
Banana Islands Dublin
Secluded islands with pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a rich history, offering a peaceful escape and unique adventure.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer seas for boat rides

Banana Islands Dublin
Best Time
Calmer seas for boat rides

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Secluded islands with pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a rich history, offering a peaceful escape and unique adventure.
"An amazing island with really rich history and peace you can’t imagine."

speedboat transfer cost
Expect around $100 USD for a speedboat crossing from Kent Beach; prices may vary.
Local Guide Recommended
Enhance your visit with a local guide for deep insights into the island's history.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.1 · 32 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rich Historical Insights
Island-wide
Explore remnants of Portuguese occupation and learn about the island's history, including its role in the slave trade.

Pristine Beaches and Crystal Waters
Coastal areas
Enjoy the serene beauty of the islands with clear waters and lush tropical jungle walks.

Offshore Shipwrecks
Offshore
Discover submerged shipwrecks, a popular spot for diving and underwater exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: An Adventure in Itself
Embrace the Unplugged Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
speedboat transfer cost
Expect around $100 USD for a speedboat crossing from Kent Beach; prices may vary.
Local Guide Recommended
Enhance your visit with a local guide for deep insights into the island's history.
Embrace limited electricity
Enjoy the unplugged experience; electricity can be limited in the evenings.
Pack for the elements
Be prepared for potential splashes on the speedboat ride and the tropical climate.
Tips
from all over the internet
speedboat transfer cost
Expect around $100 USD for a speedboat crossing from Kent Beach; prices may vary.
Local Guide Recommended
Enhance your visit with a local guide for deep insights into the island's history.
Embrace limited electricity
Enjoy the unplugged experience; electricity can be limited in the evenings.
Pack for the elements
Be prepared for potential splashes on the speedboat ride and the tropical climate.
Food is a highlight
Enjoy delicious local cuisine, with many visitors rating it a 10/10.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Banana Island is lauded for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and rich historical significance, offering a peaceful escape. Visitors appreciate the welcoming locals and the unique, unplugged experience. However, the journey can be expensive and potentially wet, and infrastructure like electricity can be limited.
"An amazing island with really rich history. One of the islands of Sierra Leone, Near Freetown. Great local reception and a local guide tour is recommended. Getting to this venue is however fraught, expensive, costs us $100 per crossing (speed boat)... Probaly lots higher now as I was here in May 2021. There are no sheltered ferry services.. The speedboat is low and you can dip your hands in the water as it speeds along... Bit scary, but fun too. See photos, to see how close to the water it is.
The guide tour gives an amazing insight into the island and it's history in the slave trade but the whole set up seems locally managed...
The tourism board of the country could do a lot better to enhance the experience and the cleanliness of the tour path, but eh! Still a great experience."
Emmanuel Feyisetan
"the name is not good but the atmos reallt goof"
Bùi Nguyên Khang
"nice stay away from maddening life routine... you wont find electricity in the evening but that is again the USP!... u put up in small cottages.. mosquito nets are there...bed all made of stone/cement ( lol! ) and still very enjoying... very close to village life. Very limited variety of food but we enjoyed our stint at tree house/ or say tree platform. It was great and ecstatic time during night and day which followed... Entire area is covered with sea all around and really scenic views give u a feeling of awe...."
PUNIT KHURANA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Banana Island is by taking a speedboat from Kent Beach. This journey can be quite an adventure, with the boat often skimming close to the water. While it's described as thrilling and fun, it can also be a bit scary and you might get wet. The cost for this transfer was around $100 USD in May 2021 and may be higher now. There are no sheltered ferry services available.
The speedboat ride is part of the unique experience of visiting Banana Island. While it's described as thrilling, it's important to be prepared for a potentially bumpy and wet journey. Local management ensures the trip is undertaken, but it's advisable to be aware of the conditions.
The most common and direct way is via speedboat from Kent Beach. This offers a scenic and exciting approach to the islands.
Currently, the main option appears to be the speedboat from Kent Beach. Sheltered ferry services are not widely available.
The duration can vary, but it's generally a significant part of the travel experience, offering beautiful views of the coastline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific advance ticket purchases for island entry aren't typically mentioned, the cost of the speedboat transfer is a significant factor. It's advisable to confirm arrangements for the boat trip beforehand.
Banana Island is accessible for day trips and overnight stays. There are no strict opening or closing hours for the natural attraction itself, but resort operating hours and boat schedules should be considered.
There isn't a formal entrance fee for the island itself, but the cost of the speedboat transfer is the primary expense for visitors.
Yes, Banana Island is a popular destination for day trips, offering a chance to explore its history, beaches, and natural beauty.
Yes, there are small cottages and resorts available for overnight stays, offering a unique experience close to village life.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the island's rich history, including remnants of Portuguese occupation and its past as a slave trade hub. Enjoy lush tropical jungle walks, relax on beautiful beaches, and discover offshore shipwrecks popular for diving.
Absolutely! The island is steeped in history, with insights into the slave trade and Portuguese occupation. A local guide tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate its past.
The island boasts lush tropical jungle, scenic sea views, and crystal-clear waters. It's a beautiful natural setting for exploration and relaxation.
The offshore shipwrecks make Banana Island a popular spot for diving. While snorkeling information is less prominent, the clear waters suggest potential for it.
The island offers a glimpse into local village life, with welcoming people and a chance to experience a more traditional way of living.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food on Banana Island is often described as a highlight, with visitors rating it highly. While the variety might be limited, the local cuisine is generally delicious and well-received.
The dining options are typically tied to the small cottages and resorts on the island. Expect a more intimate dining experience rather than a wide array of restaurants.
Given its island location, fresh seafood is likely a staple of the local cuisine.
Information on specific dietary options is limited, but it's advisable to communicate any dietary needs in advance with your accommodation.
The dining experience is often described as part of the unique island charm, with some accommodations offering unique settings like tree platforms.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning coastal scenery, the clear turquoise waters, and the lush green jungle. The historical remnants and the unique speedboat journey also make for great shots.
Yes, Banana Island is described as a beautiful place with scenic views that give a feeling of awe, making it highly photogenic.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues.
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available. It's advisable to check local regulations or inquire upon arrival.
A versatile camera that can handle both landscape and potentially underwater shots (if you plan to dive) would be ideal. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit