Dakar-Gorée Ferry

The Dakar–Gorée ferry is the only way to reach Île de Gorée — and the 20-minute crossing is part of the experience, with the Dakar skyline falling away behind you and the UNESCO-listed island rising ahead. Boats run roughly every 90 minutes from 6.30am to 10pm, and tickets are bought at the kiosk inside the port rather than online, so it pays to build in a little time. At weekends and during school holidays the early boats fill quickly with day-trippers, so turning up about 30 minutes ahead is wise if you want a seat. Non-residents pay a higher fare than locals, which goes towards the island's upkeep. Most visitors take a morning crossing, spend the day on Gorée's car-free streets and at the Maison des Esclaves, then catch an afternoon or early-evening boat back to the city.