Tanji Fishing Center & Paradise Beach tour from Banjul

Watch fish being smoked in open sheds, then swim at a quiet beach

A five-hour tour of South Gambia visiting Tanji Fishing Center, one of the country's major fishing communities where around 2,000 people work the daily catch and prepare smoked fish in traditional sheds, followed by Paradise Beach in Sanyang for swimming and lunch at the Rainbow restaurant. Private transportation and an English-speaking guide are included. Cash is required for most purchases.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit fishing village and beach

• Visit Paradise Beach
• Lunch at Rainbow restaurant (optional)
• Visit Tanji Fishing Center
• Watch fish smoking preparation
• Buy fresh fish from fishermen

The experience

The tour starts at Tanji Fishing Center, a working fishing village where you watch the catch being unloaded, sorted and prepared. Around 2,000 people work here daily, and you can walk through the smoking sheds where fish are cured over open fires. The preparation happens in front of you, not behind closed doors. Locals come here to buy fresh fish straight from the fishermen, so the market is real and active, not staged. Your guide explains what you're seeing as the work moves around you.

After Tanji, the tour moves to Paradise Beach in Sanyang, described locally as the most beautiful beach in Gambia. It's a quiet stretch where you can swim or rest. The Rainbow restaurant sits right there if you want lunch. You order and pay separately. The beach is the counterpoint to the fishing village. One is work, the other is stillness.

Private transportation picks you up and takes you between both stops, so you're not waiting for a shared van or navigating transport yourself. The whole day runs five hours. Bring cash: most places in Gambia don't take credit cards, including the restaurant and any vendors at the fishing center.

What’s included

• Private transportation between stops.
• English-speaking guide for the full five hours.
• access to Tanji Fishing Center and Paradise Beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kassama Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see how Gambians actually work and live, not just the resort areas. The private transport means you move at your own pace between the two stops, and the guide is there to explain what you're watching. The fishing village is the main draw, and the beach gives you time to rest after.

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Top questions

What exactly happens at Tanji Fishing Center?

Tanji Fishing Center is a working fishing village where around 2,000 people are engaged in landing, sorting and preparing the daily catch. You walk through smoking sheds where fish are cured over open fires, and watch locals buying fresh fish directly from the fishermen. It's an active market, not a tourist display.

Can I swim and have lunch at Paradise Beach?

Yes. Paradise Beach in Sanyang has a swimming area, and the Rainbow restaurant is located right on the beach where you can order lunch. You pay for food and drinks separately at the restaurant.

Is transportation included in the tour price?

Private transportation between your pickup point, Tanji Fishing Center and Paradise Beach is included. Your guide travels with you and speaks English throughout the day.

What should I bring or know before booking?

Bring cash. Most places in Gambia, including restaurants and vendors at the fishing center, do not accept credit cards. The tour runs five hours and suits all fitness levels. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.