Canoe hire in Somone takes place on the lagoon, where you explore calm water and the mangrove, alone or as a pair. There are six options, from a 30-minute canoe-kayak to a full-day hire, with a life jacket provided and an activity open to everyone.

Six canoe options on the lagoon

Two families of hire are offered. On one side, the canoe in single or double for 1 h 30: you choose your seats, alone or as a pair, and set off to explore at your own pace. On the other, the canoe-kayak for a short time, 30 minutes or 1 hour, to try it without committing. For those who want to take their time, the hire is also available for the full day, in a single or in a version for two to three seats. The lagoon, classed as a community nature reserve, is paddled without a motor, at the pace of the paddle.

The life jacket comes with the canoe, and the outing is open to everyone. The calm of the lagoon suits first-timers.

If you live in Dakar, this is a day out on the Petite Côte, which you can shape to the time you have. If you are visiting, it is a chance to see the mangrove from the water, away from the bustle of the neighbouring resort.

The Somone lagoon and its surroundings

About ten kilometres south of Saly, Somone grew up on the edge of an estuary where the sea and the Somone river meet. The village favours modest lodgings, family guesthouses, stilt-house guesthouses and restaurants set right at the water’s edge, and everything revolves around the lagoon, classed as a community nature reserve. The page on the Somone lagoon describes its mangrove and birds, and the Petite Côte gives the setting of the coastline.

Extending your day around Somone

On the water, you can change pace with a pirogue trip or another paddle and kayak slot, or watch the birds of the lagoon on a birdwatching outing. Further afield, the Bandia Reserve, the Popenguine Reserve and Joal-Fadiouth make good day trips.