West Africa Atlantic marinas

The region covers the coast from Mauritania to Namibia, along with Cabo Verde and the islands of the Gulf of Guinea. Sandy desert shores give way to river mouths, mangroves and humid tropical coasts. Island cruising alternates with long passages along the mainland.

There is no single sailing season for the whole region. Around Cabo Verde and Senegal, the Northern Hemisphere winter is generally drier, but trade winds can be strong. Closer to the equator, local rainy seasons and thunderstorms matter more. Off Namibia, the cold waters of the Benguela Current bring very different conditions: even beside the desert, it can be cool and foggy at sea.

Exposed stretches of coast receive ocean swell, while shallow water and tides shape navigation in estuaries and channels. Experiences ashore are just as varied: fishing settlements, historic ports, island music and natural areas rich in birdlife. Surviving coastal forts recall both maritime trade and the history of the slave trade.

Watch out

A risk of attacks on vessels remains in parts of the Gulf of Guinea. Route choices need to take account of current security conditions; the situation in one country or port should not be assumed to apply across the region.