Things to do in Dakar: 12 must-do activities

Dakar is so much more than traffic jams, car horns and boundless energy. Sitting at the very tip of the Cap-Vert peninsula, the westernmost point of mainland Africa, the Senegalese capital is surrounded by ocean on almost every side. The result: many of the best things to do in Dakar happen with your feet in the water, facing the Atlantic, just a few minutes from the city centre.

Planning a holiday, a weekend or simply a free day between meetings, and wondering what to do in Dakar? Good news: the city offers a rare mix of beaches, islands, cliffs, monuments, markets and spectacular sunsets, all within a few kilometres. You can take the ferry to Gorée in the morning, glide over the rocks in a clear kayak in the afternoon and eat grilled fish facing Ngor Island in the evening, without ever spending more than half an hour in a car.

At Senegal Nautique, we spend our days on the water between Ouakam, Ngor, Mermoz and the Port of Dakar. So we have gathered the 12 things to do in Dakar that we recommend to friends and clients alike: five water activities to see the capital from the sea, two islands you should not miss, four cultural and scenic stops, and one excursion outside the city. You will also find a ready-made itinerary for a weekend in Dakar, our practical tips and answers to the questions we hear most often. Whether you are visiting for the first time or you live here and are looking for new ideas, this list should fill several wonderful days. Each activity comes with our advice, prices and the best times to enjoy it, so you can build your own plan without wasting time once you arrive. Ready? Let’s start where Dakar shines brightest: on the water.

On the water: 5 activities not to miss

1. Glide in a clear kayak in Ouakam or Ngor

This is the activity that took over Instagram and TikTok, and for good reason. In a clear kayak, the hull almost completely disappears: you feel as if you are floating in mid-air above the rocks, the sand and the schools of fish. In Ouakam, the Mosque of the Divinity and its cliffs provide the backdrop. In Ngor, it is the island, its colourful pirogues and its surf breaks that frame the view. Either way, a transparent kayak tour is one of the most original and photogenic activities in Dakar.

Anyone can do it. The kayaks are stable, easy to steer and come as singles or doubles, with no experience needed. Life jackets are provided and compulsory, so you do not even need to know how to swim. Children can join from age 6 with an adult. For a standard outing, there is no need to book: simply turn up at one of our bases, every day from 11am to 7pm. Booking is recommended for groups of 6 or more, or if you want to add a drone photoshoot.

Budget-wise, it costs 6,000 F per kayak, with or without an instructor, since the guide comes at the same price. A couple sharing a double kayak therefore pays 6,000 F for their time on the water. The more adventurous can try the exploration from Ouakam to the Mamelles, a trip of about two hours along the cliffs. Our tip: come in the late afternoon, when the golden light makes the water even more beautiful, and call us on the day to check sea conditions. For prices, spots and what to expect, read our complete guide to clear kayaking in Dakar, which also shares our advice on what to wear and how to get great photos from the water. Bring a towel too: even on a calm day, you rarely step out of a kayak completely dry.

2. Treat yourself to a drone photoshoot on the water

If you could only bring home one souvenir from your trip, it would probably be this one. A drone photoshoot in Dakar means being photographed and filmed from the sky while sitting in a clear kayak that seems to hover above the ocean. Seen from above, the contrast between the invisible hull, the turquoise water and the dark rocks creates images straight out of a travel magazine. It has become one of the most requested experiences among visitors and Dakar locals alike.

You do not need to be a model or used to posing. Our pilot guides you throughout the session: where to place the kayak, how to hold the paddle, which position makes the light and angles work in your favour. Aerial photos and videos are delivered quickly by AirDrop, WhatsApp or Google Drive. This photo session on the water suits every occasion: a birthday, a proposal, a honeymoon, a day out with your best friends, content for social media or simply the wish to keep a unique memory of your time in Senegal.

Prices decrease with group size: 35,000 F for one person, 25,000 F per person for two, then 20,000 F per person from three. Kayaks are paid on top, at 6,000 F each, so a couple sharing one kayak pays 56,000 F in total. Ideally, book 24 to 48 hours ahead, since the session depends on the weather and the pilot’s availability. It can take place in Ouakam, in Ngor or at Lac Rose on request. For examples and to book your slot, visit our drone photoshoot page. A pilot’s tip: go for bright colours such as white, yellow, red or turquoise, which stand out beautifully on the water from above, and bring a change of outfit to vary the look. Late afternoon light gives the warmest, most flattering results.

