Ngor Surf Breaks
Tranquil island paradise offering consistent surf breaks, stunning beaches, and warm West African hospitality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best swells, fewer crowds
Ngor Surf Breaks
Best Time
Best swells, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil island paradise offering consistent surf breaks, stunning beaches, and warm West African hospitality.
"Best surf guiding & vibe in Dakar! This place is a gem."
🎯 Book Surf Lessons Early
Quicksilver surf school has top coaches. Book in advance for the best experience!
🚤 Short Boat Ride to Paradise
A quick 5-minute pirogue ride gets you to Ngor Island's serene beaches.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ngor Left & Right
Ngor Island
Iconic surf breaks offering consistent waves, often with few crowds, especially in the morning.
Ngor Island Beaches
Ngor Island
Pristine shores perfect for relaxation after a surf session or a peaceful day trip.
Local Surf Culture
Dakar coastline
Experience the vibrant, uncrowded surf scene with talented local surfers and a laid-back lifestyle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Surf Guiding & Skill Levels
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Surf Lessons Early
Quicksilver surf school has top coaches. Book in advance for the best experience!
🚤 Short Boat Ride to Paradise
A quick 5-minute pirogue ride gets you to Ngor Island's serene beaches.
🌊 Chase the Best Waves
Local guides know the spots! They'll take you to the best breaks around Dakar.
☀️ Morning Surf Sessions
Hit the waves before 9:30-10 AM for the emptiest lineups and best conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Surf Lessons Early
Quicksilver surf school has top coaches. Book in advance for the best experience!
🚤 Short Boat Ride to Paradise
A quick 5-minute pirogue ride gets you to Ngor Island's serene beaches.
🌊 Chase the Best Waves
Local guides know the spots! They'll take you to the best breaks around Dakar.
☀️ Morning Surf Sessions
Hit the waves before 9:30-10 AM for the emptiest lineups and best conditions.
🍜 Savor Local Flavors
Enjoy amazing local meals at surf camps and island restaurants.
🌬️ Wind Awareness
Keep an eye on the wind; it can significantly impact surf conditions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ngor's exceptional surf guiding, consistent waves, and the incredibly friendly and competent staff who create a welcoming, home-like atmosphere. The delicious local food and the serene island vibe are also major highlights, making it a gem for an uncrowded West African surf experience.
"This camp is a textbook example of a great surf experience. The facilities are good and nicely decorated. The staff is friendly and very competent. There is a break right in front of the camp, but the crew will also take you around Dakar to chase the best waves of the day. They have a wide selection of good surfboards. The food is amazing. The best local meals I had during my entire trip in Senegal were served at the camp. There is also a pool. The WiFi is good enough for casual use, including streaming on YouTube. There is no AC in the rooms, but they provide a large standing fan and a smaller one."
Przemysław Knitter
"I had an amazing time surfing here. My first African adventure, and it couldn’t have been better! The staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and made me feel at home from day one.
They took us to some fantastic surf spots, perfectly matched to our level and the conditions each day. Their local knowledge really made the difference.
Beyond the surfing, I loved experiencing the local culture, food, and warm hospitality. It was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and connection.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and welcoming surf experience in West Africa!"
Bobby Breedy
"Best surf guiding & vibe in Dakar!
The surf camp is very well taken care of- you can feel the love and attention to detail. The food is amazing, cooked by local chefs, and the team is super professional: from drivers and boat captains to surf coaches, photographers, cooks, managers and cleaning staff.
The location is ideal for relaxing: the hostel has a cozy pool area and chill-out spots for downtime during the day. The island itself is quiet, with only a few day tourists, yet it's still easily accessible. Plus, there are several great places nearby to grab lunch or dinner.
And the surf? Incredible. With direct access to Ngor Left and Ngor Right - two of Senegal’s best surf spots - you’ll often have the waves to yourself, especially if you head out before 9:30–10 a.m. Ngor Right is especially consistent, working year-round, though winter brings the biggest swells. Just keep an eye on the wind, as it can affect conditions. And if the spots on the island are not working, or if there is better swell on the south cost of Dakar, then you have the team to take you there.
In short: if you're looking to slow down and surf in an uncrowded, beautiful location, this place is a gem. Highly recommend!"
Viktor Moj
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Ngor Island, you'll take a short pirogue (traditional boat) ride from the mainland, typically from the Ngor Almadies area. The journey is quick, usually around 5 minutes. Taxis are readily available in Dakar to take you to the departure point.
Getting around Dakar can be challenging, especially if you're on a budget or short on time. Taxis are common, but negotiating fares is essential. Some travelers found it easier to rely on surf camp transportation for exploring different surf spots.
