Île Boulay

Île Boulay sits in the Ebrie lagoon a short boat ride from Abidjan, a low island of palms and mangrove with a scatter of open-air restaurants and weekend places along its shore, and it is where the city goes to get out of the city for a day. There are small beaches on the lagoon side, fishing villages at the western end, and the Abidjan skyline visible across the water.

What to look for

• The lagoon beaches - small stretches of sand on the sheltered side.
• The weekend venues - open-air restaurants and bars under the palms.
• The Abidjan skyline - the city visible across the water.
• The fishing villages - working settlements at the western end of the island.

When to go

November to March is the dry season and the most comfortable. Weekends are when the venues open and the island is busy; weekdays much is closed. The rains from May to July are heavy.

Good to know

Much of the island's hospitality operates at weekends only. Lagoon water quality near Abidjan is poor and swimming is not advisable. Boat fares should be agreed before boarding.

Nearby

Abidjan is across the lagoon, and Jacqueville is west.

Key facts