3. Take a boat trip around the peninsula

To truly understand Dakar’s geography, nothing beats a trip out to sea. From the water, the Cap-Vert peninsula reveals itself from an angle you would never suspect from the road: the cliffs of Ouakam, the two Mamelles hills, the Pointe des Almadies, Ngor Island and, further south, Gorée Island. A boat ride links in a few hours places that, by land, would take a whole day of traffic.

Our comfortable 8-seat boat, fitted with twin 300 hp engines, shade and life jackets for everyone, offers five routes. The tour of Ngor Island, perfect for a first time, takes about twenty minutes. Longer trips follow the Pointe and Lighthouse of the Almadies, head to Ouakam and the Mamelles Lighthouse, or set course for Îlot du Serpent and Gorée. For large groups, our big boat takes up to 15 people and sails to Gorée, out to sea for a half day or all the way to Îlot Sarpan for a real day offshore.

There are two options. Private hire gives you the whole boat on the date and time of your choice, from 60,000 F. Shared departures let you book just a few seats, from 8,000 F per person, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am, 2pm and 5pm. Trips leave from the pier at the Port of Dakar, and a 30% deposit by Orange Money or Wave confirms your seat. Our article on boat trips in Dakar covers every route, duration and price. For a birthday, a hen party or a team outing, add a food platter to share on board and turn a simple boat ride into a real party facing the ocean. For the softest light and the most beautiful photos, the 5pm departure is a favourite with our passengers, who often come back to shore just as the sky turns gold and pink over the peninsula.

4. Pick up speed on a jet ski in Mermoz

Craving adrenaline? Jet skiing in Dakar is the most direct way to feel the power of the Atlantic. From Mermoz beach on the corniche, near the Wassa Beach restaurant, you are out at sea within seconds, with the city racing past along the coast. The spray, the acceleration and the view of Dakar from the sea make it one of the most intense water activities in Dakar, perfect for thrill seekers.

Beginners and regulars are equally welcome. Our team greets you, fits you with a life jacket, explains the controls and safety rules, then supervises you throughout the session. You can ride alone or take a passenger. Ten minutes are enough for a first feel of the machine and a taste of speed. Half an hour lets you follow the coastline and really enjoy it. A full hour gives you time for the grand tour between headlands and coves, and you come back with your head full of memories.

Prices are simple: 15,000 F for 10 minutes, 45,000 F for half an hour and 70,000 F for an hour, per jet ski. To book a jet ski session in Mermoz, contact Alioune, who runs our base, or use our online booking form. As with all sea activities, sessions depend on the weather and the state of the ocean, so keep a little flexibility in your plans. Travelling as a group? Why not combine jet ski and a boat trip on the same day? Younger family members can ride as passengers, always wearing a life jacket. Bring sunglasses with a strap and a light t-shirt: at full speed, the sun and spray are quickly felt. Sessions are short but intense, so many riders book a second one the same day. Afterwards, a cold drink on the beach in Mermoz is the perfect way to come down from the rush. Discover jet skiing.

5. Try paddleboarding

Calmer and more contemplative than jet skiing, paddleboarding in Dakar is done standing on a large board with a paddle in hand. It is an ideal way to enjoy the ocean gently, work on your balance and look at the seabed from a higher vantage point. The first few minutes might raise a smile, with a few knees on the board, but most beginners find their balance surprisingly fast, especially when the sea is calm.

At Senegal Nautique, stand up paddle is available in Ouakam and Ngor, depending on the day’s sea conditions. It costs 5,000 F for 30 minutes per person. The life jacket is provided and our team gives you the basics before you set off: how to stand up, where to put your feet, how to hold the paddle and how to come back to the beach. It is a great way to round off a clear kayak trip: start seated, two in a double kayak, then each take a board to make the fun last longer.

Paddleboarding is especially popular with active travellers, families with teenagers and anyone looking for an activity in Dakar that is both energising and relaxing. It pairs beautifully with late-day light, when the wind often drops and the water turns glassy. As with all our outings, call us on the day to check conditions: in a swell, we will always suggest another activity rather than an uncomfortable session. If the board does not tempt you, kayaks are available at the same bases. Finally, keep your phone in a waterproof pouch if you want to film: from the board, the view of the cliffs and the ocean deserves to be captured. Paddleboarding is also an excellent workout for your core and legs, so you can enjoy the scenery and stay active on holiday at the same time, without ever feeling like you are in a gym.

