Kayaking in Mauritania
Including Banc d'Arguin National Park. On the map.
The vibe
Paddling here is limited to sheltered coastal lagoons or calm inland river sections, as the open ocean is far too wild for casual kayaking. The cooler winter season offers the calmest conditions for getting on the water away from the intense heat. This is an entirely independent undertaking where you must bring your own craft and map out your own route.
Banc d'Arguin National Park
Mauritania
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique shallow-water kayaking experience through vast tidal flats and migratory bird sanctuaries. Paddlers navigate the intricate channels between sandbanks and islands, observing the traditional Imraguen fishing boats in a pristine desert-meets-ocean landscape.
Access. Access is typically arranged through specialized eco-tourism operators based in Nouadhibou or via guided expeditions from the village of Iwik.
Notes. Tidal currents are significant; navigation requires local knowledge or a guide. Best visited during the cooler months from November to March.