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Home / Beaches / Banjul Beach

Banjul Beach

Пляж Банжула
Gambia · Beach · Barra
high
Best month: December

Best for

Ideal for tourists and locals seeking a city beach holiday. Suitable for swimming, water sports and walks. Not suitable for those seeking solitude.

Best month

December

Water
+26.0°C
Length
500 m
The city beach of Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, across the river from Barra. It features a lively atmosphere and scenic views, popular for walks.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
The city beach of Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, across the river from Barra. It features a lively atmosphere and scenic views, popular for walks.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Golden sand
  • Warm Atlantic waters
  • Developed infrastructure: restaurants, markets, Wi-Fi
  • Water sports
  • Close to Banjul centre
  • Scenic sunsets

Cons

  • Crowded and noisy
  • Thefts and persistent vendors possible
  • Limited shade
  • No lifeguards
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for tourists and locals seeking a city beach holiday. Suitable for swimming, water sports and walks. Not suitable for those seeking solitude.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The city beach of The Gambia-s capital on St Mary-s Island, where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Markets, museums and restaurants nearby.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
25 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
500 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
high
Underwater Visibility
2.0 m
Average Water Temp
+26.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+29.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.5 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
November December
Season end
April May
Best month
December
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
low
Crime Level
Overall safety level
caution
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
1.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
Caution: thefts and persistent vendors possible, do not leave valuables unattended.
Dangerous creatures
sharks (rare)
stingrays
jellyfish (seasonal)
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
No
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
5 pcs
Best restaurants

Banjul Beach Restaurants

Gambian, International

Various restaurants along the beach with local and international cuisine

Nearby cuisines

Gambian

Traditional Gambian cuisine with rice and fish

Must try: Domada, benachin, fresh fish
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
noisy
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash Hat
Best Time to Swim
Morning and evening are the best times for relaxation. In the evening — beautiful sunsets.
Local Rules
Swimming only in authorised areas. Do not leave valuables unattended.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Arch 22

Monument commemorating the 1994 coup, a popular photo spot

National Museum of The Gambia

Museum dedicated to the country-s history and culture

Albert Market

Large market with local goods and crafts

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Banjul Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +26.0°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Banjul Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.5 m.
Banjul Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 25 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Banjul Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 500 metres.
Banjul Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November, December. It ends in April, May. The best month for a holiday is December. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Banjul Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Banjul Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sharks (rare), stingrays, jellyfish (seasonal). We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Banjul Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, parking, Wi-Fi. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Banjul Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Banjul Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Banjul Beach Restaurants. Cuisines available: Gambian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Banjul Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Hat.
Banjul Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Morning and evening are the best times for relaxation. In the evening — beautiful sunsets.
Banjul Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming only in authorised areas. Do not leave valuables unattended.
Banjul Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Banjul Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for tourists and locals seeking a city beach holiday. Suitable for swimming, water sports and walks. Not suitable for those seeking solitude.
Banjul Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The city beach of The Gambia-s capital on St Mary-s Island, where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Markets, museums and restaurants nearby.
Banjul Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Golden sand, Warm Atlantic waters, Developed infrastructure: restaurants, markets, Wi-Fi, Water sports, Close to Banjul centre, Scenic sunsets. Cons: Crowded and noisy, Thefts and persistent vendors possible, Limited shade, No lifeguards.
Banjul Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Arch 22, National Museum of The Gambia, Albert Market. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Banjul Beach: how do I get to the city of Barra?
The beach is located near the city of Barra. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Barra.

City

Barra

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.