Want to try a clear kayak?

Just turn up in Ouakam or Ngor, every day from 11am to 7pm, or book for a group.

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Dakar’s islands

6. Visit Gorée Island

You cannot talk about the must-sees of Dakar without mentioning Gorée. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as early as 1978, this small island off the port is both a deeply moving place of remembrance and one of the most beautiful villages in the country. For centuries it was a point of passage in the Atlantic slave trade. Today, people come to understand that history, but also to wander in a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts completely with the bustle of the capital.

There are no cars on the island. You stroll on foot between ochre, pink and yellow façades, blooming bougainvillea and small shaded squares. A visit to the House of Slaves and its famous “door of no return” is a powerful moment, to be experienced with respect and in quiet. The history museum, housed in a former fort, completes the visit. Then climb up to the Castel, the island’s highest point, for a superb view over Dakar and the ocean, before ending with a fish lunch or a swim at the little beach by the pier.

To get there, the ferry leaves from the port’s maritime station and the crossing takes about twenty minutes. At weekends it can be very busy. If you would rather arrive at your own pace, away from the crowds, our big boat offers a Gorée trip of about two hours from the Port of Dakar, and our 8-seat boat can combine Gorée with Îlot du Serpent. It is a different way to visit Gorée, discovering the island first from the sea, as sailors once saw it. Allow at least half a day to enjoy the island without rushing. And remember that Gorée is a living village: residents will welcome you all the more warmly if you respect their peace, especially by asking before taking their photo.

7. Spend a day on Ngor Island

Just a few hundred metres from Ngor beach, in the north of the peninsula, Ngor Island is the perfect escape without leaving Dakar. A short pirogue crossing takes you to this car-free patch of land where time seems to slow down. Narrow lanes, fishermen’s houses, painted walls and a stunning view of the city: it is one of the outings locals love most at weekends, and one of the easiest for a visitor to organise.

On the island, two moods await. On the city side, small sheltered beaches and fish restaurants welcome swimmers and families. On the ocean side, the sea is more powerful and the waves have made the island famous among surfers worldwide ever since the cult film The Endless Summer put it on the map in the 1960s. You can spend a few hours or a whole day there, between swimming, a nap in the shade, a lunch of grilled thiof and a walk on the rocks to watch the surfers.

For another point of view, take a boat trip around Ngor Island. Our 8-seat boat offers this twenty-minute ride, ideal for a first sea trip in Dakar: you follow the coves, the rocks and the surf spots with the city in the background. The tour costs 8,000 F per person on a shared departure, or 60,000 F for private hire. And right opposite, on Ngor beach next to La Cabane du Pêcheur, our clear kayak base lets you paddle with the island as a backdrop. A full day in Ngor can mix island, boat and kayak. In the evening, stay on the beach for the sunset, which bathes the island and the pirogues in a golden light that is wonderfully photogenic. It is easily one of the most relaxing ways to spend a day in the capital.

Culture and viewpoints

8. Climb the African Renaissance Monument

You cannot miss it: perched on one of the two Mamelles hills, the African Renaissance Monument towers over much of the city. Unveiled in 2010, this 52-metre bronze statue depicts a man, a woman and a child facing the ocean, a symbol of an Africa looking to the future. Whether you admire it or debate it, it has become one of Dakar’s most recognisable silhouettes and an almost obligatory stop for anyone who wants to explore Dakar in depth.

The climb begins with a long staircase up the hill. The effort pays off: at the top, the view over the Cap-Vert peninsula is already spectacular. Inside the monument, a lift takes you up to the viewing platform in the statue’s headpiece, offering a 360-degree panorama over the city, Yoff airport, the Almadies and the ocean as far as the eye can see. Exhibition rooms also tell the story of the project and pay tribute to great figures of the continent.

To make the most of your visit, come in the late afternoon, when the heat eases and the low light makes the bronze glow. Wear good shoes, bring water and allow an hour to an hour and a half on site. The monument combines easily with other stops nearby: the Mamelles Lighthouse right next door, then the Ouakam corniche and the Mosque of the Divinity a few minutes away by car. From the sea, on our boat trips to the Mamelles, the statue appears from an unexpected angle, standing on its hilltop facing the Atlantic. That striking contrast gives the monument another dimension, and is a great reason to plan both a visit on foot and a trip out to sea during your stay. Few places sum up modern Dakar quite so boldly, and the view alone justifies the climb.

