The Surf Window

Bolama

Bolama, Guinea Bissau

Beach breakBeginner

A historic island town in the Bijagós Archipelago with crumbling Portuguese colonial architecture, Bolama has gentle, protected beach break waves in a time-forgotten setting of baobab trees and dugout canoes.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

Any, sheltered by archipelago

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

June–October

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Slow, gentle, very forgiving

Length

30–60m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner
  • •Why: The archipelago shelters much of the swell, waves are consistently small and manageable

Hazards

  • •Very limited medical care, evacuation to Bissau takes hours
  • •Malaria zone, antimalarial precautions essential
  • •Boat access only

Local Tips

  • •The boat from Bissau takes 3–4 hours, bring all equipment and supplies
  • •The island is one of the most atmospheric and forgotten places in West Africa

Location

Map showing the location of Bolama in Bolama, Guinea Bissau

11.5776, -15.4753