Small island group south of Freetown, where slave-trade ruins sit beside beaches and clear water.
The Banana Islands — Dublin, Ricketts, and the uninhabited Mes-Meheux — lie about 25 km south of Freetown, a short boat ride from the fishing village of Kent. They were a significant base for the Atlantic slave trade in the 18th century, and the ruins of slave trader compounds and an old British fort are still visible on Dublin Island. The islands' difficult history sits alongside genuinely beautiful beaches, clear water, and an unhurried pace that makes them one of the most rewarding escapes from the capital.
Dublin Island has the only significant settlement, a village of fishermen and a handful of guesthouses. The beaches are quiet and largely uncommercialised. Snorkelling in the surrounding waters is good — the sea is warm and visibility can be excellent in the dry season. The journey from Freetown to Kent takes about two hours by road or poda-poda, followed by a 20-minute pirogue crossing. Come with cash and basic supplies; facilities are minimal.
Guide
Beaches
The beaches of the Banana Islands are among the least visited in Sierra Leone — which is saying something in a country where beach tourism barely exists. Dublin Island has a main beach in front of the village, calm and clean, with palms and fishing pirogues. The other beaches require a walk or a short boat trip to reach. You will very likely have them to yourselves.
The sand is white and the water shallow near shore. Currents can be strong around the headlands, so stick to the sheltered coves for swimming.
Guide
Getting There
From Freetown, take a poda-poda or shared taxi south along the Freetown Peninsula to the fishing village of Kent — the journey takes around two hours depending on traffic and the state of the road. From Kent, local fishermen run pirogues to Dublin Island; the crossing takes about 20 minutes. There is no scheduled service, but boats come and go throughout the morning. Agree a price in advance and make sure to arrange a return pickup time, as there is no way to summon a boat from the island.
Come prepared with cash, food, and water; there are no ATMs and limited supplies on the islands.
