* AM Dolphin & Seal Cruise

• Heaviside dolphins, Dusky and Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins

• Cape fur seals colony
  

• Sightings of Mola Mola (Sunfish), Leatherback Turtles and Whales (all season bound)

• Damara terns, pelicans and flamingos

* Special day Cruises

• Valentine Cruises
• Fathers Day Cruise
• Mothers Day Cruise
• Easter Cruises
• Christmas Cruises

* Private Charters
for groups of minimum 18 people the following can be offered:

• Private Birthday Cruises
• Team Building Charters
• Corporate Charters
• Weddings
• Themed Charters – Pirate / Hawaii / Disney / etc.

* Marine Desert Adventure

• AM Dolphin & Seal Cruise combined with a Sandwich Harbour excursion
  

• Sandwich Harbour
• Ramsar wetland of particular interest to birdwatchers
• Contrast between the Namib Desert and Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean of the Namibian coast line supports a great diversity and concentration of marine life. The Walvis Bay Lagoon is a Ramsar site and a wetland of international importance attracting Palaearctic and intra-African migratory species. Participants on the boat cruise may see a variety of marine and bird life.

* Marine Life

• Heaviside dolphins, Dusky and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
• Cape fur seals at Pelican Point
• Mola Mola (Sunfish) and Leatherback Turtles are seen when the water temperatures rise above 14ºC.  Their peak-season is from December to February
• Humpback and Southern Right whales, maybe sighted between end of June and beginning of November.

* Bird Life

• Pelicans, cormorants and variety of gulls often accompany the catamarans.
  
• Damara terns, White Chinned Petrel, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Cape Gannet, Black Oystercatcher, and on rare occations even the African (Jackass) Penguin may be seen.

Sandwich Harbour lies between the sand sea of the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean. The lagoon is separated from the sea by a bar of sand. The northern end of the lagoon is edged by a bed of reeds and watered by a freshwater aquifer from beneath the dunes. This fresh water is what attracts the numerous bird species and other mammals and makes Sandwich Harbour a globally important wetland and interesting ecosystem.

* Bird Life
Sandwich Harbour is known to support at times up to 230 000 individual birds, but regularly supports over 50,000 birds in summer and over 20,000 birds in winter. Between 42 and 51 species of wetland bird are found.

• Cape Cormorant, Common Terns, Bar-tailed Godwits and Little Stint are very common in high numbers
  

• African Black Oystercatcher, Caspian Tern, Damara terns and Chesnut Banded Plover are some of the rare bird species frequently seen at Sandwich Harbour

* Mammals
A small amount of wildlife may be seen around the lagoon. This includes Black-backed jackal and on rare occations Brown hyena.

Catamarans
All catamarans are surveyed annually and issued a safety certificate and have a first aid kit on board. The Catamarans are also equipped with inflatable life-rafts and Life-jackets.

Skippers
Skippers are qualified and have completed:
* Boat and Crew Management,
* Safety at Sea,
* Harbour Rules and Regulations,
* Boat Handling under Sail and Engine,
* Coastal Navigation, Tides and Weather
* Central Coast course offered by NATH,
* Radio Certificate
* First Aid Certificate

Vehicles
* All vehicles used for the Sandwich Harbour trip have a Public Road Carrier permit, and are checked for road safety every 6 months.
* Vehicles have recovery kits and first aid kits on board.
* A two-way radio system is in place, between vehicles as well as the vehicles and the Walvis Bay office.

Guides
The guides for the Sandwich Harbour trip have Public Driving Permits.

Sea-sickness is a rarity as the catamarans are very stable, and as activities take place in the protected bay area.

Catamaran Charters is presently operating the two biggest sailing catamarans along the Namibian Coast.
A third catamaran is expected to arrive latest at the end of Ocotber 2010.

Silverwind
A 45' (14 meter) Royal Cape Catamaran
4 toilets
6 Cabins
Saloon Area
Bimony Covered and Wind protected Deck Area
Deck-seating
2 Trampolines

Silversand
A 60′ (16 meter) Simonis Catamaran
3 toilets
3 Saloons
Shade and Wind protected Area
Deck-seating and Upper Deck-seating
Captain Bridge
2 Trampolines

Wheelchairs can be accommodated, however this is weather depending. Should the ocean be to ‘unstable’ Catamaran Charters will contact the client in the morning, to discuss options.

For the Marine Desert Adventure trip Catamaran Charters operates several 4x4 vehicles.

No of vehicles	Type of vehicle	Passangers  per vehicle
1	Landrover Discovery V8	4
1	Landrover Discovery TDV6	6
1	Toyota Hilux	3

Catamaran Charters

Tel: +264 - (0)64 - 200 798
Fax: +264 - (0)64 - 200 598
Mobile: +264 (0)811 295 393
E-mail info@namibiancharters.com

Website www.namibiancharters.com

Catamaran Charters Departure Point
Walvis Bay Waterfront
Located behind the Walvis Bay Yacht Club

Check-in time is 30 minutes before departure

Catamaran Charters Office
12th Road 13A Walvis Bay

All skippers are tri-lingual and speak:
* English
* German
* Afrikaans

Catamaran Charters accepts the following credit cards
* Visa
* Master Card
* Diners Club

Social Responsibility
Catamaran Charters assists in fund raising events for coastal schools, coastal kindergartens, Cancer Associations, Rotary Club, Round Table, Lions Club, Live to Ride, coastal churches, the Walvis Bay Old Age Home and various children homes.

