Canoe trip (lagoons, mangroves)

Pirogue trips in Senegal

The traditional Senegalese pirogue, skillfully carved and decorated by local artisans, is much more than a means of transport — it is a living heritage symbolizing the deep connection between the country’s coastal communities and the sea. Boarding one of these colorful boats means discovering Senegal from the water, gliding through lagoons, bolongs (water channels), and mangroves listed as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

In Dakar, a pirogue ride lets you follow the coastline, approach Ngor and Gorée Islands, or explore the volcanic coves of the Madeleine Islands. The Petite Côte and the Sine-Saloum Delta also offer unforgettable water experiences: in Somone, you can glide silently through the mangrove, observe pelicans and flamingos, learn about oyster farming, and witness the daily life of local fishermen. In the Sine-Saloum, you’ll sail from island to island, exploring fishing villages, while in Joal-Fadiouth’s harbor you can watch the colorful spectacle of dozens of pirogues returning at sunset for the fish auction — before ending the day around a beach bonfire on a peaceful island, far from the city noise.

Each trip on the water is a moment of connection and discovery: the guide shares anecdotes, legends, and local knowledge about wildlife, flora, and traditions. For more adventurous travelers, some operators offer multi-day expeditions with bivouac camps, bush walks, market visits, and tastings — a way to explore Senegal beyond the classic tourist routes.

The excursions are accessible to everyone — families and friends alike — and can be booked online (20% deposit, balance paid to the guide). Safety is ensured by professional boatmen, and life jackets are provided. Your immersion begins the moment you step on board.

Available Options

• Short rides (1–2h): explore a lagoon or island, enjoy birdwatching, and experience the tranquility of nature.
• Half-day excursions: immersion in nature, mangrove passages, and visits to traditional villages.
• Full-day trips: navigation, local meal on an island, encounters with fishermen, traditional fishing, and optional overnight bivouac for adventurers.
• Themed outings: birdwatching, traditional fishing, photography, and local market tours.

Main Locations

• Dakar: Crossings to Ngor, excursions to the Madeleine Islands.
• Petite Côte: Somone Lagoon, Joal-Fadiouth.
• Sine-Saloum: Bolongs, mangroves, villages of Ndangane, Mar Lodj, and Palmarin.

Local Anecdotes

• In the Sine-Saloum Delta, local guide Ndane Diouf — known as “The Daughter of the Water” — adapts each excursion to travelers’ pace and interests, sharing stories, songs, and traditions around an island campfire in the evening.
• In Somone, local boatmen know every bird and hidden corner of the mangrove, making the trip as educational as it is scenic.
• Pirogue craftsmen in the delta pass down their know-how from father to son, building boats using ancestral techniques.

FAQ

Are pirogue trips safe? Yes — professional boatmen ensure safety, and life jackets are mandatory for everyone.
Duration ? From 1 hour to a full day, depending on the chosen program.
What wildlife can be observed? Flamingos, pelicans, herons, and occasionally dolphins or monkeys in the mangroves.
Prices ? €10–15 for short trips; €25–40 for half-day excursions; €50–70 for full-day adventures with meals or overnight stays.