The Dakar islands excursion takes half a day, around three islands: the Madeleine, Gorée and Ngor. Return transport is provided from Saly, from an agreed meeting point; the crossings and the meal are paid separately, and the activity is open to all.

Three islands, three crossings

Off Dakar, each island is visited by its own crossing. The Madeleine Islands form a national park off the city; Gorée is the island of memory and heritage; Ngor is an island of beach and fishing, with a village atmosphere.

Return transport from Saly is included, with pick-up at the agreed meeting point and a return after the excursion. The boat ticket and the meal are not. No level is required; bring sunglasses, a hat, sun cream and a swimsuit. The excursion is offered all year round, with the best conditions from November to May, and private hire is possible for groups, companies or private events.

Fees payable on site

Each island has its own fee, payable on site, on top of the price. For the Madeleine Islands, it covers the park entrance, the pirogue crossing (leaving from Soumbedioune) and a guide at the group rate, with a parasol as an option. For Gorée, the return ferry is priced by the traveller’s status (non-resident, resident of Africa, Senegalese), with a municipal tax. For Ngor, the return crossing is by motorboat or pirogue from the Ngor jetty. The amounts are shown in the dedicated section of the listing.

Dakar seen from its islands

The islands are part of the landscape of Dakar. Gorée and its Slave House are the capital’s historic stop; Ngor is the beach and surf island; the Madeleine Islands are a protected national park. If you live on the Petite Côte, the excursion gives you a way to see Dakar without driving to the capital; if you are staying in Saly, it is a day of contrast with the beach.

Going further

For other trips to the islands, the island excursions page gives the overview, the boat excursions vary the packages, and the water taxi lets you reach an island under your own steam.