Home › Destinations › Assinie
Assinie, Ivory Coast - Things to Do in Assinie

Things to Do in Assinie

Assinie, Ivory Coast - Complete Travel Guide

Assinie has that rare combination of decent waves for body surfing and genuinely calm swimming conditions. This coastal resort town sits where the Eby Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean along Ivory Coast's southeastern coastline, quietly becoming one of West Africa's most appealing beach destinations. The town straddles both sides of the lagoon—Assinie-Mafia on the ocean side offers the main beach action, while Grand-Bassam side provides fishing villages and mangrove channels winding through wetlands.

Top Things to Do in Assinie

Lagoon boat excursions

The Eby Lagoon system offers genuinely beautiful waterways lined with mangroves and dotted with traditional fishing villages. Early mornings work best. You'll likely spot various bird species and might catch glimpses of local fishermen working their nets in the early morning hours.

Booking Tip: Local boat operators charge around 15,000-25,000 CFA francs for half-day trips. Morning departures tend to offer better wildlife viewing and calmer waters.

Beach relaxation at Assinie-Mafia

The main beach delivers. The sand is genuinely clean, and the palm trees provide natural shade that makes a real difference during midday heat. Waves are perfect for body surfing while staying calm enough for swimming—a combination you don't find everywhere.

Booking Tip: Beach chair and umbrella rentals run about 2,000-3,000 CFA francs per day. Weekdays are noticeably less crowded than weekends when Abidjan residents make day trips.

Traditional fishing village visits

Fishing villages dot the lagoon edges. Several authentic communities welcome respectful visitors to watch traditional net-making and boat-building techniques that haven't changed much in generations. The locals are genuinely welcoming.

Booking Tip: It's worth hiring a local guide for around 10,000 CFA francs who can facilitate introductions and explain traditional practices. Late afternoon visits often coincide with fishing boats returning.

Mangrove kayaking

Paddling here surprises people. The protected mangrove channels offer peaceful routes through ecosystems that teem with bird life and provide important nursery habitat for fish species. The water is calm enough for beginners—the scenery is genuinely impressive.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost around 8,000-12,000 CFA francs for half-day use. Check that life jackets are included and in good condition, as safety standards can vary between operators.

Fresh seafood dining experiences

Fresh fish defines dining here. The proximity to both ocean and lagoon means restaurants serve some of the freshest fish and shellfish you'll find anywhere in Ivory Coast. Many places will show you the catch before preparing it—quality is obvious.

Booking Tip: Beachfront restaurants charge 8,000-15,000 CFA francs for grilled fish meals. Ask what was caught that day rather than ordering from a menu for the freshest options.

Getting There

Getting there takes effort. Assinie lies about 100 kilometers east of Abidjan, connected by decent paved road that takes roughly 2-2.5 hours by car depending on traffic leaving the capital. Shared taxis and bush taxis run regularly from Abidjan's Gare de Bassam for around 3,000-4,000 CFA francs per person, though the journey can take longer with multiple stops. Many visitors rent cars in Abidjan for flexibility—public transport within Assinie itself is limited.

Getting Around

Walking works fine here. Assinie is small enough that most destinations are walkable, though the heat can make longer distances uncomfortable during midday hours. Motorcycle taxis are the most common local transport, charging around 500-1,000 CFA francs for short trips within town. A few bicycle rental places cater to tourists, which works well given the flat terrain and short distances—for lagoon crossings or reaching fishing villages, small motorized canoes serve as water taxis.

Where to Stay

Assinie-Mafia beachfront
Lagoon-side lodges
Grand-Bassam road area
Fishing village guesthouses
Resort compound areas
Budget backpacker zones

Food & Dining

The food centers on seafood. Beachfront restaurants offer the most atmosphere, with tables literally in the sand and fresh fish grilled over wood fires. You'll find excellent grilled barracuda, red snapper, and various shellfish preparations that showcase local cooking techniques—several places also serve traditional Ivorian dishes like attieké with fish, and the palm wine here is notably good. Vegetarian options can be limited.

When to Visit

November through March works best. The dry season offers the most reliable weather, with less humidity and minimal rainfall that might interfere with beach activities. December and January tend to be particularly pleasant, though they're also the busiest months with higher accommodation prices—the wet season from April to October brings afternoon thunderstorms that can be dramatic but usually clear quickly. Many locals prefer the wet season for lusher landscapes and fewer crowds.

Insider Tips

The best seafood restaurants are often the most basic-looking ones where local fishermen eat. They know quality. They know where the freshest catch ends up.
Bring cash in CFA francs. Card acceptance is limited here. The nearest reliable ATMs are back in Grand-Bassam—plan accordingly.
Mosquito nets and repellent are essential. Wet season months increase problems. Standing water around the lagoon areas increases breeding sites significantly.

Explore Activities in Assinie

Continue Planning Your Trip

Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Assinie

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Assinie

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Assinie

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Assinie

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.