As the Westernmost point on Africa’s West Coast, the Cap Vert peninsula has long had a history of busy waters. Since being noted by the ancestors of Jacques Cousteau as a significant spot to dive, the interest in preserving the waters has been slow, but is steadily increasing over generations. With waters teeming with sunken vessels, abundant fish and marine life, and a geometric, rock and ragged terrain, diving in Dakar, Senegal is a unique experience. Coupled with the fact that even some of the most active and advanced divers never make it to Senegal, divers will get the feeling like they’ve got the Atlantic to themselves when they’re exploring the underwater world around some of Dakar’s four uninhabited islands.
Diving in Dakar affords opportunities for beginner and advanced divers, and includes various types of diving from shore dives to shoal dives and wreck dives. In addition to coral and fishes, dolphins, sharks, and rays frequent the waters just off Dakar’s Cap Vert peninsula, and divers love photographing these amazing marine creatures.
Divers who are determined to explore these rarely charted waters may have to do a little digging. The majority of dive sites around Senegal are frequently published in French, and dive operators experience significant turnover. Only those who have been to West Africa before might appreciate the slower pace, low-tech way of life on which the people and the land seem to depend for survival. Thus, divers who want to contact a local dive guide are encouraged to step back a little and make a few connections; our business directory can help you connect with the dive operators in Senegal, some of whom have been taking guests on dives for decades. Have no fear that they’re there–they just spend a lot more time diving and a lot less time updating their blogs.
If you want to enjoy a slower pace in life, and thrilling dive sites that are rich with history and unfrequented by tourists, Senegal is for you. Next, we’ll explore the general areas and dive sites that you’ll find off the coast of Dakar in the African Atlantic waters.
N’Gor
The island of N’Gor is located just to the north of Dakar, and is one of two inhabited islands of the four that surround the Senegalese capital city. There are more than 30 dive sites off the coast of N’Gor island. Most of these sites are accessed by boat in less than 15 minutes from the shore. The cliffs, walls, ancient riverbeds, and smooth, rocky ridges are covered in sea fans, sponges and red coral. Among these sites the marine life is abundant at depths of 10-30 meters, and divers see typical as well as rare and unexpected species. There are grouper, carp, and sea breams as well. Beyond 30 meters, several wrecks can be seen by divers interested in an underwater lesson in history. Nitrox is available at the N’Gor dive sites.
Madeleine Islands
Located off the west coast of Dakar, these protected islands are a bird sanctuary and reserve and are accessible by boat. Also sometimes called the Snake Islands, there is much opportunity on the islands to interact with nature and educate yourself on the ecosystem and biology of the region. Divers of all types from beginner to advanced are welcome, though beginning divers will want to dive in small coves. There are a number of dive sites on the Madeleine Islands, and average depths are about 15-25 m (50-80 ft). Currents are low (less than 1 knot), and visibility ranges from 10-30 meters.
Goreé
The island of Goree has a dark history–in more ways than one. On the surface, it is a memorial of the many Africans pulled into slavery and loaded onto ships headed for the West. Underwater, it is a grave of dead ships called the Cemetery M’Bao. In all, there are approximately 100 shipwrecks at Cemetery M’Bao, with each vessel in varying condition. The cemetery dive sites hosts the wrecks of ships such as the Takoma (Tacoma), Konnke Thie, andKonnahke.
Tacoma Wreck
The Tacoma wreck dive site is located just off the north end of Goreé Island. The ship sunk in 1940 when it was blasted by cannon balls from Goreé. Divers who explore its remains may experience medium visibility of 5-10 meters in depths of 12-15 m (40-50 feet). In the summer months, the area becomes a tuna hunting and feeding ground, which is exciting for divers to witness. Divers should beware of the significant boat traffic, however, as the island of Goreé is one of the top tourist destination sites for visitors to Senegal and should not be missed.
Seminole Bank
Shoal diving is offered at Seminole Bank, located 5.3 miles off the Southwest coast of Goreé Island. The site is difficult to find, and divers generally need to have advanced open water certification to scuba dive in the area. Once the site is reached, divers will experience unique and exciting rock shapes that are almost mountain-like. In the sandier areas, rays can often be seen. Depths reach as deep as 35 m (115 feet) and visibility is good (up to 30 m). Currents are generally low, at less than one knot.
Yoff
A hub for local fishing off the north coast of Dakar, like many villages in Senegal, the island of Yoff is almost like a peninsula. Its sandy beaches are enjoyable, but the currents can be strong. It is one of the few places where diving from shore is available in Dakar, Senegal. The waters are teeming with fish and other marine life such as parrot fish, angelfish and butterfly fish. The operators in the area are both PADI and CMAS instructors. In Yoff, surfing and other water sports have taken off as well.
Cape Verde Islands
Located about 50 miles off the coast of Dakar, the Cape Verde Islands are home to more than 70 shipwrecks that have sunken over the last four centuries. These include the U.S.S. Yorktown, The Lady Burgess, The Norfolk, andThe Hartwell, among others. Not all of the older wrecks are accessible to divers, but many of the artifacts are on display in the capital, Praia.