Ouakam is the flagship wave of Senegal's growing surf scene—a quality right-hand reef break on the volcanic Cap-Vert peninsula just outside the capital Dakar. When North Atlantic winter swells sweep down the African coast, this reef comes alive with long, workable walls and occasional barrel sections. N'Gor Right, accessible by pirogue (traditional fishing boat), offers additional world-class options nearby. Senegal represents surf exploration at its most genuine, with a welcoming local community and the sense of discovering something special. This is West African surfing's emerging frontier.
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Water temp
22°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Just outside Dakar city. N'Gor Island nearby for more waves.
Dakar Ouakam works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
Offshore wind at Dakar Ouakam blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 50° to 130° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
Dakar Ouakam wants NW swell (280° to 340°) between 0.8m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
The main season at Dakar Ouakam is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. North Atlantic winter swells. October-April.
Fly into DSS, then allow about 25 minutes by road. Just outside Dakar city. N'Gor Island nearby for more waves.
Dakar Ouakam is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
North Atlantic winter swells. October-April.
➡️ Fast hollow right • Partner to Vivier Left • Tide-dependent
⬅️ Quality left walls • Higher tide option • Dakar staple
🤫 Not-so-secret • Below US Embassy • Consistent A-frame
🏨 Heavy hollow rights • Old resort landmark • Respect the locals
🌍 West Africa's best • Warm & uncrowded • North Atlantic swells
🏖️ Beginner-friendly • Multiple peaks • Easy access