Overnight ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor [Complete Guide]

Overnight ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor (Senegal)

Travelling Senegal was one of the highlights of my West Africa overland trip. Not just because the country has incredible vibes, but transport felt different. After exploring the delights of Dakar in the north, I wanted to cross to Casamance in the south – an region full of natural beauty!

Instead of flying or enduring a long overland trip, many travellers choose the overnight ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor (the transport hub of the south). It’s not the fastest option, but it’s easily one of the most interesting travel experiences in West Africa. Plus it involves ocean views, starry night skies and an exciting entrance into the lush region of Casamance – hard to say ‘no’, right?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor. This includes schedules, prices, how to book, what to expect onboard, your chances of seeing dolphins, and whether it’s actually worth it.

Key Info: Ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor

• Boarding Location: Dakar Port (enter here)
• Price: 15,500 CFA (cheapest) to 30,500 CFA (most expensive)
• Departure: 20:00 (Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun)
• Arrival: 11:00 (Wed, Fri, Sat, Mon)
• Highlights: Sunrise, dolphins, mangroves, boat ride
• Key items: Passport, cash

How much does it cost?

The price of the Dakar to Ziguinchor ferry depends on two things:

• Cabin type (i.e. your seat)
• Resident or non-resident (tourists pay more)

For most travellers, you’ll fall under non-resident pricing.

*Babies (0-4) go free, whilst children (5-12) get half price rates.

In addition to the ferry ticket cost, we were also charged a 400 CFA port fee. I presume this fee is added to all ticket prices.

As someone travelling on a budget, the 8-bed cabin was the obvious choice. I wanted a bed to sleep in (rather than an upright chair), and the cheapest price I could get. Not bad for a total of 18,900 CFA (~£25).

How to buy tickets

The main way to book the ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor is in person at the ferry terminal in Dakar.

• Tickets are sold at the COSAMA office at the port (here)
• You can usually buy tickets a few days in advance (or sometimes same day if there’s availability)
• You’ll need your passport to purchase and board
• Tickets are paid for in cash

Availability isn’t guaranteed (especially in high season) so I recommend booking 2-3 days in advance. I bought my tickets at the port on my first day in Dakar since I was at the terminal to get to Goree Island.

You will be given a physical ticket, so don’t lose it!

You can also book through third-parties online. This will often require payment via Wave, Orange Money or mobile bank transfer. This often costs more, plus it’s not the ‘official’ source… Therefore I still recommend going to the port in person to purchase your ferry ticket.

What is the timetable?

The ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor runs several times per week, all with overnight departures that arrive the following morning.

Most ferries leave in the evening (around 8 PM) and arrive late morning (around 11 AM), making it a 15–17 hour journey. This is essentially a full night at sea.

There are typically 4 departures per week, operated by different vessels (mainly Aguene and Diambogne), which alternate days.

Dakar to Ziguinchor Ferry Schedule

What to expect (My experience)

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor! It’s not luxury by any means, but it’s far more comfortable and enjoyable than I expected.

Arrival & Boarding

We booked our tickets at the port a couple of days before and then returned around 17:00 on departure day. There’s a section before the office where they will check your passport and tickets before letting you through.

The process is fairly structured but involved multiple checks:

• Initial passport/ticket check at the entrance
• Bag drop: Larger luggage is checked in, so they tag your bags with name and passport number. Take anything out you might need (e.g. toothbrush, toothpaste and any warm/sleeping clothes for the night).
• Another passport/ticket check: This time the check was at security
• Security: placing your small bags through the scanners
• Another passport/ticket check: A quick check as you pass through the departure lounge. It’s actually the same waiting room that we used for Goree Island, but this time you go straight through to board.
• One final passport/ticket check: As you step onto the ferry they check your ticket, and in the first room they check your seat and direct you where to go.

After we’d found our room and before departure, we grabbed a drink from the onboard bar and sat down on deck watching the sunset over the port.

Cabins & Sleeping

I stayed in an 8-person cabin, which ended up being slightly under capacity (yay!).

It was similar to a hostel dorm with bunk beds, curtains for privacy and individual reading lights. Sadly, no obvious charging sockets. Most people either used battery packs or used the sockets in the corridors.

It’s basic, but absolutely fine for one night! Definitely better than trying to sleep in a seat.

Food & Atmosphere

Dinner is served in a small (yet functional) dining hall.

• Simple menu (rice, meat and fish options + drinks)
• Bread provided while waiting
• Prices reasonable

I was worried about finding food onboard (especially during Ramadan), but it was better than expected. It was reasonably priced, filling and tasty.

Signal cuts out not long after we set off to sea, so the food was enough to send me straight to sleep! You’ll regain reception at some point overnight once you’re further south.

Aside from this, there’s also a small bar/cafe on deck where you can grab drinks, coffee and snacks at certain times.

Facilities

The bathrooms onboard are pretty horrible. Before we even began, two of the urinals were completely out of action (not a great start). As you can imagine, it only got worse over the course of the 12 hour journey…

There are no showers. So I simply brushed my teeth on deck before an early night.

TOP TIP: Try to use the bathrooms early if you can!

Morning in Casamance

After an early night, I woke up just before the sunrise and headed out onto the deck, wrapped up in my warmest jumper.

By this point, you’re sailing through the waterways of Casamance. With mangroves and small fishing boats it feels a long way from Dakar! It’s a beautiful place to watch the sun rise.

Carabane & Dolphins

The ferry makes a stop in Carabane, which takes around 30 minutes.

NOTE: If you plan to stay here, mention this when you book your ticket so you don’t get the ferry to Ziguinchor and then need transport back.