9. Watch the sunset at the Mamelles Lighthouse

On the second Mamelles hill, a stone’s throw from the Renaissance Monument, stands the Mamelles Lighthouse. Built in the 19th century and still in service, it has guided ships off the peninsula for more than 150 years. But if Dakar residents love going up there, it is mostly for the view: it is one of the best spots in Dakar to watch the sunset, with the city on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

You reach it by a path that climbs the hill, on foot or by car depending on access conditions. At the top, the esplanade offers an open panorama over Ouakam, the Almadies, Ngor and the north coast. A small restaurant at the foot of the lighthouse lets you have a drink or dinner while watching the sun sink into the sea. Arrive a good half hour before sunset to find a spot and enjoy the full range of colours, from gold to pink to purple, which makes this one of the most beautiful things to do in Dakar at the end of the day.

The lighthouse can also be seen from the water. Several of our routes pass below the Mamelles hill: the 8-seat boat trip between Ngor, the Almadies, Ouakam and the Mamelles Lighthouse, lasting an hour and a half to two hours, or the big boat’s outing towards Ouakam and the Mamelles. The more active can even get close by kayak, on the exploration from Ouakam to the Mamelles, a trip of about two hours along the cliffs. Seeing the lighthouse from the hill at sunset, then from the sea the next day, gives a complete picture of this iconic site. It is also a handy landmark: from almost anywhere on the west coast, the lighthouse and the nearby statue point the way to the Mamelles.

10. Follow the corniche to the Mosque of the Divinity

Dakar’s western corniche is one of the most beautiful coastal roads in West Africa. It winds between cliffs, beaches and residential neighbourhoods, from the Medina to Ouakam, with the ocean always in sight. On foot, by bike or by car, travelling it at the end of the day is a simple pleasure and one of the best ways to discover Dakar. In the evenings and at weekends, improvised sports pitches, joggers and fitness groups give the corniche a unique energy.

At the end of the promenade, in Ouakam, the Mosque of the Divinity seems to rest on the water at the foot of the cliffs. With its white and green minarets standing out against the blue ocean, it is one of the most photographed settings in the capital. The surrounding fishing district, with colourful pirogues lined up on the sand, adds to the charm. Remember to respect prayer times and dress modestly if you wish to approach the building.

This is also where, on the beach of the Mosque of the Divinity near the La Petite Côte restaurant, you will find our main clear kayak base. The spot is spectacular: cliffs, underwater rocks and a direct view of the mosque from the kayak. A walk along the corniche can end on a high note with a transparent kayak ride, or even a drone photoshoot capturing the mosque and your kayak from the sky. It costs 6,000 F per kayak, no booking needed, every day from 11am to 7pm. The perfect combination for a successful afternoon in Dakar. And if you arrive early, have a drink on a terrace facing the mosque: it is one of the best places to watch the light change on the cliffs. If you time it right, you may even hear the call to prayer echo across the water.

11. Shop for crafts at Soumbédioune market

For authentic souvenirs, head to the Soumbédioune craft village, on the western corniche just below the Medina. Dozens of workshops and shops showcase the skills of Senegalese artisans: wood carvings, masks, wax and bazin fabrics, silver and bead jewellery, leather goods, musical instruments, reverse glass paintings and decorative objects. You can often watch the craftspeople at work, which makes the visit even more lively. Each stall has its own speciality, so take a full lap before deciding.

Here, bargaining is part of the culture and of the exchange. Take time to chat, compare and negotiate with a smile: the first price is rarely the final one, and the relationship matters as much as the purchase. Bring cash in CFA francs, including some small notes. If you are looking for something specific, such as a djembe, a sculpture or a particular fabric, just ask: artisans happily point you to one another to find what you want.

In the late afternoon, do not miss the scene in the neighbouring Soumbédioune bay. When the fishing boats return, dozens of multicoloured pirogues are pulled up on the beach and the fish market comes alive in a joyful bustle of voices, crates and vendors. It is one of the liveliest scenes in Dakar, best enjoyed discreetly and always asking permission before photographing people. Soumbédioune pairs very well with a walk along the corniche before heading to Ouakam for a clear kayak ride at sunset. Allow one to two hours to browse without rushing, and keep some room in your luggage: few people leave empty-handed. Bulkier items can often be carefully wrapped by the artisans for travel, just ask when you buy. Buying directly from the people who make these pieces is also a lovely way to support local craftsmanship and take home a story along with your souvenir.

