Duration
2+ nights
Accommodation
Private rooms

Chasing waves in Dakar

"Senegal is home to world-class waves, warm water and perfect sunsets. With the swell from the north and the south, the perfect waves meet West Africa. A true endless summer."

The surf

Peak swell
Variable swell
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Dakar is the perfect place to surf with consistent swells, a tropical climate, and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, Dakar serves up waves for all abilities. It is a surfer’s paradise.

It’s easy to see why Dakar has long been a secret surfer’s paradise. A peninsula that catches swells from both north and south, Dakar has consistent waves throughout the year and surf spots for every ability. Over the past half-century, distinctive surf culture has emerged, turning Dakar into a surf destination on its own.

Surf peak season in Dakar is between September and December. At this time, you can find offshore winds with a 1.5m (5ft) swell. At Copacabana Surf Village, you will find both beach and rocky breaks.

Senegal receives some bigger North Atlantic swells from December to April, making the conditions a bit more challenging. It is more suitable for beginners from May to November since it has warmer temperatures and gentle waves.

The adventure

Copacabana Surf Village is a restaurant, bar, and surf school 100% Senegalese-owned. Surf in one of our classes and then enjoy a delicious local lunch at our zero-waste restaurant.

Around Dakar

Dakar is the westernmost city of Africa, extending out from the continent on the Cap-Vert Peninsula. This former colonial town is now a thriving modern city with a lot to visit, from landmarks and cultural attractions to fantastic nature.

Visit one of the many local markets. There are several markets in Dakar and they range from the specialty. You can find spices, fruits, local plants, an opportunity to get closer to the culture and gastronomy.

Dakar has a rich tapestry of stunning mosques and churches, such as the imposing 3,000 capacity cathedral in Plateau and the distinctive green dome and four minarets of Mosque El Hadji Omar Al Foutiyou. However, the jewel in the crown must surely be the Mosque of the Divinity. Uniquely set in a horseshoe cove in Ouakam, its twin towers stare out across the endless Atlantic while fishers ward off pelicans from their haul on the beach in front. Lac Rose is the famous pink lake located one hour outside of Dakar. Visit “Le Lac Rose” for an off-roading adventure along the coast. Uncover your need for speed on quad bikes and discover the biggest supplier of West African salt by boat.

Nightlife

Attend the hottest beach party in Dakar right on our beach at Copacabana Surf Village.

Accommodation

We recommend some accommodations close to Copacabana Surf Village, but you can choose according to your preferences, group size and budget. Lodging varies from stylish private apartments to authentic and local hotels.

Apartment: USD 35 per night

Enjoy a stylish experience with steps away from a nice evening walk near the ocean. This location offers easy access to taxis and a 5-minute walk to city bus stops. Also, it's minutes away from Ngor Beach and Alamedies, which allows you to enjoy both the perfect day and nightlife outings.

This space comfortably accommodates up to 2 guests in 1 queen-sized bed. It has air conditioning, a TV, hot water, a microwave, and a refrigerator. The apartment is located near Biagui Mosque in a safe residence.

La Demeure Hotel: from USD 120 per night

Nested in the heart of the Almadies in Dakar, Senegal, an up-scale and quiet neighborhood where life is enjoyable, this charming bed & breakfast offers an intimate and warm surrounding and a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. La Demeure is the ideal solution for those who look for a breath of authenticity associated with excellent comfort, far from the standardized hotel business.

Boma Lifestyle Hotel: from USD 197 per night

Located in Dakar, 1.2 km from Le Virage Beach, BOMA LifeStyle Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has garden views, and guests can enjoy access to a garden and to a private beach area. In addition, the accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi.

The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower.

Getting there
We are located right next to Hotel Virage Route de l’aeorport. It is a 1h30 drive from the airport to our Village.
We are located right next to Hotel Virage Route de l’aeorport. It is a 1h30 drive from the airport to our Village.

Copacabana Surf Village

Leading trips since 2015
Babacar Thiaw
Founder, owner & lead surf instructor
Babacar Thiaw

Copacabana Surf Village has over 20 years of history and it is the first zero-waste restaurant, bar, & surf village in Dakar. Part zero-waste restaurant/bar, part surf school, it also offers surf-related services to international clients of all ages right from plage Virage, Dakar. Locally owned, Senesurf is one of the only 100% Senegalese-owned surf schools in the world.

Languages: English, French
Response rate: 100%
Response time: Within 3 hours

4.95 · 1 review

United States of America
Nina
Casual surfer, May 2022
Copacabana surf village was amazing! I came to Dakar and Copacabana without any minimal surfing experience and Bobacar, his team, and the waves e... show more
Copacabana surf village was amazing! I came to Dakar and Copacabana without any minimal surfing experience and Bobacar, his team, and the waves exceeded all of my expecta... show more
Nina's photo of Copacabana Surf Village

Choose your dates

Have a dedicated instructor to take your surfing to the next leve... more
From $33 / day
Head out to surf the best waves in Dakar and explore the city's c... more
From $138 / day
For dates and accommodations not listed, or if you want to book further out

Questions?

What's included?
Surf lessons, surf instructors, transportation to surf breaks and chosen activities, and surf equipment.
What's not included?
Flights, travel insurance, airport transfers, accommodations, meals, additional tours and tickets to activities.
What's the cancellation policy?
Cancel and get a full refund within 48 hours of purchase, or at least 30 days before the trip starts.