Senegal Surf Travel Guide
Senegal is exotic, warm, with clear water, non-stop sun and full of uncrowded beach breaks, reef breaks and great points. It also boasts incredible history, natural parks, diverse wildlife and lovely beaches lined with diverse lush vegetation that will entice any traveller. Colonialism has left Senegal with undeniable traces of the French language and culture but speaking the same language doesn’t mean the country is similar. The country has been independent for 50 years. Visiting Senegal is an adventure so adopting the extraordinary Senegalese sense of humour, one of self-mockery and mischief will get you far.
Quick Facts
Subtropical climate, being dry, warm and sunny but there’s often a cool breeze at night
Some beaches that are completely untouched. Guaranteed uncrowded waves
A truly unique African experience
Best time to surf in Senegal is from October until April
Where to surf
The Almadies peninsular in Dakar is a swell magnet and the waves can be powerful and big in the winter. In the south of the country, in Casamance, great beachbreaks can be found stretching along kilometres of beach that are completely untouched.
Best Surf Breaks
N’Gor
Five minute boat trip from the town is the right-hander off the island made famous in the original Endless Summer movie.
Pointe des Almadies
At the tip of Africa, facing full west, a series of spots that work well and frequently.
Ouakam
On the other side of Mamelles, this right doesn’t break often, but is a powerful and hollow wave that is one of Senegal’s best.
Le Virage
A series of little coves with easy to surf rights and lefts with no one around, move from one to the other as the tides move in and out
Yoff
Fun beach break where you can also watch planes coming in to land just above you.
Club Med
In front of the Club Med resort. Short but punchy lefts and rights
Vivier
Left and right peaks that break nicely. Watch out for the tonnes of urchins that wait for you to wipeout!
When to go
The best time to surf in Senegal is from October until April with N/NW swells coming from low pressure systems that form in the North Atlantic Ocean. The climate is subtropical, being dry, warm and sunny but there’s often a cool breeze at night. The air temperature varies between 24 and 28°C in the daytime, although the ocean can vary between 17 and 24°C and a wetsuit is required.
Attractions
Tourists love the history and energy of the capital Dakar. Saint-Louis, an old colonial town is also popular as is the Mouride holy centre of Touba. Gorée Island, formerly a centre of the West African slave trade and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also is a must see. The beach resorts towns like Saly on the Petite Côte south of Dakar, also are a favourite
The Country
Though it’s one of West Africa’s most stable countries, Senegal offers plenty of excitement. Overlooked but certainly not to be underestimated, Senegal is the gem of West Africa and is characterised by varied natural landscapes, a distinct colonial heritage and vibrant culture. Home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the tallest statue in Africa and the smallest National Park in the world, Senegal is brimming with endless things to see and do.
Getting There
Fly into the Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) near the capital Dakar or arrive by boat; it’s one of the largest deep-water seaports along the West African coast.
Travel Information
Time Zone
GMT
Currency
XOF
Calling code
+221
Electric
220V – Plug C, D, E and K
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