Description
General information about the beach
Plage de Mayumba is a 60-kilometre stretch of pristine white sand, part of Mayumba National Park. It is one of the world's most important nesting sites for leatherback turtles, and home to elephants, buffaloes, and gorillas living in the coastal forests.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
medium
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
60 000 m
Frequently asked questions
Plage de Mayumba: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +26.0°C, warms up to +28.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Plage de Mayumba: 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.
Plage de Mayumba: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — medium. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Plage de Mayumba: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 60 000 metres.
Plage de Mayumba: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June. It ends in September. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Plage de Mayumba: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — moderate. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Plage de Mayumba: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sharks (in coastal waters), stingrays. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Plage de Mayumba: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Plage de Mayumba: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Plage de Mayumba: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Local fish restaurants. Cuisines available: Gabonese. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Plage de Mayumba: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Hat, Towel, Swimsuit, Mosquito repellent, Water, Flashlight for turtle tours.
Plage de Mayumba: when is the best time to swim?
Best time to visit is the dry season from June to September. For turtle watching — October to March. Swimming is dangerous due to strong currents.
Plage de Mayumba: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not touch turtles or their nests. Do not leave litter. Respect wildlife.
Plage de Mayumba: what activities are available?
The beach offers: surfing. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Plage de Mayumba: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for travellers seeking wild nature, solitude and sea turtle watching. Suitable for experienced backpackers and eco-tourism enthusiasts. Not suitable for families with small children or those seeking comfort and developed infrastructure.
Plage de Mayumba: what makes this beach unique?
One of the world-s most important leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and olive ridley turtle nesting beaches. The beach is part of Mayumba National Park, protecting 60 km of coastline and 15 km of marine waters.
Plage de Mayumba: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: One of the world-s most important leatherback turtle nesting beaches, Untouched white sand beaches (60 km), Complete solitude and wild nature, Dolphin, whale and sea turtle watching, Authentic fishing atmosphere, Affordable accommodation and food, Free access, Scenic sunsets. Cons: Strong currents, swimming dangerous, No lifeguards, Remote location (Congo border), Basic accommodation and food, Limited infrastructure, Mosquitoes and sandflies.
Plage de Mayumba: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Mayumba National Park, Banio Lagoon, Turtle Watching, Mayumba Fishing Town. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Plage de Mayumba: how do I get to the city of Mayumba?
The beach is located near the city of Mayumba. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Mayumba.