6 Day Surf Camp in Dakar, Senegal with Lagoon Visit, Market Tour, and Local Cuisine
Senegal Surfing Holiday
As rich in waves as its food is in flavor, the swell-saturated peninsula of Dakar is rife with waves and awaiting your arrival. No visit is complete without connecting with the locals, surfing an iconic wave, or getting a taste of some real soul food.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- High concentration of quality waves often within walking distance
- An array of hollow A-frames, punchy peaks, and mellower waves
- One of the largest swell windows in the world
- Southern energy below Pointe des Almadies in the off-season
- Visits to the lagoon of Simone and the sacred baobab tree
- Tour of local markets in buzzing downtown Dakar
- 5 nights accommodation just a short distance from the gorgeous Le Virage Beach
- Daily breakfast included
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
Accommodation
Facilities
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Board rental
- Free Wi-Fi
- Internet access
- Wireless internet
Where you'll sleep
Stay in hidden homes and boutique hotels matched to your needs - from lux digs with a private chef to bohemian bungalows right on the beach, your spot is guaranteed to be dialed.
BOMA Lifestyle Hotel
Just a short distance from the gorgeous Le Virage Beach, this four-star stay is set within private grounds featuring scenic views and private beach access.
Kick your feet up poolside, have a drink at the onsite bar and restaurant, or enjoy the privacy of your air-conditioned bungalow complete with a fridge, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. Guests can also enjoy 24-hour concierge, along with room service, airport transfers, and free Wi-Fi.
Program
Who’s it for
With a high concentration of quality waves often within walking distance, Dakar is a playground for surfers of all stripes. Its array of hollow A-frames, punchy peaks, and mellower waves will have everyone in your group frothing.
When to go
With one of the largest swell windows in the world, there’s no bad time to visit. Powerful North Atlantic swells arrive from October to April, while southern energy lights up everything below Pointe des Almadies in the off-season.
What makes this adventure different?
Surfing with the best local guide and staying in the perfect place is a unique and powerful combo. Go with a local to uncrowded spots and explore a new region of the world embedded in the local community.
How many surfers is this ideally for?
This adventure is designed for two to eight travelers, but larger groups can be accommodated by request. An array of great waves makes Dakar a great strike mission for solo travelers as well.
How well do you need to surf?
The myriad bays, points, and reefs of Dakar offer something for every kind of surfer. Whether you're a ripper and in search of some late-drop visions or simply hoping to stand up in Senegal, Babacar and his crew will have you covered.
Day 1:
- Arrival from DSS
- Hotel check-in with welcome drink
- Welcome dinner at Boma (not included)
Day 2: Getting feet wet
- 07:00 - 09:00 Breakfast included at hotel
- 09:00 - 11:00 Introduction to surf team at Virage Copacabana (seven-minute walk from the hotel)
- 09:00 - 11:00 101 - To advance "course of surf"
- 09:00 - 11:00 Wetsuit board and assignment
- 11:30 - 12:30 Local fresh seafood lunch
- Free movement to people but Copacabana Surf Village will still give recommendations on where to go and security advises
- 17:00 - 19:00 Sunset dinner at local Senegalese restaurant on the sea
- 20:00 Back to the hotel
Day 3: Coastal adventure
- 07:00 - 08:00 Breakfast included at hotel
- 08:00 Start time of excursion day outside of Dakar to Toubab Dialaw for surf day
- 12:00 Local lunch picnic on the beach (national dish) at Pierre de Lisse
- 14:00 Visit to the lagoon of Simone and the sacred baobab tree
- 17:00 Return to Dakar
- 20:00 Dinner at lighthouse with music experience (optional)
Day 4: Cultural immersion
- 07:00 - 09:00 Breakfast included at the hotel
- Mosquee of Divinity
- Market tour - Local markets in buzzing downtown Dakar
- Oceanfront lunch at La Lagoon Restaurant
- Museums - Oh Gallery, Ifann, Museum of African Art (not included)
- Return to hotel and free time
- 16:00 Sunset surf session at Copacabana Surf Village (option to go back to hotel to change if needed; five-minute drive)
- 20:00 Private beach dinner at Copacabana Surf Village - fresh caught Senegalese grilled Thiof with one acoholic or non-alcoholic drink, free water
Day 5: Kayar day
- 07:00 - 08:00 Breakfast included at the hotel
- 08:30 Leave for the excursion to the local fishing village of Kayar
- 10:00 - 12:00 Surf in Kayar
- 13:30 Lunch in the village of Kayar
- Beach hang Senegalese style around local herbal tea (ataya); if waves are good, go for another session
- 17:00 Leave Kayar
- 19:00 Arrive at the hotel
- Free night (recommendations for going out)
Day 6: Saying goodbye
- 07:00 - 09:00 Breakfast included at the hotel
- Souveneir market
- Departure
Instructors
Babacar Thiaw
Being the founder of Surfrider’s new Senegal chapter is just one of Babacar Thiaw’s many altruistic accolades. A born leader, he was raised on the sands of northern Dakar and has been a devotee of his local waves and community since his youth. Today, he continues expressing his passions through Teraanga – or giving back – using his seaside restaurant as a cultural hub and a way to share his first love with locals and visitors alike.
Location
Why surf Dakar?
Set upon Africa’s westernmost point, the Akimbo coastline of Dakar seems as though it was designed for collecting the swell of any angle. This, along with its tropical climate, incredibly hospitable local community, and not-yet-overhyped status, makes it well worth placing at the top of your surf travel bucket list.
Despite tricky flight paths and urchin-laden coral reefs, Senegal is a secret surfer’s paradise.
Surf N’Gor Island, not just for its nostalgia but for its power and fun sections that can run for hundreds of meters.
Food
Experience Dakar through its food, like lovingly prepared thieboudienne, still-warm Ndambe, or a meal by Babacar himself. Included are daily breakfast at the hotel, lunches, and some dinners.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Tea
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Seafood
What's included
- Surfing lessons as per itinerary
- Wetsuit board and assignment
- Excursions
- 5 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Daily lunch
- Some dinners
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Roundtrip to all activities and surf lessons
What's not included
- Airfare
- Museums (Oh Gallery, Ifann, Museum of African Art)
- Welcome dinner at Boma
- Dinner at lighthouse with music experience (optional)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Blaise Diagne International Airport
47 km
Transfer included
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookSurfCamps.com. All major credit cards supported.