National Marine Aquarium of Namibia | Swakopmund

The National Marine Aquarium of Namibia is the country's only aquarium, located on the southern beachfront of Swakopmund. Managed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, it serves as an educational window into the cold Benguela Current ecosystem.

Visual Characteristics

The facility is a compact, waterfront structure featuring a signature 320,000-liter main tank. Its most prominent visual feature is the walk-through underwater tunnel, allowing visitors to see large marine species from below. The interior is lined with educational posters and smaller tanks designed to mimic the rocky and sandy shorelines of the Namibian coast.

Location & Access Logistics

The aquarium is situated at 1 Strand Street, approximately 0.2km south of the Swakopmund Jetty and near the "The Tug" restaurant. Access is via Strand Street, with parking available in the nearby municipal lots. Note: While historically open Tuesday–Sunday (10:00–16:00), the facility closed in late 2023 for extensive structural repairs due to seawater corrosion; verify current operational status before visiting.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The aquarium was inaugurated in 1995 to educate the public on the complexity of the Benguela Current. It draws seawater directly from the Atlantic via the nearby old jetty, which then passes through a series of filtration systems. The exhibits focus on the ecological sensitivity of Namibia’s marine resources and the diversity of species found in the South Atlantic.

Key Highlights & Activities

Underwater Tunnel: The centerpiece provides close-up views of Ragged-tooth sharks, rays, and green turtles.

Feeding Sessions: Historically held daily at 15:00. Divers typically enter the main tank to feed the fish on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Species Diversity: Exhibits include local species such as Galjoen (Namibia's national fish), West Coast Steenbras, African penguins, and various invertebrates like octopuses and hermit crabs.

Touch Pool: A shallow tank where visitors can interact with smaller marine organisms like starfish and sea cucumbers.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a main hall, several smaller specialized tanks, and a gallery of scientific information posters. Public restrooms are available on-site. The aquarium is located within a highly developed tourist zone, with numerous cafes and high-speed 5G cellular coverage in the immediate vicinity.

Best Time to Visit

The 15:00 feeding time is the peak period for activity. Because the aquarium is entirely indoors, it is a preferred destination during the heavy coastal fog or windy afternoons common in Swakopmund.

Facts & Legends

A technical fact: The main tank is 12 meters long and 8 meters wide, holding roughly 320,000 liters of filtered seawater. A local tip: The aquarium is often overlooked in favor of outdoor desert tours, but it remains one of the most cost-effective educational experiences in town, particularly for families.

Nearby Landmarks

Swakopmund Jetty – 0.2km North

Swakopmund Museum – 0.7km North

The Mole – 0.8km North

State House (Swakopmund) – 0.5km Northeast

Henties Bay – 75.0km North