Anchoring and clearance in Dakar

Yachts anchor in Hann Bay. The port authority runs the commercial port, and Dakar is a port of entry.

Picture made with AI. It shows the place but is not a photograph.

Anchorage

Where yachts anchor in Dakar

Noonsite, a cruising site, last updated these notes in 2015.

AnchorageAll yachts are directed to the Hann Bay anchorage. (Noonsite, 2015.)

ApproachPass south and then east of Gorée Island, then go 4.3 km north-north-east to the anchorage north-west of Pointe de Bel-Air. (Noonsite, 2015.)

SwellThe anchorage is somewhat roly, particularly in a south-west wind, because swell bends around the headland. (Noonsite, 2015.)

WrecksThree uncharted wrecks lie in the approach to the sailing club. (Noonsite, 2015.)

RadioContact the port authority on VHF 16 for instructions. (Noonsite, 2015.)

Noonsite, 2015. This is a cruiser's report, not a chart.

Commercial wharf

The commercial port of Dakar

These figures come from the Port Autonome de Dakar pages. The pages describe a cargo port and do not mention yachts.

Access channelDredged to 13.5 m. The turning circle is 500 m across.

Access hoursDirect access at any hour, with services 24 hours a day.

Quay10 km of quay. Maximum tides range from 0.20 to 1.80 m.

Fresh water132 quay connections. In the roads, floating tanks of 220 to 400 tonnes supply ships, and launches link the quays and the outer roads.

Fuel213 connections on 10 stations, rated 250 tonnes an hour per ship.

Port Autonome de Dakar, position, supply and infrastructure pages.

Clearance

Port of entry and offices

Port of entry

Noonsite lists Dakar as a port of entry. Customs and immigration are in separate offices. Opening hours are 08:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday, though they tend to be flexible. (Noonsite, December 2015.)

Fees and papers

Noonsite gave the customs payment as XOF 5,000, about USD 12 in 2015. Immigration wants a copy of the ship's papers. (Noonsite, December 2015.)

Leaving

On clearing out, only immigration needs a visit, to stamp the passports. No clearance document of any kind is available, which Noonsite notes for yachts going on to a port that needs one. (Noonsite, December 2015.)

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