Environmental Responsibility
Catamaran Charters supports the Dolphin Research Project and NACOMA by staff on cruises for monitoring and research purposes. Catamaran Charters is also members of the Marine Tour Association, which aids in the protection of the Namibian Marine Life and Coastal Environment and is actively involved in promoting awareness for the need of active of environmental protection.

Directions to the Catamaran Charters departure point
From the Diaz Circle at the entrance to Walvis Bay.
* Follow Union Road to 5th Road
* Turn right onto 5th Road and drive to Atlantic Street
* Turn into Atlantic Street and follow it to the entrance to the Yacht Club
* Enter the Yacht Club and drive past the Club House to the Parking Area

* All cruise departs from the Walvis Bay Waterfront
* Check-in time is always 30 minutes before departure.
* Please ensure clients’ are informed accordingly.
* Unless it is a private charter, the departure time cannot be changed

Excursion Name	Departure & Return
Dolphin & Seal Cruise	08h45 – 12h30 approx.
Marine Desert Adventure	08h45 – 16h30 approx.

Catamaran Charters offers transfers from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay and return, at an extra charge. Please advice if a transfer is required at time of booking.

During the morning Dolphin and Seal Cruise on the 45’ Royal Cape Catamaran Silverwind or the 60’ Simonis Catamaran Silversand travellers meet pelicans and feed seals, and luck permittting, see leaping dolphins and shy turtles.

After departing from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club sail into the beautiful bay area, which holds more splendour than can at first be seen - a shipwreck, lighthouse, oyster platforms, different bird species, seals and an abundance of marine life are just some of the attractions.

In the Bay Area, the catamarans move along side the Oyster Platforms. Here the guide will share more information about the Walvis Bay cultivated Oysters. Included in the tour is the tasting of these delicacies.

The journey proceeds to the ever-growing Pelican Point for a closer look at the lighthouse. The old supply railway spoors can still be seen from the years when the lighthouse was occupied by the coast guards. Pelican Point also has its own little jetty, but this facility is only used for our corporate and team building charters.

Moving around the point, three different types of dolphins may be encountered, the endemic Heavyside Dolphins, the Dusky Dolphins and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.

In season, the Southern Right Whale and the Humpback Whale may be spotted and with a bit of extra special luck, the mighty Killer Whales (Orcas) might make an appearance.

Possible sightings of the Mola Mola (Sunfish) and the Leatherback Turtles also keep our guests on the lookout. All this can be experienced while comfortably relaxing in the saloon, on the trampolines or on deck, whilst enjoying a glass of Sparkling Wine and our delicious snack.

Note:
* Catamaran Charters also caters for Vegetarians or people with a wheat allergy. Please advise at time of booking.
* We like to know of any special occasions to surprise our guests with birthday wishes, anniversaries, honeymoon etc. Please advise at time of booking.

Time duration:  08h30 (check in) – 12h30

Either book a private charter, or join our open charters by joining other guests on special days like:

* Valentine Cruise
* Fathers Day Cruise
* Mothers Day Cruise
* Easter Cruise
* Christmas Cruise

Note: No Cruises are offered on:
* Afternoon of 24th December
* All day 25th December
* Afternoon of 31st December
* All day 1st January

Catamaran Charters offers corporate or private function, be it for:
* Private Birthday Cruises
* Team Building Charters
* Corporate Charters
* Weddings or
* Themed Charters – e.g. Pirate / Hawaii / Disney

Charters are fully catered, with an option of having a stop over at Pelican Point. Plenty of on deck seating, a spacious saloon with table, cabins and toilets, there is plenty of space and comfort. Sailing in the calm waters of Walvis Bay, surrounded by spectacular views, marine- and bird life, guests will be able to relax or work in comfort.

On request catered tent with a choosen menu can be set up at the point.

Please contact the offices for further information, ideas and quotes.

The day starts with the exciting Dolphin and Seal Cruise in the calm waters of the bay. After disembarking the catamaran continue in 4x4 vehicles over the dunes of the Namib Desert to the Sandwich Harbour area. The scenic route to Sandwich Harbour is an ideal oppertunity to take photos of the Namib Dune Belt and the Atlantic Ocean.

The experienced guide will show you some of the unique characteristics of the Namib Desert and share the rich history of Sandwich Harbour. Animals such as springbok and black-back jackal may be spotted. For keen bird watchers Sandwich Harbour (a Ramsar site) is a great oppertunity to view both wetland and desert based bird species.

Enjoy the taste of locally cultivated oysters, complemented by sparkling wine and snack platters.

