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Meridiela.

Bubaque

The main island of the Bijagós, with the archipelago's only real town and ferry link.

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Typeisland
WhereBolama
Nearest cityBissau
Best seasonNovember to May
Time to allowOvernight or longer
Getting thereIn the Bijagós archipelago; ferry from Bissau, around four hours, or boat charter
EntryFree; boat and lodging charged

Bubaque is the main island of the Bijagós archipelago and the only one with anything approaching a town, a few streets of low buildings, a market, some guesthouses and the pier where the ferry from Bissau comes in. Everything in the archipelago is arranged from here. Beaches run down the southern end and the island is forested inland with palm and cashew. The island holds a few thousand people, which makes it easily the most populated in the archipelago.

What you actually see

  • The town - the archipelago's only real settlement.
  • The ferry pier - the link to Bissau and the rest of the islands.
  • The southern beaches - the sand at the far end of the island.
  • The interior - palm and cashew forest across the island.

When to go

November to May is the dry season and the practical window. The rains from June to October make travel very difficult. Ferries are irregular in any season.

Honest expectations

The ferry from Bissau is slow, crowded and irregular; getting stuck is normal. Accommodation is basic guesthouses. Power is intermittent and supplies limited.

Nearby

Rubane is north, and Canhabaque is east.

What to pack for Bubaque

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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