Île de Ngor

Ngor Island sits just off the beach of Ngor village on the northern tip of the Cap-Vert peninsula, and it is the easiest island escape from Dakar. The crossing by pirogue, the brightly painted wooden boats used by local fishermen, takes only a few minutes, and once there you find beaches on all sides of the island, a handful of restaurants and a surf camp.

Ngor itself is a former Lebou fishing village that has kept much of its character, with colourful pirogues pulled up on the shore and an active fishing trade. The local guide Au Sénégal describes Ngor Bay as one of Senegal's top surf spots, with waves all year, and surfers come for the breaks around the island. Swimming and scuba diving are also popular. Beginners can book lessons with mainland surf schools such as Take Off Ngor and École Surf Attitude, and a small surf camp at the tip of the island, powered by solar panels, offers rooms for surfers who want to stay over.

Food is a big part of a visit. Simple restaurants serve grilled fish and Senegalese dishes; Saveur magazine recommends Sunu Makane, also known as Chez Seck, for fish yassa made with the day's catch. Service is relaxed, so ask about prices before ordering if there is no menu. A popular local challenge in summer is to swim across from the mainland, which is only for strong swimmers who know the currents.

Boats leave from the beach at Ngor village. Return fares are typically in the low thousands of CFA francs; keep your ticket for the return trip. Wear sandals and keep valuables in a waterproof bag, as you may get wet climbing in and out of the boat. Boats run through the day, but check the time of the last return before settling in for the afternoon.

Allow half a day, or a full day if you want to surf or simply relax. Weekends are busier with Dakar families and groups, so weekdays are quieter. The island suits families, couples and solo travellers alike, but supervise children on the rocks and in the water, as currents can be strong. Back on the mainland, the restaurants and bars of Ngor and Les Almadies, including Le N'Gor on the corniche, are close by for sunset.