South of Dakar and north of The Gambia, the Sine-Saloum is the big ticket estuary that draws visitors from around the world for fishing, bird-watching, and indulging in sundowners next to one of the many waterways.

But slightly further north, and much closer to the Dakar airport (it’s about 45 minutes away if you take the highway), is the Somone Lagoon, a smaller estuary that still allows for plenty of exploration.

Things to See and do at the Somone Lagoon

• Swimming and other water activities – the lagoon is fed by the ocean, and there is a mostly immaculate beach at the mouth of it. You can rent boogie boards and surfboards or just enjoy lazing on the beach. If you want to go for a wade, or a more relaxing swim, you can dip into the lagoon. The waters are calm, just be mindful of passing motorboats and be aware that the water can get quite shallow at low tide. For all water activities — whether it’s a rental or a surf lesson — we recommend Omar Surf. Omar can be reached on whatsapp at +221 77 406 06 59. He is also featured on the embedded map above.
• Go for a hike – there is an easy walk on flat terrain that you can enjoy through the mangroves. It is marked on the map above as “Randonnée Ecologique Lagune.” It will cost you 1500 CFA per person (you pay directly to the park service) and it takes about 30 minutes to do the full loop. It is a very enjoyable walk, especially if you like birdlife!
• Take a boat ride into the lagoon – there are numerous piroguiers offering their services on the edge of the lagoon. An hour trip through the lagoon will cost around 6500 cfa per person (kids are typically free and you can also try to negotiate further). The park service takes 2000 CFA of that 6500 CFA and you pay that portion in their little green house that is on the beach. I highly recommend the trip. The lagoon doesn’t look like much from the beach, but once you take a boat into the dense mangroves, the park’s expanse will really sink in.
• Take your own boat into the lagoon – another great way to explore the lagoon! Whether you rent or own a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or other watercraft, you still need to pay 2000 CFA to the park service in the small green hut on the beach.
• Bird-watching – whether you take a boat trip or do the walk through the mangroves, you will see plenty of birds. Pelicans, great white herons, terns, pied kingfishers, and fish eagles, just to name a few. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them. If not, no stress, you will get quite close to many of the birds anyway!
• Relax, eat and drink – there are several beach side bars and restaurants along with a few along the lagoon. It is a great spot for fresh seafood, particularly oysters. Some of the restaurants, like Chez Rasta, will ferry you to and from the beach free of charge. Just tell the piroguier you are going to eat Chez Rasta and there will be no charge for the trip. Food will run you around 6000 CFA for most plates, if you want the full 3-course-meal.

Getting there

There is talk of extending the Somone Lagoon all the way to the Bandia Reserve. If this happens, you may one day be able to take a boat down to the beach from further inland. For now, there are two ways to arrive by road. You can take a car from the highway via Ngaparou. Or you can take the back roads that go between Popenguine, Guereo and the Lagoon.

You can negotiate a taxi from the airport for 15000 CFA, perhaps a bit more than that if you take the highway (a toll road). For safety and less manic driving conditions, tell the taximan to take the highway.

If you are coming from Saly, you can negotiate a taxi for 5000 CFA (depending on where you are in Saly) and it will take you about 30 minutes.

Getting around the lagoon

Once you arrive, you can easily get around on foot or by hiring a piroguier. The area itself is quite small. You can also easily walk into the town of Somone.

What else is there to see and do in Somone

Somone is a quieter, less touristy version of Saly. The main market area is relaxed and the “downtown” is just a few shops and restaurants around the mayor’s office. The beach is the main attraction. There is plenty of public beach space along with numerous private resorts.