Much of the area now falls within the Skeleton Coast National Park and adventurous visitors are drawn to this uniquely remote and unspoiled region. However, the dangers that sailors of yore faced are still very much a reality.

The coastline’s shallow sandbars, fog, and treacherous currents mean that swimming and sailing should be avoided at all costs. The local wildlife also pose a threat, with hyenas and lions often patrolling the beaches. In May 2025, a German tourist on safari within the Skeleton Coast National Park was tragically mauled to death by a lioness.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now discover the world's safest and most dangerous countries

Revealed: the world's most dangerous beaches