Surfing Guide to Dakar, Senegal

Summary

If you’re searching for uncrowded waves, consistent swells, and year-round sunshine, surfing in Senegal might just be your next dream trip. Nestled at the westernmost point of Africa, Dakar offers a unique surf experience that combines powerful Atlantic swells with vibrant local culture.

Senegal was first introduced to the global surf community through the iconic film The Endless Summer in 1966. Despite this, it remains off the beaten path for most surfers due to the region’s occasional political instability and limited surf tourism infrastructure. This means fewer crowds, pristine waves, and the chance to score world-class surf almost to yourself.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for mellow breaks or an advanced surfer chasing hollow reef setups, Dakar’s coastline delivers.

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 spots in Dakar

N’gor rights

Surf Ngor Island Dakar

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

Surf Dakar Senegal

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

This reliable wave breaks best at mid to high tide, providing smooth rights perfect for carving and occasional hollow sections. Accessible and less crowded than the more famous spots.

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

Secret

Secret is a less frequented reef spot that holds size and offers fast, powerful rights and lefts. Suitable only for advanced surfers, especially when the swell builds.

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