The Beaches
Of course many tourists come to The Gambia to enjoy the beaches. Though much of the coastline has eroded, there's still plenty of beach for everyone, ranging from popular tourist spots near the resorts, to quiet, endless sand and surf all to yourself outside of the hotel ranges.
In addition, a lot of the beach has been worked on by adding tons of sand and building up supports so the erosion is not as visible as it used to be a few years ago.
Many of the hotels have water-sports equipment available though the waters in The Gambia are not really ideal for activities such as snorkeling and diving.
Surfing can be done around the Kololi and Cape Point area where waves are a bit higher and currents are a bit stronger. See the swimming section for safety issues.
Below are a few nice beach spots:
La Pirogue, Kololi (at the southern edge of the main tourist strip, less hassle from beach vendors, and a friendly restaurant with a pool nearby)
Sanyang (an upcoming popular area, about a 20min drive from the main tourist strip, with turquoise waters and calm waves)
Sandplover, Bakau (small restaurant here and endless amounts of people-free beach, though it tends to be flooded during the rains)
Leybato, Fajara (popular place for volunteers, some larger waves but many bumsters)
Sunset Beach Hotel beach, Kotu (you can ask for beach mats and enjoy a cold drink from the nearby restaurant)
Beach by the Sunbeach and Ocean Bay Hotel, Cape Point (large, wide beach, few bumsters)
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