Senegal's diving is concentrated around Dakar, where the site mix spans natural reefs, walls, wrecks and artificial structures. The wreck diving is a particular draw: from the shallow, accessible Nogaye off Gorée Island to the deep Epave Chi Chuan and the Mbao Wreck Cemetery site Etoile Rouge, there is progression for every certification level. Reef and wall diving at Almadies Reefs adds further variety, with drop-offs and surge-exposed terrain at sites like Falaises and Shark Reef. Marine life is reliably observed across most sites: the Green Sea Turtle and Cornetfish appear at virtually every location, while three moray species, including the Honeycomb Moray and Purplemouth Moray, give the region a distinctive character. Water temperatures cool noticeably in late winter and early spring, then warm steadily through summer into autumn.
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Monthly water temperature across Senegal's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperatures follow a clear seasonal curve, cooling to their lowest in late winter and early spring before climbing through summer to peak warmth in September and October. Visibility varies considerably, and conditions at exposed sites like Falaises can be affected by surf and shore break. The best diving months cluster in late spring and again in autumn, when conditions and water temperature combine most favourably.
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Water temperature around Senegal ranges from about 18°C in March to 28°C in September, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 28°C) a rash guard or 3mm shorty is comfortable in Senegal; in the coldest months (about 18°C) step up to a 5mm suit.
Fin maps 30 sites in Senegal (29 scuba diving sites and 3 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Across Senegal's dive sites, May, June, October and November are most often reported as the best months to visit.
Observation-backed sightings across Senegal's sites include Green Sea Turtle, Scorpionfish, Pufferfish, Round Fantail Stingray and Cornetfish, which appear at virtually every site. Three moray species are recorded: the Honeycomb Moray, Purplemouth Moray and Viper Moray, making morays a signature of the region. Soldierfish, Grunt and Hermit Crab are also very commonly encountered.
Several sites are rated beginner level, including the shore-entry Bailla and Gorée Ecole, as well as boat-access sites like Shark Reef, Raba Cissé and Madeleine Islands. Baie de l'Océanium in Soumbédioune is a particularly gentle shore dive with very shallow depths, well suited to those building confidence. More advanced wrecks and deeper walls are available for certified divers ready to progress.
Senegal has a strong spread of wreck sites pitched at different skill levels. Intermediate divers can explore Nogaye and Océanie off Gorée Island, as well as Gouye Top and Gouye Podium off Soumbédioune. Advanced divers with wreck certification should target Epave Chi Chuan and Etoile Rouge, both of which rest at significant depth and require specific training.
Two operators are listed for the region: Nautilus Diving and Oceanium de Dakar. Both are based in the Dakar area, which is the hub for all diving in Senegal. Booking with a local operator is particularly recommended for boat-access sites, the majority of which require organised transfers.
