Lüderitz

Lüderitz

Namibia

Explore the haunting beauty of Kolmanskop's abandoned diamond mining ghost town frozen in time among desert dunes.

Currency Namibian Dollar (NAD)
Language English, Afrikaans, Oshiwambo
Time Zone SAST (UTC+2)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Mar
Typical Duration 24-72 nights
Price Range $5,730–$94,500 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

A remote gateway to Namibia's dramatic Atlantic coastline, offering access to the otherworldly Skeleton Coast and unique wildlife viewing opportunities in one of Africa's most pristine regions.

Cruises that visit Lüderitz

Build Your Day in Lüderitz

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
LÜDERITZ NEST HOTEL Nice, chilled view at the sea, super friendly staff, good food. Hotel · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Essenzeit This was the one night we had in Lüderitz as part of our Namibia road-trip. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
The Portuguese Fisherman Restaurant We order a cataplana for two and it was the best seafood i had in Namibia! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Kolmanskop Well preserved historical site about diamond mining and discovery in Namibia Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Wed
Diaz Coffee Shop and Restaurant Delicious oysters, nicce fish and good prices. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
SPAR Luderitz The best food store in Lüderitz with great affordable prices. Grocery store · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Site of Original Dias Cross Incredible view and a very nice place to walk and learn some history Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Ritzi's Seafood Restaurant Friendly staff, but with a five star chef at cheap prices. Restaurant · ★ 3.6 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Robert Harbour Its $45 and $5 for the VIP lounger which had WiFi, AC and a bar. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Cosy Corner Coffee Shop Extremely reasonable prices. Cafe · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Kratzplatz A true hidden gem in Lüderitz where you feel right at home! Hotel · ★ 4.3 · 0k
The Cormorant House Staff is very helpful in booking activities. Hotel · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Kairos Cottage Serviced accommodation · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Barrels Pub & Restaurant ... cosy and relaxed restaurant, excellent service, high quality food. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Felsenkirche Only open an hour a day from 5PM to 6PM. Church · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Wed
Alte Villa Everything from the service, the room to the food was absolutely perfect. Hotel · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Lüderitz Zum Sperrgebiet Restaurant · ★ 3.4 · 0k
Luderitz Yacht Club Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k
The Desert Deli Looking for breakfast in Lüderitz, Namibia we found the Desert Deli. Deli · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
OceanLife Luderitz Accommodation A bit in the "dark" at ground level, but cheap. Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Penguin Catamaran Tours 1 of the few must do in Luderitz Boat tour agency · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM Wed
Prospectors Inn Hotel We had a lovely dinner served by friendly staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Namibia Maritime Museum The Namibia Maritime Museum in Lüderitz is a must-visit gem! Museum · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Wed
Grosse Bucht If you do KITE SURF the place is perfect. Historical landmark · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Lüderitz Museum This is a museum dedicated to the history of Luderitz, Namibia. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 2:30 PM Wed
Diaz Point Lighthouse Great drive with tons of flamingos and moonscapes. Historical landmark · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Kolmanskop Coffee Shop Coffee and pancakes! Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Skip Skop Coffee Shop A cafe in the middle of nowhere with fair prices and nice meals and cakes Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k
O.R.TAMBO FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS The food quality is surprisingly good, and the prices are incredible. Fast Food · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Lüderitz Concrete Letters Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Nicky's Bistro Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 3.7 · 0k
Metro Lüderitz Well stocked, slightly chaotic, not enough tills open. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Shark Island Lighthouse Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Chef's Palace - SeaView Restaurant This is basically a two star restaurant with a beautiful view. Restaurant · ★ 3.7 · 0k Permanently closed
Namib Offroad Excursions / Noextours Tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Club fountain Bar · ★ 3.6 · 0k
Tsau Khaeb National Park Expansive national park with ghost towns State park · ★ 4.2 · 0k
PEP Luderitz Clothing store · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
Fox pub Good service by the bartender 🤗🤗 Bar · ★ 3.5 · 0k
Zeepaard Boat Tours Tour operator · ★ 5 · 0k
Painted Ladies of Lüderitz Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Family Store Miniatures store · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Sea Point Bar Good place to hangout for a drink Bar · ★ 3.8 · 0k
MegDylans Bottle Store Delivery Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Capricorn Lounge Very nice place, with a good atmosphere to relax and chill Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 PM Fri
MB Boutique Vintage clothing store · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Dunns Luderitz In-store shopping Clothing store · ★ 3.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Wed
Lüderitz First Lagoon Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
DIVIKZ FTLOTP STREET Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Ackermans Luderitz In-store shopping Clothing store · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Wed
Crayfish Bar & Lounge Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Studio 88 Luderitz Namibia In-store shopping Clothing store · ★ 3.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Stalikie (local business stalls) Fish restaurant · ★ 3 · 0k
Blue Palace (Fubezz) Bar/Club Bar · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Lüderitz

