Banana Islands Travel Guide: Top Sights in Sierra leone, Tours &

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Banana Islands- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Sierra Leone; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 4 hours

The Banana Islands, located off the coast of Yawri Bay in Sierra Leone’s Western Area, consist of three islands: Dublin, known for its beaches; Ricketts, covered in dense forest; and the uninhabited Mes-Meheux. Historically visited by Portuguese sailors and later settled by freed slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries, the islands retain remnants of this past, including an 1881 church ruin and an old slave dock. Fishing and tourism are the main economic activities, and access is only by boat from Kent. The surrounding waters contain shipwrecks, some with visible cannons amid coral growth.

Operators offering tours in Sierra Leone

Happy Explore Safari *

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Reviews of Banana Islands

Emmanuel Feyisetan

3
Reviewed: 2024-01-29

An amazing island with really rich history. One of the islands of Sierra Leone, Near Freetown. Great local reception and a local guide tour is recommended. Getting to this venue is however fraught, expensive, costs us $100 per crossing (speed boat)... Probaly lots higher now as I was here in May 2021. There are no sheltered ferry services.. The speedboat is low and you can dip your hands in the water as it speeds along... Bit scary, but fun too. See photos, to see how close to the water it is. The guide tour gives an amazing insight into the island and it's history in the slave trade but the whole set up seems locally managed... The tourism board of the country could do a lot better to enhance the experience and the cleanliness of the tour path, but eh! Still a great experience.
Kenneth Fergusson

5
Reviewed: 2023-11-03

An excellent experience
James Konomanyi

5
Reviewed: 2022-04-18

The island is beautiful and the people there are very welcoming n nice.
Roderic Plinston

4
Reviewed: 2021-07-14

Lush tropical jungle walks, accessible via a 90 minute motor boat ride from River Beach No.2. Remains of Portuguese occupation can be found on walks across the island.
PUNIT KHURANA

3
Reviewed: 2017-08-25

nice stay away from maddening life routine... you wont find electricity in the evening but that is again the USP!... u put up in small cottages.. mosquito nets are there...bed all made of stone/cement ( lol! ) and still very enjoying... very close to village life. Very limited variety of food but we enjoyed our stint at tree house/ or say tree platform. It was great and ecstatic time during night and day which followed... Entire area is covered with sea all around and really scenic views give u a feeling of awe....