West Africa

[scott laddiman]

Anyone out there know of any recreational diving that goes on around West Africa areas??
I often find myself here for work and with the typical logistical nightmare West Africa is, I doubt if there is anything going on but you never know!!
I often work in Gabon,Cameroon,Equtorial Guniea,Nigeria or Ghana.
There are a lot of offshore oil expats working here. I wonder if anyone has managed to ship any diving gear through the wonderfull customs that operate here??
Waters are very clear offshore and there are BIG fish to be seen, but the police also have BIG guns!!
Let me know if there is any mad expats blowing bubbles in West Africa, thanks

Scott.

[PaulChan]

I don't think you'll have much luck. I tried in Ivory Coast before the fighting without success. The only country I've heard where it is possible is Senegal. Unfortunately I don'tknow more than that.

[Bren Tierney]

Hey Scott,

"but the police also have BIG guns!!"

.....and even bigger demands in bribes......

Bon chance.

Bren.

[C Ingham]

Just found this:

"Watersports:
...Underwater enthusiasts will find good diving waters all around the Cap Vert Peninsula, with Feb-Apr being the best months."

So maybe you are right about Senegal?

[angus]

Let me know if there is any mad expats blowing bubbles in West Africa, thanks

Scott.

As previously suggested there is diving in Senegal. I spent a couple of weeks there last November and dived with Club Oceanium in Dakar run by Pascal. They run guided dives on a weekday and on a weekend you are welcome to dive with the local dive club on their club dives. The club consists mainly of French ex-pats and they are a very friendly and welcoming bunch. Let me know if you need the contact details.

There is also diving available in Sierra Leone with an ex-pat Italian guy called Franco who runs a bar/resteraunt on one of the beaches just outside Freetown. He has limited kit for hire and a couple of rhibs. He will charter it with a skipper for you during the week or you can join a group on a weekend.

All this however is probably a little too far North for you.

Angus