Guided tour of Gorée Island in Dakar: History and heritage

Guided Tour of Gorée Island

Cancellation Policy

Semi-structured activities — 48 h cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 h before the activity. After that, the amount paid for your booking is non-refundable. The balance is paid on site to the provider. Deadlines are calculated in Senegal local time.

Applies to: guided tours, day excursions, transport.

Private / tailor-made activities — 72 h minimum cancellation

If you book the activity privately, free cancellation is possible up to at least 72 h before. A longer deadline set by the provider is shown to you before payment. After that, the amount paid for your booking is non-refundable. Deadlines in Senegal local time.

Applies to: private boat, private excursion, event, group.

For any further details on our cancellation terms, please refer to our dedicated page: Cancellation policy

Information

Dakar , Gorée

Day

Half day – Full day

All levels

Group, private

Description of this activity

Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most iconic guided tour in Senegal to understand the history of slavery, explore colonial architecture, and enjoy the tranquility of its pedestrian streets. Departing from Dakar’s port, you will reach Gorée by boat in 20 minutes, for a day full of culture and emotions.
The guided tour includes entry to the House of Slaves, a visit to the famous Door of No Return, exploration of the Historical Museum of Senegal housed in the Estrées Fort, and a stroll through the cobbled streets lined with colorful colonial houses. The guide shares stories, details the remnants of the past, and introduces you to the artisan workshops on the island.
After the historical tour, the itinerary also offers breaks at the peaceful beaches of Gorée, for a swim or a moment of relaxation. The Castel plateau, the highest point on the island, provides a magnificent panoramic view of Dakar and the sea. The tour sometimes includes a local lunch or a moment for shopping artisan crafts.

Must-see points of interest:

The House of Slaves (closed on Mondays, hours: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
The Historical Museum (open Tuesday to Sunday, hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
The historical alleys and colonial houses
The Castel plateau, for the view
The beaches and artisan workshops

FAQ – Guided Tour of Gorée Island

How to book the tour?
Book directly via our website to guarantee your spot and benefit from personalized assistance, including the crossing from Dakar.

How much does the guided tour cost?
The cost includes the crossing (approximately 5,200 XOF for an adult), entry fees for the museums paid on-site, and the guide fee depending on the duration of the tour.

What are the practical instructions?
Bring an ID card, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Yes, it is accessible to families, groups, school children, and people with reduced mobility (with specific assistance if needed).

How much time should you allow?
Half a day to a full day, depending on the program (the guided tour generally lasts between 2 and 4 hours).

What to visit after the historical tour?
Enjoy the beaches, explore the artisan workshops, stroll through the alleys, or admire the view from the Castel plateau.

Details of activities included

The price includes :

Guide on the island
Meal (depending on the option chosen)
Transport from Saly / Mbour (options departing from the Petite Côte)

The price does not include :

Dakar–Gorée ferry crossing (boat ticket)
Municipal tax
Museum entry fees (House of Slaves, Historical Museum)
These fees are paid on site, at the official rate for your status — see the indicative prices

Good to know

Dakar–Gorée ferry crossing (return) : Senegalese adult 1,500 / child 500 · African resident 3,500 / 2,000 · Non-resident 6,000 / 3,000 (+ 500 F tax per person)

Municipal tax : 500 F per person, paid at the ferry terminal ticket office in Dakar

House of Slaves entry : Resident 500 · Non-resident 1,500 · Student 250 · Groups of 10+ 1,000 per person

Historical Museum entry : Resident 1,500 · Non-resident 3,000 · Child/student 500 · Free under 7

Minimum of 2 people.

Price decreases with the number of people.

Reduced resident rate (depending on the provider).

Departure point depends on the option: Dakar ferry terminal, Saly or Mbour/Saly.

The ferry crossing, municipal tax and museum entry fees are paid directly on site, at the official rate.