At a glance
- Best for
- Beaches, swimming and a break from the city
- Gateway
- Boats from Boulbinet in Kaloum, Conakry
- Time needed
- A day trip or one night
- Best season
- November to May
- Getting around
- Pirogues and small boats between islands
- Language
- French and Soussou
The islands
**Ile de Roume** is the favourite for a beach day. Local legend says it inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, and whether or not that is true, its sheltered sandy bay, clear water and shady trees make it an easy place to spend a day. Simple restaurants grill fish caught that morning.
**Ile Kassa** is the island nearest the city. It has fishing villages, coves and a few small guesthouses, and was long associated with bauxite loading. It is a good choice if you want to see island life rather than only beaches.
**Ile Tamara**, also known as Fotoba after its main village, is the largest of the group. It has a lighthouse, the remains of a colonial era prison among mango trees and quiet paths through villages. Fewer visitors make it this far, which is part of the charm.
Getting there
Boats leave from the Boulbinet waterfront in Kaloum. You can join a shared boat used by islanders or hire a pirogue or motorboat for your group. Crossing time depends on the boat and the sea, usually well under an hour to Kassa or Roume. Agree the return time and the price before you leave, and pay the balance only once you are back.
**Safety on the water** matters here. Check the boat has life jackets for everyone, avoid overloaded boats and do not travel late in the afternoon when the wind picks up or after dark. In the rainy season the sea can be rough and some days crossings are a bad idea. If something feels unsafe, wait for another boat.
What to do
- Swim and relax on the beach at Roume.
- Walk through the fishing villages on Kassa and watch boats being built and painted.
- Explore Fotoba on Tamara, with its lighthouse and ruins.
- Eat grilled fish with chilli sauce, attieke and fried plantain at a beach shack.
- Go island hopping by pirogue for a full day.
Where to stay
Most people visit on a day trip from Conakry, but a night on the islands is a lovely way to see them once the day crowds have gone. Accommodation is simple: bungalows and small guesthouses with basic facilities, unreliable power and limited water. Bring cash, a torch, insect repellent and anything you need, as shops are few.
When to go
The dry season, roughly November to May, brings calm seas and sunny days. Weekends, particularly Sundays, are busy and festive, with music and picnics. Weekdays are much quieter. From June to September heavy rain and rough seas make trips less pleasant and sometimes unwise.
Tips
Bring sun protection, water and cash in small Guinean franc notes. Ask before photographing people in the villages. Keep your phone and passport copy in a waterproof bag in the boat. Remember that malaria risk is just as real on the islands as on the mainland. If you plan to stay overnight, tell your Conakry hotel when you expect to return, and keep a little extra cash in case bad weather means waiting an extra night for a calm crossing back.
Questions about Iles de Los
How do I get to the Iles de Los?
Take a boat from the Boulbinet waterfront in Kaloum, Conakry. You can share a public boat or hire a pirogue for your group. Agree the price and return time first.
Which island has the best beach?
Ile de Roume is the favourite for a beach day, with a sheltered sandy bay and simple places to eat grilled fish.
Can I stay overnight on the islands?
Yes, there are simple bungalows and guesthouses, especially on Roume and Kassa. Facilities are basic, so bring cash, a torch and repellent.
Are the boats safe?
Most crossings are short and uneventful, but check for life jackets, avoid overloaded boats and do not travel late in the day, after dark or in rough rainy season weather.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
