Ivory Coast
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
7
Coastline
515 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Yamoussoukro
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Empty line-ups
- Light wind patterns
- Cool beachbreaks, easy points
- Jungle scenery and animals
Negatives
- Inconsistent swell
- Lack of big waves
- Fairly expensive
- Malaria and hygiene threats
Where to surf in Ivory Coast
Located on the Gulf of Guinea, the Ivory Coast contains 515km (320mi) of exposed southerly facing shoreline. This equatorial country picks up the South Atlantic swells, which break on a variety of beaches and reefs, backed by swaying coconut trees and endless lagoons. Close to the Ghanaian border, Assinie is the most popular surf destination in the country with fast, hollow beachbreak conditions and a French run surf camp. When the swell picks up then there’s reef and pointbreak action to the west and more mellow waves ideal for longboarders and beginners.
Surf spots in Ivory Coast
Research the 7 surf breaks in Ivory Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 8 breaks in Ivory Coast.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Ivory Coast
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 2,000,000
- Population
- 26,378,274
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- XOF
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 506.8 XOF XOF
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +225
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- French, Yacouba
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ce
Visas
Get an e-Visa before arrival. Prices are variable and are not cheap. You also need a yellow fever vaccine certificate.
Getting There
There are lots of charter flights from Paris and scheduled flights from most European capitals and New York. It takes 2 hours by taxi to get to Assinie from Abidjan, about 100k’s (60mi) away.
Getting Around
Assinie beach break is right in front of the surf camp. You can arrange a trip to the rivermouth breaks towards Ghana by motorised dugout from the surf camp. When there’s a bigger swell, surf camp operators can take you to the rights W of Abidjan. The road network is one of the best in Africa. It will take 4-5h to reach Niega.
Accommodation
In Assinie you can rent a hut for cheap, but it’s rough. Club Med is closed at Assinie, but there are plenty of lodges like RipCurl Camp and Kame camp. Assinie surf camp bungalows cost $35/dble/full board. Local food is cheap - great selection of fruit.
Activities
This is a totally rural, African beach-life trip with little to do at night. When it’s flat, Abidjan (2 hours away) is the best city trip to take. Jungle trips involve money and at least 2-3 days. Canoe trips around the lagoon, 10 minutes away from Assinie, will reveal crocodiles, birds and other exotic fauna.
Hazards & hassles
Yellow fever injections and anti-malaria medication is a must. Avoid travel at night and don’t leave possessions on the beach. Line-ups are always empty, except on weekends when expatriates from Abidjan hit the surf. Locals hardly ever surf as most West Africans have a healthy distrust for the ocean and can’t swim. Jellyfish arrive with the onshores.
Handy Hints
There are two surf shops in Abidjan. The surf camp manager is a shaper who fixes and rents boards (±$14/d). The heat sometimes gets unbearable so it’s best to get a room with A/C unless you’re staying right on the beach.
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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