AfricaSurfing Destinations

Surfing Guide to Dakar, Senegal

Surf Dakar Senegal

Summary

With consistent swells, no crowds and endless sunny days, the surf in Senegal is definitely a hidden gem for surfers who are looking for an “off the beaten path” destination.

 

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

 

First put on the map by “The Endless Summer” in 1966, Dakar still isn’t a very popular surfing destination due to its political instability and recent epidemics.

 

However, it does greatly reward anyone who makes the trip down here with empty line-ups and amazing surf spots. Furthermore, beginners and advanced surfers will find opportunities to push their limits whether it is at N’gor right or at the powerful and tricky spot of Ouakam.

 

Dakar surf Senegal

When to go

The best time to surf Dakar, Senegal depends on what kind of conditions you are looking for. May to November is more suitable for beginners with warmer temperatures and gentle waves while
from December to April, Senegal receives some bigger North Atlantic swells making the conditions a bit more challenging.

January-FebruaryMarch-AprilMay-JuneJuly-AugustSeptember-OctoberNovember-December
Suitable for:All surfersAll surfersAll surfersAll surfersAll surfersAll surfers
Air temperature22°C
72°F		22°C
72°F		25°C
77°F		28°C
82°F		28°C
82°F		25°C
77°F
Water temperature21°C
70°F		21°C
70°F		23°C
73°F		27°C
81°F		27°C
81°F		25°C
77°F
CrowdEmptyEmptyEmptyEmptyEmptyEmpty
Swell Consistency85%80%65%70%70%85%
Swell height5 ft6 ft5 ft5 ft5 ft5 ft

 

 

Surf Camps in Senegal

Find a surf camp in Dakar, starting at US$406

Surf Ngor Island Dakar

7-day All Levels Surf Camp on N’Gor Island, Dakar
US$406, includes:

  • 6 days of surf lessons
  • Daily local surf guide to the best spots
  • Half board (breakfast, dinner, and drinking water)
  • Transfer by van to the south spots and for surf trips
  • Transfer by boat to the spots around NGor island
  • Airport transfer by car and boat (return)
  • 6 nights accommodation in the dorm

 

 

Where to stay in Dakar

 

 

 

Getting there

The best way into Senegal is it to fly straight into Dakar.  Most of the surfing in Senegal is around the Dakar area.

You might also be interested in : Our full surfing guide to Namibia

Safety/things to know

-West Africa remains fairly unstable politically
-Malaria
-Criminality
-Urchins

Surf spots in Dakar

N’gor rights

Ngor surf senegal

The famous surf spot featured in Endless Summer which is also the most consistent reef break around Dakar. A punchy right-hander working at any stages of the tide. Unless, waves are small, this spot is not suitable for beginners.

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : S

 

 

Ouakam

Another pretty heavy reef break that produces hollow lefts and rights. Doesn’t work as consistently as N’gor, but when it does, it is epic.

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : NE

 

 

Vivier

On the south side of the peninsula, next to Secret, Vivier is also a nice reef and beach break producing lefts and rights. Watch out for urchins. 

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef and sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : NE

 

 

Club Med

Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : N

 

 

Secret

Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : High
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SW
Optimal wind direction : N

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