Note:
* Catamaran Charters also caters for Vegetarians or people with wheat allergy. Please advise at time of booking.
* We like to know of any special occasions to surprise our guests with birthday wishes, anniversaries, honeymoon etc. Please advise at time of booking.

Time duration:  08h30 (check in) – 16:30

Rack Rates 01.01.2010 to 31.12.2010
Dolphin and Seal Cruise	N$ 430
Marine Desert Adventure	N$ 1,340
Swakop - Walvis - Swakop transfer	N$ 150

* All above rack rates are per person.
* For children discounts, please see Children Policy
* The transfer rate is valid for one way and return with a minimum of 1 person
* Rates include VAT (Value Added Tax at 15%)
* Rates are subject to change unless bookings are confirmed in writing.
* Private charter rates available on request

* All clients / guides are to report to the Catamaran Charters departure point at the Walvis Bay Waterfront 30 minutes before departure.
* A Shore Skipper welcomes guests and organizes the loading and departure of the catamarans.

Booking Policy
* Bookings must be made by email or fax. Telephonic bookings must be followed up in writing.
* Confirmation / response is provided within 24 hours.
* No response does not mean that the booking is confirmed.
* All bookings will be reconfirmed telephonically a few days before the date. In doing this client contact details will be requested.
* Schedule tours require advance block bookings.
* Optional extra excursions require advance bookings.
* Please advice of special dietary requirements or special occasions at time of booking.

Note: Please ensure that the clients’ vouchers clearly states Catamaran Charters with contact details and the time and location of departure.

Cancellation Policy
5 - 2 days before departure:  50%
1 day before or on intended day of charter:  100%
 
Cancellation fees apply per person.
 
Should a cancellation be made, please contact the Catamaran Charters office immediately. 

Bookings made by guides directly
If a guide has the approval from his/her company to book the activity directly, he/she may contact us for any reservations to be made.

Guides on boats
* Guides are allowed to join the cruise for free - if space is available.
* 1 tour guides per group only, unless pre-arranged with the office.
* A tour guide seat can only be confirmed once all clients have checked -in and space is available.
* If a guide is needed for translation purposes, excluding English, German and Afrikaans, this needs to be adviced at time of booking.

* Children of all ages are welcomed aboard.
* Children are requested to wear a life-jacket, which Catamaran Charters supplies on board. 
* Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be under adult supervision at all times.

For the Dolphin and Seal Cruise and the Marine Desert Adventure Catamaran Charters offers various discounts for children between the ages of 1 to 12 years. For further details contact the offices of Catamaran Charters.

Glide silently through the calm waters of the Walvis Bay lagoon, watching playful heaviside dolphins and Cape fur seals,  and the rich birdlife, on the spacious catamarans of Catamaran Charters. 

Glide silently through the calm waters of the Walvis Bay lagoon, watching playful heaviside dolphins and Cape fur seals,  and the rich birdlife, on the spacious catamarans of Catamaran Charters.

Departing in the morning, Catamaran Charters sets a relaxed pace, slowly cruising past the friendly pelicans and other harbour birds, out to Pelican Point where there is ample opportunity to watch dolphins and seals jumping alongside the boat as sparkling wine and oysters are served.

Glide silently through the calm waters of the Walvis Bay lagoon, watching playful heaviside dolphins and Cape fur seals,  and the rich birdlife, on the spacious catamarans of Catamaran Charters.

Departing in the morning, Catamaran Charters sets a relaxed pace, slowly cruising past the friendly pelicans and other harbour birds, out to Pelican Point where there is ample opportunity to watch dolphins and seals jumping alongside the boat as sparkling wine and oysters are served.

Catamaran Charters offers an excellent opportunity to see the marine life along Namibia's coastal desert. Although the pace is determined by the wind, the catamarans have motors in case the wind dies down. The catamarans are large and roomy enough for travellers to move from side to side to follow the progress of the many inhabitants of Walvis Bay lagoon.

After a morning on the Desert and Dolphin Cruise, travellers on the Catamaran Charters Marine Desert Adventure disembark and continue their journey in 4X4 vehicles over the dunes of the Namib Desert  to Sandwich Harbour, a secluded lagoon on the edge of the Atlantic ocean. Here there is the opportunity to see amazing birdlife in a globally important wetland, and explore the fascinating history of dreamers and adventurers who sought  fortunes in this beautiful place.

After a morning on the Desert and Dolphin Cruise, travellers on the Catamaran Charters Marine Desert Adventure disembark and continue their journey in 4X4 vehicles over the dunes of the Namib Desert  to Sandwich Harbour, a secluded lagoon on the edge of the Atlantic ocean. Here there is the opportunity to see amazing birdlife in a globally important wetland, and explore the fascinating history of dreamers and adventurers who sought  fortunes in this beautiful place.

Perfect for birders, Sandwich Harbour offers a good chance to see rare and endangered endemics and migratory waders. There are also good numbers of inland waders such as the greater and lesser flamingos. The history of Sandwich Harbour is equally interesting. Once a stopover for whalers, it became the site of an attempt to harvest guano, which was foiled by the sand, sea, and tides which allowed jackals to hunt and chase away the birds.