for its remote and challenging location. To access the beach, visitors must trek through a 12 km desert. The coast has a history of shipwrecks and castaways due to the treacherous reefs and fog. While many wrecks can be found along the coast, they are best observed from an aerial perspective.

Overnight camping is not permitted in the reserve. The southern area of the Skeleton Coast is home to a fishing town that offers professional fishing experiences.

Embark on an adventure to the Skeleton Coast and find places to stay near the historic shipwrecks and dramatic desert landscapes.

Namibia has a desert climate with hot temperatures during the summer and cooler, humid temperatures in the winter, making it a destination that can be visited year-round. The optimal time for a beach holiday is from November to April, but the Atlantic Ocean off the Namibian coast is not particularly warm.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the stunning scenery and breathtaking views of the beach. Visitors enjoy the red dunes and contrasting waves, as well as the friendly and helpful staff. However, visitors complain about dangerous roads and the lack of shipwrecks at the park.

Where to Stay near Skeleton Coast?

Visitors to the Skeleton Coast often stay in the nearby fishing village of Henties Bay, which offers accommodations and serves as a base for exploring the coast. Many travelers also opt for lodges or camps near the southern entrance of the Skeleton Coast Park, as they provide guided tours to the remote and rugged coastline.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Skeleton Coast?

Latitude: -19.9873292 / Longitude: 13.2605112

Skeleton Coast is located in Namibia. The following map of Skeleton Coast shows the exact location.

Skeleton Coast: Weather Today

📅 Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Today is a challenging day for a beach visit, and it is certainly not suitable for swimming or relaxing by the water. With the maximum air temperature reaching 19.2 °C and the sea temperature sitting at a very cold 16.0 °C, the conditions are far too chilly for any water activities. You will encounter strong winds and rough, high waves that make the shoreline unsafe and unpleasant. While the sun will break through the clouds at times, the UV Index is high at 7.6, so ensure you have proper sun protection if you are near the coast. Given the combination of the biting wind and the turbulent sea, it is best to skip the beach today and seek shelter elsewhere.
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Air

Low / High12.4°C/19.2°C
Feels Like (High)17.7°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature16.0 °C
Wave Height2.8 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:20/18:50
Sunshine Hours10.3 hrs
UV Index7.6
Cloud Cover54%
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Wind

Speed24.5 km/h
Gusts37.4 km/h
DirectionS