Museums & galleries
Musée de la Mer
Musée de la Mer
Located on Gorée Island, this maritime museum focuses on the marine biodiversity of Senegal's coastal waters. It houses a collection of photographs and specimens representing approximately 6,000 different species. Visitors go here to learn about the local aquatic ecosystem of the region through these biological displays.
Getting There
To reach the museum, you must first travel to the Dakar ferry terminal in the city centre. From there, take a ferry to Gorée Island. The boat trip typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the weather and sea conditions. Once on the island, the museum is accessible via a short walk through the village.
Visit Duration
Allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to walk through the exhibits and view the specimens and photography.
When to Visit
The museum is located in a popular tourist area, so it can get crowded during peak travel seasons and on weekends. Visiting during the morning hours often helps avoid the largest crowds.
Nearby Attractions
Because the museum is situated on a small island, it is easily combined with other local sites on foot:
- Gorée (0.2km): The surrounding village and island landscape.
- Historical Museum of Senegal (0.3km): A nearby facility focusing on the island's history.
Attractions on the mainland, such as the Museum of Black Civilizations (3.9km) and Our Lady of Victories Cathedral (4.1km), require a return ferry trip to the city centre.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors