Dakar Region dive sites
Senegal · Browse dive locations by depth, type and conditions.
Best Season
November-May
Skill Levels
intermediate, beginner
Nearby Cities
Dakar
All dive sites
Gorée Island
Dakar · Dakar Region · Senegal
Rocky volcanic reefs off Senegal's historic Gorée Island where Atlantic grouper, barracuda, and rays inhabit underwater basalt formations rich in West African marine diversity.
N'Gor Island
Dakar · Dakar Region · Senegal
Sheltered volcanic reefs off Dakar's northern coast with resident sea turtles, dense fish life, and some of West Africa's most accessible scuba diving.
Diving in Dakar Region
Dakar Region offers reef dive sites across 1 location. Browse dive locations by depth, type and conditions before planning your dive.
FAQ
Is there diving at Gorée Island in Senegal?
Yes, several dive sites surround Gorée Island, ranging from shallow rocky reefs to deeper volcanic formations. Dive operators in Dakar run trips to Gorée's underwater sites, combining the diving with a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage island famous for its historical significance. The dive sites are a short boat ride from either Dakar or the island itself.
What is the best time to dive at Gorée Island?
The dry season from November to May offers the best diving conditions, with calmer seas and better visibility reaching 15-20 metres. During the rainy season from June to October, river runoff reduces visibility and seas can be rougher. Water temperatures range from 20 degrees in the cooler months to 27 degrees in the warm season.
What certification do I need for diving around Gorée Island?
Open Water certification is sufficient for the shallower sites around Gorée, but intermediate experience is recommended due to the variable currents and sometimes limited visibility. The deeper sites reaching 25 metres with moderate currents are best suited to divers with Advanced Open Water certification and some experience in Atlantic conditions.
Is N'Gor Island a good place to learn to dive in Senegal?
N'Gor Island is one of the best places in Senegal for beginner divers. The island creates a sheltered bay on its eastern side where conditions are calm and depths are manageable. Several Dakar-based dive centres use these sites for Open Water certification courses. The short boat ride from the mainland makes logistics easy.
What turtles can I see at N'Gor Island?
Both green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are resident around N'Gor Island's reefs. Green turtles are more commonly seen grazing on algae-covered rocks in the shallower sections. Sightings are frequent during the dry season from November to May, and patient divers who stay still on the reef bottom often have turtles approach within close range.