Surfing Guide to Dakar, Senegal

• Summary

• When to go

• Surf Camps

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/Things to know

• Surf spots

   

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.

 

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.

 

 

Surf Camps in Senegal

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

• 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

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

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