Day trips around Dakar

12. Discover Lac Rose, the Pink Lake

About forty kilometres north-east of Dakar, Lac Rose, whose real name is Lake Retba, is the most famous excursion around the capital. Its colour, ranging from pale pink to fuchsia, comes from a very high salt concentration and a micro-alga that produces a red pigment to protect itself from the sun. Depending on the season, the weather and the time of day, the effect is more or less striking: it is often strongest in the dry season and around midday, when the sun is high.

On the shores you can watch the impressive work of the salt harvesters, who collect salt by hand from the lake bed, load it into pirogues and then store it in large white heaps on the bank. The water is so salty that you float effortlessly. Around the lake, the sand dunes separating it from the ocean can be explored by 4x4 or quad bike. The lake was also famous for hosting the finish line of the Paris-Dakar rally for many years.

At Senegal Nautique, we organise clear kayak trips, drone photoshoots and water ball sessions at Lac Rose on request. A clear kayak on pink water, filmed from the sky, produces images that are truly unique in the world. Contact our team to set a date and arrange your outing. If you have an extra day, the Bandia reserve, about an hour’s drive south of Dakar, completes the programme with its giraffes, zebras, rhinos and impressive baobabs. Two easy excursions to leave the city and discover another side of Senegal. For Lac Rose, leave early in the morning to avoid the heat and the traffic out of town, and bring fresh water to rinse off if you swim in the lake. The salt leaves a fine white film on skin and clothes, so dark outfits are best avoided.

Our itinerary for a weekend in Dakar

Only have two days? Here is how we would plan a weekend in Dakar to enjoy the sea, the history and the city’s finest viewpoints without spending your life in traffic. The idea is simple: group activities by neighbourhood, keep the hottest hours for shaded visits or lunch, and save the late afternoon for sea trips, when the light is at its best.

• Saturday morning: ferry to Gorée and a visit of the island, from the House of Slaves to the Castel.
• Saturday afternoon: clear kayak in Ouakam, at the foot of the Mosque of the Divinity, with a drone photoshoot if you fancy it.
• Saturday evening: sunset on the corniche or at the Mamelles Lighthouse, then a fish dinner in Ngor or the Almadies.
• Sunday morning: African Renaissance Monument, then the Soumbédioune craft village for souvenirs.
• Sunday afternoon: a boat trip from the Port of Dakar on a shared departure, or a jet ski session in Mermoz.

Of course, treat this itinerary as a starting point to adapt. Travelling as a family? Swap the jet ski for the boat tour around Ngor Island, which is calmer and suits children. As a couple, keep the drone photoshoot for late Saturday afternoon and end Sunday with a sunset at sea. With a group of friends, for a birthday or a hen party, hire the big boat privately and add a food platter on board. Staying longer? Add a day at Lac Rose and half a day on Ngor Island. Finally, remember to book ahead for activities that require it, especially drone photoshoots and weekend boat trips, which leave on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am, 2pm and 5pm. With a little planning, two days are enough to see the very best of Dakar, by land and by sea, and to leave already dreaming of coming back.

Practical info

To make the most of your activities in Dakar, a few simple tips make all the difference. The sea is generally most pleasant from late morning to sunset, but it remains a natural environment: water clarity, swell and wind change from one day to the next. That is why we always recommend calling us on the day on +221 77 867 55 58 before a clear kayak or boat trip. If conditions are poor, we will suggest another slot rather than a disappointing outing.

• What to bring: swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a change of clothes and water.
• Safety: life jackets provided and compulsory on all our activities, no need to know how to swim.
• Children: from age 6, with an adult.
• Opening hours: our bases are open every day, from 11am to 7pm.
• Booking: recommended 24 to 48 hours ahead for drone photoshoots, groups of 6 or more and boat trips.

For getting around, taxis remain the most practical way to move between neighbourhoods, and ride-hailing apps work well in the capital. Agree on the fare before getting into a regular taxi, and allow extra time at rush hour, especially in the morning and late afternoon. For payments, cash in CFA francs is king in markets and small restaurants, while mobile payments such as Orange Money and Wave are very widespread: that is also how the deposit for our boat trips is paid. Finally, remember that the sun is strong even when the sky is hazy: a hat and sunscreen are your best friends for enjoying Dakar from morning to night. Drink plenty of water, especially after time on the sea, where the wind can hide how strong the sun really is. And if you have any question about our activities, our team is always happy to help on WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions