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Aerial satellite view of Baie des Carpes surf break in Mermoz Boabab, Senegal, Senegal
Mermoz Boabab, Senegal, Senegal

Baie des Carpes

14.752, -17.526
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against WannaSurf
At a glance
  • Baie des Carpes is a left over reef, playful to hollow left-hand reef with long rides on bigger swells.
  • Intermediate to advanced ability, working 3-12 ft.
  • Peak October to March, water 19-27°C.
Left · ReefIntermediate → Advanced3–12 ftJan – Dec

A left-hand reef break tucked on the Dakar peninsula that earns a look precisely because most surfers drive past it toward N'gor Island. SW to NW groundswell wraps into the bay and produces left-handers with occasionally long tube sections, working from 3ft up to double-overhead and beyond. Offshore winds out of the E to NE keep faces clean. The wave is playful at smaller sizes and can hold surprisingly long rides on good days, with tube time available when the swell is pumping. Skill range runs broad, from intermediate surfers looking for uncrowded fun to experienced riders chasing long barrels with no audience. Bottom: rocky reef. Season: Oct to Mar (N hemisphere groundswell window). Consistency: moderate, fickle below 3ft. Do not surf here after heavy rain: runoff from the nearby fishing village spikes pollution and Mako sharks have been reported in the water.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Playful to hollow left-hand reef with long rides on bigger swells.

Conditions

When it works
Optimum tide
All tides
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
19° to 27°C
Wetsuit
Boardies to 2mm
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for punchy days
  • Step-up 6ft 8in to 7ft for overhead-plus swells
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

One of the quieter lineups in the Dakar area. Weekdays it runs empty, weekends may see a handful of surfers, but crowds rarely build. Locals from the nearby fishing community use the coastline, so respect is essential. No significant localism reported, but the usual courtesy applies.

Access & Facilities

Park at the Hotel Meridien President lot, a small entry fee may be required. Walk to the beach and the break is visible to the left. No surf rentals or facilities on site. Bring water and wax. Reef entry requires care over sharp rocks.

Nearby Alternatives

N'gor Island right is the go-to when this spot is flat or the swell angle is wrong. Yoff and the outer Dakar reefs offer further options if the whole bay is underperforming.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Baie des Carpes surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

What you need to know before paddling out at Baie des Carpes

What skill level is Baie des Carpes suited for?
Baie des Carpes is a reef bottom, playful to hollow left-hand reef with long rides on bigger swells, break suited for intermediate through advanced surfers.
What size does Baie des Carpes work best at?
Working size is 3 to 12 ft. Below 3 ft the swell goes flat. Above 12 ft it gets heavy and the lineup thins out.
When is the best season to surf Baie des Carpes?
Baie des Carpes fires from October through March. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Baie des Carpes need?
Baie des Carpes switches on with swells out of the SW to NW (225 to 315 degrees).
What type of wave is Baie des Carpes?
Baie des Carpes is a left-breaking wave over reef. Playful to hollow left-hand reef with long rides on bigger swells.
How crowded is Baie des Carpes?
Lineup is mellow. Visiting surfers fit in fine if they wait their turn.
Where can I stay near Baie des Carpes?
1 camp sit within easy reach. The closest is Copacabana Surf Village, 3.2 km from the lineup.

Sources

  • WannaSurf
Baie des Carpes
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