Walvis Bay (Afrikaans: Walvisbaai, meaning "Whale Bay") is a city in Namibia and the name of the bay on which it lies. The town covers a total area of 29 sq km (11 sq mi) of land. The bay is a safe haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour, being the only natural harbour of any size along the country's coast. Being rich in plankton and marine life, these waters also drew large numbers of southern right whales, attracting whalers and fishing vessels.