Baki (Turtle Islands)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Empty
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Baki (Turtle Islands) is a remote, exposed surfing point break off the Sherbro/Turtle Islands area, known for very reliable surf and long, peeling left-hand lines. The break is described as high quality with a medium wave character overall, and it performs best when the swell aligns with the point—particularly when south swells wrap into long workable lines. Access is a major part of the experience: getting there typically requires a long, rugged multi-stage journey from the Freetown area involving a jeep segment and multiple boat transfers (or an organized boat charter). Once at the island, visitors should expect minimal infrastructure and plan to be fully self-sufficient for gear, food, and safety. Wind patterns in the region are shaped by dry-season trade-winds with an afternoon sea-breeze effect. Wind is described as having light gustiness and overall low reliability, with best conditions typically coming in the dry season—especially from November through February. For the left point, NE or E winds are described as offshore/cleaner, while the spot remains generally exposed to weather and sea conditions. Safety planning is essential: strong currents/rip currents are possible, the spot has no lifeguards or formal water rescue services, and medical help is limited and requires a multi-hour boat trip to Bonthe for basic care. Visitors are advised to bring all surf gear (including repair supplies) and travel with local support where possible.

  • Exposed, very reliable point break
  • Long, peeling left-hand rides on the sandy point
  • Best in the dry season (notably November)
  • Exceptionally remote, off-the-grid setting
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed but very reliable point-break surf
  • Long, peeling left-hand rides when swell aligns with the point
  • Remote, off-the-grid experience with very low crowd levels
Heads up
  • Extremely remote and logistically demanding access (multi-leg journey by jeep and boat)
  • No equipment rental or on-site gear repair
  • No formal rescue services and limited emergency options due to remoteness
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NE, E
Offshore directions
NE, E
Wind Range
5–15 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Dry-season northeast Harmattan trade-winds (gradient) with a dependable afternoon sea-breeze effect.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Wind described as having light gustiness.
Best Months
November, December, January, February
Shadow Zones
In the lee of the island's palm forest.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand at/near the remote beach at the tip of Baki island.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Medium wave size described overall for the break.
Launch
Small — Remote sandy beach at the tip of Baki island.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
25–29 °C
Water Temperature
25–34 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: No wetsuit requiredrash vest or ~1mm neoprene top for sun/wind-chill
Crowds by Season

Virtually non-existent; likely only one or very few surfers.

Storm/Rain Season

May to October is the heavy rainy season with frequent squalls and high humidity.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed, very reliable point break with a high-quality left-hand line that peels along the sandy edge. Surf is described as exposed, with reliable surf conditions.

Point break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
S, SW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed — Point is exposed to weather and swell; minimal shelter.
Wind Effect
Cleanest with NE or E winds which are offshore for the left point.
Bigger Swell
Handles larger swells well, with the point wrapping energy into long lines.
Wave Quality
Good — Described as very reliable with good quality when winds/swell align.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling — Long, peeling left-hand point break described along the sandy western edge.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Long — Long, workable faces when swell alignment is correct.
Ride Length Details
Can offer long, workable faces on correctly aligned south swells with the point.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Baki (Turtle Islands) in the full forecast view.

Baki (Turtle Islands) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–9 ktsGusts 12 kts
Direction
SW231°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 269 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.6–0.9 m10s period
Temperature
27–29 °C

Over the next 7 days, Baki (Turtle Islands) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 12 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.6–0.9 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • Extreme remoteness
  • Strong currents (rip currents possible along the point)
  • No medical facilities on-site
  • Sun exposure
  • No formal coastguard/organized water rescue services on the islands
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No formal coastguard/organized water rescue services on the islands; visitors must be entirely self-sufficient or travel with a support boat.
Emergency Info
Emergency services can be reached via 112, but response in remote areas is extremely limited; nearest medical facilities are in Bonthe.

Rules of the spot

Bring all gear and operate with extra self-sufficiency due to extreme remoteness and no formal rescue services.

Restrictions
  • No vehicle access; beach/launch access relies on boat landings.
Local Tips
  • Bring all your own surf gear (including wax and repair kits).
  • Travel with a local guide or organized boat charter.
  • Nearest basic medical help is in Bonthe, requiring a multi-hour boat trip.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Freetown
Nearest Town
Bonthe
Parking
No vehicle access; boat landing on the beach.
Public Transport
Primarily private/chartered boat access from Freetown or via Bonthe; no land-based public transport to the islands.
Access
Accessible only by boat; typically a multi-hour journey from the Freetown/Kent side with transfers by jeep and boat (or via organized boat charter).
Cost Level
Expensive
Local Language
English, Krio
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Far — Extremely limited; usually involves camping or very basic local guesthouses on nearby islands.
Food & Drink
None available on-site; visitors must bring all supplies.
Equipment Rental:
No equipment rental services exist on the islands.
Gear Storage
No dedicated gear storage available; visitors must manage their own equipment.
Gear Repair
No professional gear repair services available.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

An eight-island remote archipelago with unspoiled white-sand beaches and very limited development, centered around fishing and eco-focused tourism.

Best time to visit: December to February for a good balance of wind and dry weather.
Pristine Beaches0km

Unspoiled white sand beaches stretching across the eight islands.

Turtle Islands Archipelago

Turquoise waters, white sand banks, and palm-lined beaches.

Local Fishing Villages1km

Traditional Sherbro fishing communities where visitors can observe local customs and hand-carved pirogues.

Fishermen communities

Visit local fishermen communities on Baki, Chepo, and Nyangei to learn about their way of life.

Deep Sea Fishing2km

World-class sport fishing in waters around the archipelago, including tarpon and barracuda.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling in pristine aqua and turquoise waters.

Baki Guesthouse kitchen

Basic cooking facilities at Baki Guesthouse; no formal restaurants mentioned.

Beach exploration

Swimming and exploring beaches lined by palms and mangroves.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Baki (Turtle Islands)?

The best overall months at Baki (Turtle Islands) are November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are November, December, January, February.

Which wind directions work at Baki (Turtle Islands)?

Baki (Turtle Islands) works with N, NE, E winds. Offshore directions are NE, E.

What skill level is Baki (Turtle Islands) suitable for?

Baki (Turtle Islands) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.