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Elmina Beach

Пляж Эльмина
Ghana · Beach · Elmina
murky
Best month: December

Best for

Ideal for those wanting to see the historic Elmina Castle and authentic fishing harbour. Not suitable for swimming or family beach holidays.

Best month

December

Water
+26.5°C
Length
1 000 m
Elmina Beach is a cozy beach with views of the historic Elmina Castle. The large sandy shoreline and calm atmosphere attract both locals and tourists.
Surface
sand
Waves
strong
Entry
medium
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
Elmina Beach is a cozy beach with views of the historic Elmina Castle. The large sandy shoreline and calm atmosphere attract both locals and tourists.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Historical significance
  • Elmina Castle
  • Fishing harbour
  • Cultural experience
  • Fresh fish
  • Local atmosphere

Cons

  • Brown water
  • Strong shore break
  • Swimming is dangerous and not recommended
  • Industrial area and port
  • Limited infrastructure
  • Litter on the beach
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for those wanting to see the historic Elmina Castle and authentic fishing harbour. Not suitable for swimming or family beach holidays.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The beach is located right by the walls of Elmina Castle, the first European trading post in West Africa, built by the Portuguese in 1482. One of the most historic sites on Ghana-s coast.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Sand Texture
Grain size
medium
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
medium
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
10 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
grey
Water Clarity
murky
Average Water Temp
+26.5 °C
Max Water Temp
+29.0 °C
Wave Type
strong
Wave Height
1.5 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
November December
Season end
April
Best month
December
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
high
Water Quality
Water purity rating
poor
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
caution
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
5.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
Caution: swimming is dangerous due to strong shore break and proximity to the port. Do not leave valuables unattended.
Dangerous creatures
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
2 pcs
Best restaurants

Elmina Beach Resort Restaurant

Ghanaian

Resort restaurant with local and international cuisine

Nearby cuisines

Ghanaian

Local cuisine with rice and fish

Must try: Rice with fish, banku, fried plantains
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
little
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Hat Water Cash Camera
Best Time to Swim
Best time to visit is the dry season from November to April. Swimming is not recommended.
Local Rules
Do not swim in the water due to strong shore break. Do not leave trash. Respect local fishermen.
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Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Elmina Castle

UNESCO World Heritage Site, first European trading post in West Africa

Elmina Fishing Harbour

Lively fishing harbour with traditional boats

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Elmina Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — grey, clarity murky, average temperature +26.5°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Elmina Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — strong. Average wave height — 1.5 m. Strong waves will please surfers but require caution when swimming with children.
Elmina Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — medium. The shallow area extends for 10 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Elmina Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — grey. Texture — medium. Beach length — 1 000 metres.
Elmina Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November, December. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is December. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Elmina Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as poor. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Elmina Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: . We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Elmina Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: changing rooms, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Elmina Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Elmina Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Elmina Beach Resort Restaurant. Cuisines available: Ghanaian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Elmina Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Hat, Water, Cash, Camera.
Elmina Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best time to visit is the dry season from November to April. Swimming is not recommended.
Elmina Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not swim in the water due to strong shore break. Do not leave trash. Respect local fishermen.
Elmina Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Elmina Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for those wanting to see the historic Elmina Castle and authentic fishing harbour. Not suitable for swimming or family beach holidays.
Elmina Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is located right by the walls of Elmina Castle, the first European trading post in West Africa, built by the Portuguese in 1482. One of the most historic sites on Ghana-s coast.
Elmina Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Historical significance, Elmina Castle, Fishing harbour, Cultural experience, Fresh fish, Local atmosphere. Cons: Brown water, Strong shore break, Swimming is dangerous and not recommended, Industrial area and port, Limited infrastructure, Litter on the beach.
Elmina Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Elmina Castle, Elmina Fishing Harbour. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Elmina Beach: how do I get to the city of Elmina?
The beach is located near the city of Elmina. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Elmina.

City

Elmina

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

Best month

December

Useful information

Country: Ghana
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 5.093500, -1.337400

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