Northern Gabon

9 Surf spots
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Positives
  • Mellow waves
  • No crowds
  • Sandy left pointbreaks
  • Calm winds, warm water
  • Fishing paradise
Negatives
  • Inconsistent swells
  • Malaria and diseases
  • Small mushy waves
  • Few flight connections
  • Expensive local prices

Northern Gabon surf travel guide

In North Gabon French expats and oil industry workers surf the beachbreaks around Port Gentil.


Surf spots in Northern Gabon

Research the 9 surf breaks in Northern Gabon and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 9 breaks in Northern Gabon.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Northern Gabon

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Library

Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Northern Gabon.

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Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
269,000
Population
2,225,734
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
XAF
Exchange rate
$1 = 508 XAF XAF

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+241
Dialing out
00
Language
French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi
Electricity
Plug Type
c
e
Visas

Get an e-Visa before arrival. Prices are variable and are not cheap. You also need a yellow fever vaccine certificate.

Getting There

While it is easy to fly from West Africa to Libreville, access from Europe is slightly more difficult; Paris has the widest choice of flights (Air France is the best). No departure tax. National carrier, Air Gabon is good by African standards. Locally the Cessna planes don’t take boards so use the Mandji Express (4h, $70) to get to Port-Gentil.

Getting Around

With so many rivers and lagoons travelling overland is a nightmare. Use a boat to get from Libreville to Port-Gentil, as there are too few paved roads to drive it. Outboard canoes leave from Port Mùle to Ekwata. Cheap taxis can be hired in Port-Gentil to get to Cap Lopez (20km, $10 r/t). Speedboats are rented from Olendè for $400/d.

Accommodation

Stay in the bungalows at Ekwata Village or Port-Gentil. Novotel is $50/d. L’Hirondelle is the cheapest at $35/dble. Ozuri or Iguela fishing camps from $1200/wk. $20 for a Western meal, $5 for a local one. Regab beer is $0.6.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

There’s plenty of African wildlife (chimps, birds, elephants). Port-Gentil has more restaurants, nightclubs and shops per capita than any other African city and also a casino. The fishing is excellent.

Hazards & hassles

Yellow Fever immunisation is a must. Malaria is rife with lots of Nivaquine-resistant mosquitoes. Port-Gentil has a decent hospital. Water dangers include sharks, hippos and the strong equatorial sun.

Handy Hints

Bring all your gear with you as local surfers may buy it for a fair price. You won’t need a gun as longboards/hybrids are ideal.

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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