About Lüderitz

Lüderitz has emerged as a distinctive port of call on world cruises, particularly for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path African experiences. Seven premium cruise lines including Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS regularly include this remote Namibian port on their itineraries, with 33 upcoming cruises featuring extended voyages averaging 24 nights. Most sailings incorporate Lüderitz as part of longer African circumnavigations that also visit Cape Town, Walvis Bay, and Atlantic ports like Lisbon and Casablanca, making it ideal for cruisers with time to explore the continent's diverse coastlines.

Ashore, passengers discover a fascinating blend of German colonial architecture and stark desert landscapes that feel wonderfully isolated from mainstream tourism. The town's intriguing history and proximity to remarkable natural attractions make even a brief port day memorable for curious travelers. Peak season runs from December through May, offering the best weather for exploring this unique corner of southern Africa during your cruise vacation.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Kolmanskop's Haunting Ghost Town

Wander through the beautifully eerie abandoned diamond mining settlement of Kolmanskop, just 10km from port. This early 1900s German colonial town features sand-filled buildings, vintage furnishings, and striking architecture frozen in time. The surreal landscape offers extraordinary photography opportunities and a tangible connection to Namibia's diamond rush heritage.

2

Savor Fresh Seafood at the Harbor

Indulge in Lüderitz's exceptional seafood at waterfront restaurants overlooking the Atlantic. Fresh crayfish, fish, and oysters are local specialties, prepared simply to highlight their quality. The harbor setting provides authentic coastal ambiance while you taste the day's catch prepared by local chefs.

3

Spot Penguins at Diaz Point

Visit the African penguin colony at Diaz Point, where these charismatic birds nest on rocky outcrops just offshore. The protected breeding ground offers intimate wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning ocean vistas. This unique encounter with Namibia's marine life is unforgettable and accessible within your port time.

4

Browse Local Crafts and Curios

Discover authentic Namibian artwork, semi-precious stones, and handcrafted goods at Lüderitz's charming shops and markets. Local artisans sell everything from agate and quartz to traditional crafts reflecting the region's cultural heritage. The compact town center makes shopping convenient between your ship's departure.

5

Experience German Colonial Architecture

Stroll through Lüderitz's picturesque streets lined with well-preserved German colonial buildings dating to the late 1800s. The distinctive architecture reflects the town's fascinating history as a German settlement. Historic landmarks like the Felsenkirche church and Victorian mansions create a charming, walkable cultural experience.

Cruise Lines at Lüderitz

Cruises Departing From Lüderitz

Cruises Visiting Lüderitz

Ship Schedule at Lüderitz

Lüderitz Location

Other Cruise Ports in Namibia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lüderitz known for?

A historic Namibian port town with German colonial charm and Elizabeth Bay mining history.

What can you see in Lüderitz?

Desert meets sea with seals, penguins, and stark Namibian landscapes.

When was Lüderitz founded?

Founded in 1883 by Heinrich Vogelsang for Adolf Lüderitz.

What is Elizabeth Bay known for?

Diamond mining history and the town’s coastal heritage.