From Dakar's city center, you can take a taxi to the Ngor Almadies area, where pirogues depart for the island. The distance is about 10 km north of the center.
Look for signs or ask locals for the pirogue departure point for Ngor Island in the Ngor Almadies area. Some TikToks mention Graine d'Or as a nearby landmark.
While renting a car is an option, some travelers found it not the easiest or cheapest way to get around Dakar, especially if time is limited. Relying on local transport or surf camp arrangements might be more practical.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There isn't a formal 'ticket' to enter Ngor Island itself, but you will pay a small fee for the pirogue (boat) ride to get there. This fee is typically paid round trip.
While the island is generally accessible, some establishments like hotels or restaurants (e.g., Keur Yadikone, Maison d'Italie) might have their own entry or service charges if you plan to use their facilities.
Pirogues generally operate throughout the day, from morning until evening, to facilitate access to and from the island. It's advisable to confirm the last departure time if you plan to stay late.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book surf lessons and guiding in advance, especially with reputable schools like Quicksilver, to secure your spot and preferred coaches.
Many surf camps and hostels on or near Ngor Island offer package deals that include accommodation, meals, and surf guiding or lessons, providing a convenient and often cost-effective option.
🎫 🏄 Surfing & Activities
Ngor is famous for Ngor Left and Ngor Right, two of Senegal's premier surf spots. Ngor Right is known for its year-round consistency, especially during winter for bigger swells.
While Ngor Right can be consistent, it's often recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers. However, there are breaks suitable for advanced beginners, and local surf schools can guide you to the right spots.
Yes, surf camps and schools in the Ngor area typically have a wide selection of good surfboards available for rent.
Beyond surfing, you can enjoy relaxing on the island's beaches, swimming in the ocean, and experiencing the local culture. Some accommodations offer pools for downtime.
Quicksilver surf school is highly recommended, with specific coaches like Rene, Fil2, Madjib, and Assane noted for their excellence.
🎫 🏨 Accommodation & Amenities
You can find laid-back surf hostels, guesthouses, and even some hotels on Ngor Island and the nearby mainland. Many offer ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Some accommodations, particularly surf hostels, may not have AC in the rooms. They often provide fans to help with cooling.
Yes, Wi-Fi is generally available at most surf camps and accommodations, often sufficient for casual use like streaming.
Several hotels and restaurants on the island, such as Keur Yadikone and Maison d'Italie, offer dining. Surf camps also provide excellent local meals.
Yes, there are several great places nearby to grab lunch or dinner, both on the island and on the mainland.
📸 📸 Photography & Vibe
Ngor Island offers a serene, laid-back vibe, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the ocean. It's known for its beautiful scenery and friendly atmosphere.
Absolutely! The island offers picturesque beaches, vibrant sunsets, and dynamic surf action, making it a great spot for photography.
Some surf camps offer photography services to capture your best moments in the water, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Dakar's surf scene is characterized by its raw energy, lack of crowds, and the genuine passion of local surfers. It's a lifestyle rather than just a sport.
TikTok videos mention Villa Majorelle in Ngor, suggesting there are interesting properties and potentially unique architectural elements to discover.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏄 Surfers Seeking Uncrowded Waves
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Surfing in Ngor
For those new to surfing or looking to improve, Quicksilver surf school is frequently recommended, with specific coaches like Rene, Fil2, Madjib, and Assane highlighted for their skill and teaching ability. Whether you're an advanced beginner catching your first green waves or an experienced surfer seeking challenging breaks, Ngor offers a dynamic surfing experience. The availability of a wide selection of good surfboards at local camps further enhances the accessibility of the sport.
Beyond the island's direct breaks, surf guides and camps have the local knowledge to take you to other spots around Dakar or even along the southern coast if conditions are more favorable elsewhere. This comprehensive approach ensures surfers can maximize their time in the water, chasing the best possible waves during their visit.
Island Life: Beyond the Waves
The atmosphere on Ngor Island is consistently described as laid-back and welcoming. It's an ideal spot for a half-day excursion or even an overnight stay, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty. Many visitors find the island to be a peaceful retreat, a stark contrast to the energy of Dakar city. The island's charm lies in its simplicity and its connection to the ocean, making it a memorable part of any trip to Senegal.
Accommodation and Hospitality
While some rooms might lack air conditioning, fans are typically provided to ensure comfort. The overall vibe is often described as having a 'cool vibe' and feeling like a 'home away from home,' emphasizing the strong sense of community and care. This warm reception, combined with well-maintained facilities and attention to detail, significantly enhances the overall travel experience, making it a gem for those seeking an uncrowded and beautiful surf destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit