Dakar

Dakar

Senegal

Wander through the colorful colonial architecture of Gorée Island and trace Africa's poignant history at its centuries-old slave trade sites.

💱 Currency West African CFA franc (XOF)
🗣 Language French
🕐 Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Dec–Apr
🚢 Typical Duration 8-43 nights
💰 Price Range From $2,350 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to West African exploration and a key departure point for transatlantic and African coastal cruises visiting Cape Town, the Bissagos Islands, and beyond.

Cruises that visit Dakar

Build Your Day in Dakar

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
African Renaissance Monument Definitely climb up if you physically can because it's challenging. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 10k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Pullman Dakar Teranga Lots of lobby indoor/ outdoor sitting areas, bar. Hotel · ★ 4.6 · 7k
Sea Plaza Nice area for hanging out, shopping, food, sunset vibe, or groceries. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Hann Zoological Park The place is cool, free entrance and suitable for kids and adults. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.8 · 5k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Bandia Reserve Affordable and entertaining plus educational. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Place du Souvenir Africain Open free entry space unless there is a private event taking place. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 4k
Magic Land All fun, though some of the activities are scary. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.8 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
House of Slaves It’s like a museum now with guides to give you a background on the island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Hotel Terrou-Bi Dakar I went there with my son and my mom, we had an amazing time. Hotel · ★ 4.3 · 3k
L'Adresse Dakar They also have good food and a nice roof top bar with delicious cocktails. Hotel · ★ 4.8 · 3k
Phare des Mamelles It’s an amazing place affordable to have great memories and experiences. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Restaurant Le Lagon 1 Amazing delicious food, great atmosphere, friendly attentive staff Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Restaurant le Bazoff Wonderful in every way- atmosphere- food-wine-music Bar · ★ 4.1 · 2k 🕐 Closes soon · 1 AM
Sandaga Great place to go for fabrics, art, etc. Market · ★ 3.8 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Museum of Black Civilisations Amazing building and museum, jnformative exhibitions and inspiring art Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Restaurant La Pointe des Almadies I had a filet of the local fish and it was amazing! Restaurant · ★ 4 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Melo's Patisserie aux Mamelles Delicious food, great atmosphere and friendly staff. Brunch · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Seven Seven Dakar Great food, great vibe, great service Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Le Cabanon Dakar Waiting for normal menu prices and a better food choice selection. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
La Fourchette Tasty cuisines, friendly staff, live band music. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Restaurant La Terrasse Excellent food and service in a beautiful open space setting. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories You can go to all three locations on foot in just a few minutes. Catholic cathedral · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Beluga restaurant Excellent, food , service, design, everything was excellent. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
LE TANDEM Restaurant - Lounge - Take Away Food - Dakar A good place to be, drink and have a proper dinner. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Place de l'Indépendance Just observing people moving around is a great fun. Garden · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Village Des Arts Watching some of the artists do their work was fantastic 😍. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Restaurant Terrasse Farid The service is impeccable, and the food is simply exceptional! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Le Chic Restaurant & Night club Night club · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Bienvenue à Dakar Hiking area · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Onyx Bar Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Scenic Overlook The lookout is cool but no WOW! Scenic spot · ★ 4 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Dakar is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Dakar

About Dakar

Dakar stands as one of Africa's most vibrant and welcoming cruise ports, offering travelers an authentic introduction to Senegalese culture and the broader West African region. As the capital of Senegal and the westernmost point of continental Africa, this dynamic port city serves as a fascinating port of call for eight major cruise lines, including luxury operators like Silversea, Seabourn, and PONANT Explorations. With 53 upcoming cruises calling here, Dakar has become an increasingly popular stopover for explorers seeking something beyond the typical Caribbean itinerary.

Most cruises featuring Dakar are eight-night voyages that combine this West African gem with equally compelling destinations like Cape Town, the Bissagos Islands, Walvis Bay, and even European ports such as Lisbon. The peak season runs from November through April, when weather conditions are ideal for coastal exploration. Whether you're embarking on a full African circumnavigation or enjoying a shorter regional journey, Dakar's strategic location makes it an ideal launching point for discovering the continent's rich heritage.

Upon arrival, you'll find a port with excellent facilities and convenient access to the city's most compelling attractions. The vibrant medina, historic colonial architecture, and world-class museums lie within easy reach, while the nearby island of Gorée—a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in poignant history—makes for an unforgettable excursion. Dakar's warm hospitality and colorful markets ensure every visitor leaves with memories as rich as the city's cultural tapestry.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Gorée Island's Haunting History

Take a short ferry to this UNESCO World Heritage site, where the restored colonial architecture and House of Slaves museum offer profound insights into Senegal's past. Wander cobblestone streets lined with vibrant art galleries and studios, then enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants while watching the Atlantic sunset paint the island golden.

2

Vibrant Medina Market Experience

Dive into the sensory chaos of Dakar's bustling Medina district, where colorful fabrics, traditional crafts, and local artwork fill every stall. Haggle for authentic souvenirs—from intricately carved masks to vibrant textiles—while sampling street food like thieboudienne and fresh tropical fruits from friendly vendors.

3

Plateau's Colonial Charm

Stroll through Dakar's historic Plateau neighborhood to admire French colonial architecture, including the striking Presidential Palace and the serene Cathedral of Dakar. Browse boutique shops and galleries showcasing contemporary Senegalese art, then relax at a sidewalk café sipping traditional mint tea while observing local life.

4

Ngor Island Beach Escape

Escape to pristine Ngor Island, just offshore, where golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters invite swimming and relaxation. Local fishermen still use traditional wooden pirogues, creating an authentic scene perfect for photography, and beachside restaurants serve grilled fish caught that morning.

5

Dakar's Contemporary Art Scene

Explore the Musée de l'IFAN to discover West African art, archaeology, and ethnography, or visit independent galleries in the Plateau district showcasing cutting-edge Senegalese contemporary artists. Dakar's creative energy rivals major African art capitals, offering genuine cultural immersion beyond typical tourist attractions.

Cruise Lines at Dakar

Cruises Departing From Dakar

Cruises Visiting Dakar

Ship Schedule at Dakar

Dakar Location

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dakar known for?

Dakar is renowned for its culture, music, markets, and historical sites like Goree Island.

What is the best time to visit Dakar?

The dry season from November to May offers milder weather and less rain.

What are top attractions in Dakar?

Goree Island, African Renaissance Monument, and Dakar’s markets along the Plateau.

How do I travel to Goree Island?

Take a ferry from Dakar's port; plan ahead and check tide times.