Dakar Ouakam
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.
Dakar Ouakam surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (310°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 340°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 50° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.8m
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Dakar Ouakam?
Dakar Ouakam is a reef break in Cap-Vert Peninsula, Senegal, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Dakar Ouakam?
Dakar Ouakam picks up swell from the W round to the NNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NW. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Dakar Ouakam?
An E wind is dead offshore at Dakar Ouakam, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 7am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Dakar Ouakam?
Dakar Ouakam is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Dakar Ouakam?
The most reliable run of swell at Dakar Ouakam comes Oct to Apr. North Atlantic winter swells. October-April.
How cold is the water at Dakar Ouakam?
The water at Dakar Ouakam averages around 22°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Dakar Ouakam good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Sharp volcanic reef. Respect local crew.
How do I get to Dakar Ouakam?
The nearest airport on our list is DSS, then it's roughly a 25-minute drive. Just outside Dakar city. N'Gor Island nearby for more waves.
What other surf spots are near Dakar Ouakam?
The closest breaks we track are Vivier Right (3.2 km), Vivier Left (3.2 km) and Secret Spot (Almadies) (3.6 km), handy when Dakar Ouakam isn't working. Fun fact: it's the third most southerly break we track in Senegal.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
North Atlantic winter swells. October-April.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Vivier Right
➡️ Fast hollow right • Partner to Vivier Left • Tide-dependent
Vivier Left
⬅️ Quality left walls • Higher tide option • Dakar staple
Secret Spot (Almadies)
🤫 Not-so-secret • Below US Embassy • Consistent A-frame
Club Med
🏨 Heavy hollow rights • Old resort landmark • Respect the locals
N'Gor Right
🌍 West Africa's best • Warm & uncrowded • North Atlantic swells
Yoff Beach
🏖️ Beginner-friendly • Multiple peaks • Easy access
Plan a trip around Dakar Ouakam
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