After this, keep your eyes on the water as this stretch is known for dolphins! I’d heard they were common but was still worried we wouldn’t see them.

Sometimes they stay at a distance, but others will swim right alongside the boat! They’re easy to miss (they’re only out of the water for a split-second), so keep watching!

I got chatting to a Senegalese man who had taken this ferry 20+ times in his life and not once failed to see dolphins!

Arrival in Ziguinchor

After a slow cruise up the river, you’ll arrive in Ziguinchor late morning. After the excitement of the dolphins, I grabbed a coffee and a croissant to help pass the time.

There’s a bit of a rush to get off the boat, but honestly, there’s no need to push. Especially since the luggage is unloaded separately anyway.

Whilst you sit in the waiting room, the bags are dumped outside. It’s then a free-for-all to grab them and leave.

On your way out, you’ll need to show your passport, ticket, and luggage tag (again).

Outside the port of Ziguinchor, cab drivers will approach you, offering to take you to your next destination (often Cap Skirring). I walked straight to the Bissau consulate to sort out my VISA there and then got a sept place to Cap Skirring from Ziguinchor bus terminal.

Alternatives to the ferry

While the ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor is the most unique option, it’s not the only way to reach Casamance. Especially if you’re looking for something cheaper, quicker or something that doesn’t require sea legs!

Here are your best options:

• Flying (Fastest Option): If you’re short on time or don’t enjoy long journeys, this is the simplest option. It takes around one hour to fly. However, you’ll miss the expereience entirely and it can be more expensive than the ferry.
• Overland via Gambia (Most adventurous): This option involves border crossings and more roads, and takes 10-16 hours depending on delays. However, it does mean you can stop in The Gambia, as well seeing more of Senegal (like Sine Saloum) on the way. This is ideal if you have plenty of time and want to see some lesser-travelled parts of Senegal. The Gambia is VISA-fee for many countries, so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
• Overland around Gambia: If you want to avoid border crossings as well, you can drive around the Gambia. This may take even longer than going through Gambia.
• Ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor: This option sits somewhere in the middle. It’s not as fast as flying, but it’s more comfortable than overlanding.

Is it worth it?

For me – yes, it’s a no-brainer!

The ferry isn’t just transport. It was one of those journeys that became a highlight of the trip itself. Plus it helped us avoid a long and uncomfortable road journey!

You get:

• A sunset over the port in Dakar
• A full night at sea
• Sunrise through the mangroves of Casamance
• The chance to spot dolphins along the way

Sure, it’s not perfect. The bathrooms are rough, and the process can feel a bit chaotic at times. But that’s part of the experience.

If you’re the kind of traveller who enjoys slow travel, unique journeys, and seeing more than just the destination, the ferry is absolutely worth it. Especially since it’s on the budget end of things!

If you’re short on time or just want the easiest option, flying potentially makes more sense. But if you can, take the ferry, it’s one of the most memorable and authentic ways to travel in Senegal.

FAQs

Is the ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor safe?

Safety is one of the most common concerns for travel in West Africa, and understandably so. However, the ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor is considered safe to travel on (nowadays).

The ferry route has a tragic history linked to the MV Le Joola ferry disaster in 2002. 1863 people died as the heavily overloaded ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor sank in stormy conditions. However, it’s important to know that today’s ferry service is completely different.

The current vessels (Aguene and Diambogne) are modern, government-operated ships with significantly improved safety standards. Since their introduction, the route has been running reliably.

The ferry is widely used by both locals and travellers, with thousands of passengers using it every week without issue.

That said, this is still West Africa and things aren’t always perfect and sense isn’t always common…

• Safety procedures exist, but aren’t always clearly communicated
• Life jackets are onboard (though not always visible)
• Boarding can feel slightly chaotic

How long does it take?

Once it’s moving, the ferry takes around 15 hours to get from Dakar to Ziguinchor (excluding delays).

Boarding begins much earlier than departure, so you will be on the boat longer than 15 hours. Therefore, allow yourself around 20 hours in total for travel door-to-door from Dakar to Ziguinchor.

What should I pack for the ferry?

Given that it’s a ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor, you should pack everything you’ll want/need in Ziguinchor.

Some of this will be in a large holdall, which is checked into boat storage. The rest will be with you – this is what you need to consider!

You don’t need much, a small bag should suffice:

• Passport + ticket + wallet
• Valuables: I took my camera and laptop so I
• Portable charger: Make sure it’s fully charged, or bring a charger if you don’t mind plugging in the corridor.
• Snacks + water: These are available onboard but I prefer not relying on that.
• Comfy clothes: Wear clothes you’re comfortable travelling and sleeping in. My sliders were ideal for walking around the ferry, and I’m glad I had a fleece and trousers for the night.

TOP TIP: Put an Airtag in your main holdall so you can locate it if necessary.

Is there Wi-Fi or signal?

In short, no.

There is no Wi-Fi on board the ferry. You should have some data service at the beginning and the end of the very when nearer land, but it’s short-lived. For the most part, you will be without internet so relax and enjoy the ride.

Will I get seasick?

That’s a very individual question. From my experience, the journey was very smooth. However, that’s not to say that seas can’t get rough.

Of course, if the seas are too dangerous, the ferry will be delayed – but this is in very extreme conditions.

Largely, you’ll get a small amount of sway. Pack some travel-sickness medication just in case.

Can you go from Ziguinchor to Dakar by ferry?

If you want to return to Dakar, there is a ferry that goes from Ziguinchor to Dakar.

Ziguinchor to Dakar Ferry Schedule is below:

Before you go

Thank you for reading my complete guide to taking the overnight ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor in Senegal. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my Homepage to find out more.

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Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy travelling!