Magdalen Islands

The Magdalen Islands form a small archipelago of uninhabited islands off the coast of Dakar, characterized by steep cliffs carved by ocean erosion and surrounded by rich marine ecosystems that support diverse coastal habitats and wildlife populations.

French naturalist Michel Adanson visited the islands in 1749 and documented a large baobab tree bearing carvings from mariners dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, including marks attributed to Prince Henry the Navigator and André Thevet.

Local Senegalese communities have historically relied on the surrounding waters for fishing and maritime activities, maintaining traditional practices tied to the sea that continue to shape the cultural identity of coastal populations near Dakar today.

Visitors can reach the islands by boat from Dakar, and access is regulated to protect nesting seabirds and fragile ecosystems, with most visits limited to scientific research and guided conservation tours authorized by park authorities.

Sarpan Island, also called Île aux Serpents, hosts breeding colonies of red-billed tropicbirds, white-breasted cormorants, and bridled terns, making it a significant site for ornithological observation and seabird conservation efforts in West Africa.

Location: Dakar

Inception: 1976

Part of: Îles des Madeleines National Park

GPS coordinates: 14.65374,-17.47108

Latest update: November 28, 2025 15:21