Benin
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
6
Coastline
121 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Porto-Novo
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Consistent, long range swell
- No crowds
- Friendly people
- Exploration possibilities
- Voodoo culture
Negatives
- No epic spots
- Light onshores
- Rain in swell season
- Malaria
- Expensive flights
Where to surf in Benin
The Beninese coast is made up of a series of steeply shelving beaches, almost entirely backed by lagoons that themselves sometimes play host to floating villages. The best waves break where a natural or manmade feature creates sandbanks, breaking up the endless shore-pound.
Surf spots in Benin
Research the 6 surf breaks in Benin and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 6 breaks in Benin.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Benin
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Benin.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 295,000
- Population
- 12,123,200
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- XOF
- Exchange rate
- $1USD = 504 CFA XOF
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +229
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- French, Fon, Yoruba, Mina, Fan
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ce
Visas
Visas are required by most nationalities. Currently you can get an eVisa online and also get one on arrival but check this first! Prices vary but are upwards of $60. You also need a yellow fever vaccine certificate.
Getting There
Several operators make the 30 minute international flight between Lome (LFW) and Cotonou (COO). If driving the border crossing between the two countries is painless.
Getting Around
Car hire is not cheap, at around $80/d for the smallest car. It's much easier and safer to just charter a taxi for the day. For city transport, hop on the back of a zemidjam (motorbike taxi), but be warned, they are dangerous at the best of times and treacherous with a surfboard.
Accommodation
Every major coastal town has somewhere to stay and standards are, for West Africa, good. Budget at least $20/day for a double room with a/c and a shower. Food is renowned as the best in West Africa, with lots of spicy sauces and plenty of variety. Rat is the local delicacy of the coast. Basic meals don't cost more than $1.
Activities
Any trip is likely to leave the traveller with tales of encounters with the supernatural. The beautiful towns of Ouidah and Porto Novo are Voodoo centres, with plenty to experience. Don't miss the fetish markets of Cotonou.
Hazards & hassles
Most trips are trouble free. Pollution around Cotonou is a problem and there have been cases of robbery and worse on city centre beaches. Bénin is one of the safest countries in Africa. Malaria is a major problem.
Handy Hints
Take everything you need as there is no surf industry whatsoever. A standard day-to-day beachbreak board is perfect and don't forget sunscreen and plenty of wax. The Capital city of Benin is Porto Novo, not Cotonou.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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