Ngor
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Mixed
- Spot Type
- 8–12 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Ngor is a crescent-shaped bay on the outskirts of Dakar, formed between rocky headlands. The main attraction is its right-hand break (often referred to as Ngor Right), widely described as legendary and highly consistent, with powerful right sections that can deliver long, wall-like rides. Conditions are described as excellent for surfing, though exposure and exact takeoff zone can change how the break behaves. For wind sports, the spot sits within Dakar’s North/Northeast trade-wind regime (Alizé), often reinforced by a sea-breeze/thermal component developing in the afternoon. This supports sessions across the dry season, with the most commonly cited months for wind in and around Ngor running from November through May (and also including winter/spring months in some sources). However, for kitesurfing specifically, wind reliability is repeatedly described as low (around the 15% level), so consistency is not guaranteed day to day. Hazards are a recurring theme. The area combines rocky structure, nearby ships/boat traffic (pirogues), and reported strong currents in channel areas; sea urchins are also noted on the rocks. Because of these factors, booties and protective gear are strongly recommended, and offshore wind days should be treated cautiously. Launching can be restricted when the tight sandy beach area is crowded. Overall, Ngor’s value is strongest for surfers seeking the iconic right-hand wave, while kitesurfers and other wind users should plan around the stronger trade-season months and be prepared for navigation and safety constraints caused by rocks, boats, and currents.
- Ngor Right described as legendary/consistent
- Trade winds (N to NE) with afternoon thermal/sea-breeze reinforcement
- Kitesurfing is limited by low wind reliability and complex local hazards (rocks/boats/currents)
- World-class right-hand surfing (Ngor Right) with consistent right sections
- Trade-wind conditions during the dry season support wind sports
- Good support from nearby restaurants and tourist infrastructure
- Low wind reliability is cited for kitesurfing, limiting consistency
- Rocky hazards and frequent boat traffic complicate launches and navigation
- Strong currents in the channel and sea-urchin hazards increase risk
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N
- Offshore directions
- NE, E, ESE
- Wind Range
- 8–12 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — North to northeast trade winds (Alizé), sometimes reinforced by local thermal effects in the afternoon.
- Reliability
- 15% (low reliability cited for kitesurfing)
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gusts described as moderate for the bay/timing window.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach is reported, with rocky outcrops nearby.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave size reported; swell can range to larger working surf depending on conditions.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Kitesurf sources describe flat-to-choppy conditions; overall water described as chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Crescent-shaped bay with rocky headlands; one source describes a tighter sandy area often crowded with local boats.
Through the year
Peak tourist/surf season is December to March; very crowded on weekends year-round. Surf is described as moderate in December to February and lighter in March to May and October to November.
July to October (rainy season); heaviest July to September in some descriptions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Low wind reliability limits consistency; best during November to May with lighter north winds. Water can be flat-to-choppy in sheltered areas, but rocky hazards and heavy boat traffic require extra caution.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Freeride and wave sailing are possible; launching can be tricky due to limited beach space and nearby hazards.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Channel and outer areas can be excellent for foiling once clear of shore rocks.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions are reported.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
Ngor Right (right-hand point/reef break) is described as legendary and among the most consistent waves in West Africa, with powerful right sections.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NNW, NW, N
- Swell Height
- 1–3.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, All tides — Mid/high tide works best per one source; another source indicates all-tides.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered in the bay with rock headlands; another source describes exposed conditions—expect exposure to vary by exact takeoff zone and swell angle.
- Wind Effect
- North to northeast winds are offshore to sideshore/clean for the main break; onshore SW winds can blow the surf out.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well; becomes very heavy/expert-only on larger swells (especially for more dangerous sections).
- Wave Quality
- World class — World-class quality reported.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Powerful right-hand walls.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — One source describes peeling; another describes hollow (bigger/alternate conditions), so expect a mix depending on swell/tide.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed described as medium for the Ngor Right profile.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Point-break right-hand rides can be long; lefts may be shorter.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Point-break with long rides on the right; typical ride lengths are reported as about 100–200 m in one source.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ngor in the full forecast view.
Ngor wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–13 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- NNW332°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.8 m10s period
- Temperature
- 26–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ngor is forecast for daytime winds of 3–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.9–1.8 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- Rocks
- Ships/boat traffic (pirogues)
- Rocky headlands
- Offshore wind danger
- Sea urchins on rocks
- Strong currents in the channel
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported at the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level source reports no; regional baseline describes rescue as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue availability is reported as no at spot level in one source; regionally described as limited (dependent on local community/camps).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism is reported; respect local surfers at the main peak.
Rules of the spot
Avoid offshore wind conditions if you are not confident with self-rescue; respect local surfers at the main peak and give way to fishing boats. Avoid launching when the restricted sandy area is crowded with tourists.
- Launching area can be restricted when the beach is crowded with tourists.
- Wear booties to protect against rocky-bottom hazards and sea urchins if you need to walk on rocks.
- Watch for frequent boat traffic crossing between the beach and island.
- Plan around offshore wind days and strong currents; be cautious near rocks and headland edges where turbulence increases.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Dakar
- Nearest Town
- Ngor
- Parking
- Limited street parking nearby; arriving by taxi is reported as best.
- Public Transport
- Primarily via local taxis and buses; surf camps use shuttles
- Access
- At the west end of Yof Bay, just north of Dakar (Cap-Vert peninsula near the Almadies). Northern tip of the Dakar peninsula; accessible by taxi or local bus.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- French, Wolof
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Guest houses on Ngor Island and hotels in the Almadies district.
- Food & Drink
- Many beachside restaurants serving fresh fish and local Senegalese dishes.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available through local surf camps and some kite schools in the wider Dakar area.
- Gear Storage
- Limited to surf camps for guests.
- Gear Repair
- Minor surfboard repairs available locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ngor sits on the Cap-Vert peninsula within Dakar’s coastal sport culture, with nearby sightseeing and city access in Almadies.
Tranquil island accessible by boat; known for beaches, art galleries, and narrow winding paths.
Tallest statue in Africa with panoramic views of the peninsula.
UNESCO World Heritage site connected to the Atlantic slave trade, featuring historic architecture and museums.
Sport fishing hub in the Almadies area targeting species like marlin and sailfish.
Seafood-focused strip of restaurants and bars overlooking the ocean.
Amusement park on the Dakar Corniche.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ngor?
The best overall months at Ngor are January, February, March, April, May, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Ngor?
Ngor works with N winds. Offshore directions are NE, E, ESE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ngor?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ngor: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m². The typical wind range is 8–12 kts.
What skill level is Ngor suitable for?
Ngor suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.