How to Move for Surfing in Dakar (Almadies): From AIBD to the Line-Up

2025-09-24 by Nicolas Z.

How to Move for Surfing in Dakar (Almadies): From AIBD to the Line-Up

Landing at Dakar for a surf trip? This is a practical, field-tested walkthrough to clear the airport, protect your board, and reach Almadies safely. It also covers how to move between spots like Ngor, Vivier and Secret once you’re in the neighborhood.

[InsĂ©rer image de couverture ici – alt: “View over Almadies coastline with Ngor island in the distance, early morning light.”]

Table of Contents

Before You Land: What to Expect at AIBD

AIBD (the international airport) runs two main immigration lines: one usually marked for the African community (right), and one for all passengers (left). After passport control you’ll pass a small, reliable exchange desk to convert cash to CFA. As a personal reference point, €1 ≈ 650 CFA (author’s benchmark; rates vary).

Takeaway

  • Expect two immigration queues; follow signage.
  • Convert a small amount to CFA right after customs if needed.
  • Keep all stubs and baggage tags handy.

[InsĂ©rer image pertinente ici – alt: “Airport arrivals hall signage at AIBD, indicating immigration lanes.”]

Clearing Immigration, Cash & Connectivity (CFA & SIM)

Quick CFA exchange

There is a small counter after customs with sensible, safe rates for CFA. Change what you need for taxis and small expenses. Keep receipts.

SIM & Wi-Fi basics

AIBD Wi-Fi is generally good enough for WhatsApp. If you don’t have an international plan, disable roaming or remove your SIM until you decide. Orange offers a ~€30 travel option (author experience). You can purchase a local SIM later; for arrival logistics, Wi-Fi + WhatsApp usually suffice.

Retrieving Your Surfboard (Don’t Leave Without Paperwork)

Bags arrive first; surfboards often come out last at a separate oversize point at the back. Waiting can be long. If your board hasn’t appeared after ~1 hour, start asking questions.

Golden rule: Do not leave the airport without an official paper stating your board is pending.

  • This document is essential to track your item.
  • Expect to return daily to check yourself; don’t rely on a call.
  • Politely decline offers from unknown locals to “pick it up for you.”

[InsĂ©rer image/tableau explicatif – alt: “Oversize baggage claim sign and a surfboard bag icon.”]

AIBD → Almadies: 4 Reliable Ways

It’s not like major airports in Europe/Asia/US — no on-site car rental counters. Taxis vary in quality, and some unlicensed drivers approach travelers. Below are four options that work, ranked by reliability based on experience.

| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for | | ------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------ | | Trusted rental delivery (e.g., “Eric”) | Car delivered to the airport; full control over schedule; flexible for surf missions | Price varies; needs prior arrangement; driving yourself after a flight | Independent travelers staying several days | | Private driver pick-up (e.g., “Max”) | Name sign at arrivals; least friction; safer than ad-hoc | Must schedule; may leave if waiting too long | First-timers, board bags, late arrivals | | Hotel transfer | Coordinated by your hotel; predictable | Price premium; tied to hotel schedule | If you already booked a hotel in Almadies | | Licensed yellow taxi | On-demand; cash; simple | Quality varies; verify license; French helps; many don’t use GPS | Budget travelers used to bargaining |

Timing buffer If you land at 15:00 and still need to check for a board, book your driver for ~16:15–16:30. Better that you wait a little than the driver leaving for another fare.

Traffic: ~1 hour with smooth roads; up to 2 hours with traffic.

Getting Around Almadies for Surf

Within central Almadies you can walk to several key points — Ngor, Vivier, Secret, and the Casino hypermarket — though longer walks quickly get sweaty.

Yango (local ride-hailing) works well now and is usually cheaper than taxis. Reliability can vary more than Uber; cash payment is possible. Typical wait: 5–10 minutes. One tip: check Yango’s quoted price before hailing a street taxi — it gives you a fair baseline to negotiate. For instance, if Yango shows 1,500 CFA, expect a taxi ask of 1,800–2,000 CFA for the same ride.

[InsĂ©rer image pertinente ici – alt: “Street scene in Almadies with a taxi and short coastal swell lines.”]

Advanced Tips, Timings & Safety

  • Language: French helps for directions and negotiating.
  • Licensing: Prefer yellow licensed taxis if going off-app.
  • Board logistics: Confirm roof racks or folding seats ahead of time.
  • Cash: Keep small CFA bills ready; not all drivers can break larger notes.
  • No-show mitigation: Message drivers before leaving arrivals; after 15–20 min unresponsive, cancel and re-book.
  • Night arrivals: Pre-arranged driver or hotel transfer reduces friction.
  • Self-drive: If you opt for a delivered rental, assess coolant, brakes, lights before leaving; trust your instincts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Leaving without board paperwork — it’s the key to retrieval.
  2. Accepting rides from unlicensed strangers — higher risk, higher price.
  3. Zero buffer time — plan extra if you’re waiting on oversize items.
  4. Assuming GPS — many drivers don’t use it; give clear landmarks.
  5. Roaming surprises — disable it if you don’t have a plan; rely on airport Wi-Fi.

FAQ

How long does it take from AIBD to Almadies? About 1 hour with light traffic; up to 2 hours with congestion.

Can I sort out a SIM at the airport (and still use WhatsApp)? You can rely on airport Wi-Fi for WhatsApp on arrival. If you don’t have an international plan, disable roaming until you choose one. The author has used an Orange option around €30; details vary.

My surfboard didn’t arrive. What should I do? Wait at the oversize point. If it’s still missing after about 1 hour, get an official paper before leaving. Then return daily to check; don’t expect a call, and don’t delegate pickup to an unknown third party.

About the Author / Sources

This guide is based on first-hand experience moving boards and surfers between AIBD and Almadies and daily mobility around Ngor/Vivier/Secret. Suggested authoritative sources (for later linking): AIBD baggage policies; Orange Sénégal SIM/roaming; Yango service info.

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[InsĂ©rer image de fin/illustration – alt: “Sunset over Ngor with surfers paddling out.”]