Boat Trip From Limbe to Mondoni – Crossing the Atlantic Ocean Between Cameroon and Nigeria

  Traveling by sea in Cameroon is always an adventure, especially when it involves small wooden canoes and unpredictable waters. Recently, ...

 

Traveling by sea in Cameroon is always an adventure, especially when it involves small wooden canoes and unpredictable waters. Recently, I had the chance to join a friend on a boat trip from Limbe to Mondoni, and what unfolded was one of the most thrilling and eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had in Cameroon.

Getting to the Canoe Crossing

In some areas like Dog Ya, there’s no way out by road. During certain hours of the day, you can cross shallow waters on foot, but once the tide rises, the water becomes too deep. At that point, the only option is to use local canoes, which cost about 100 francs CFA per person. Interestingly, locals cross for free, while visitors have to pay.

This was already shaping up to be a true Cameroonian adventure.

First-Time Canoe Experience 😱

For one of my companions, this was her very first time ever entering a canoe or boat. The nervousness was obvious, and the lack of safety equipment made it even scarier. At first, the boat owner wanted us to sail without life jackets.

I refused. There was no way we were going to risk our lives without proper safety. After some back-and-forth, they finally managed to find life jackets. Unfortunately, they were very old and worn out, but at least it was better than nothing.

This was an important reminder: safety should always come first when traveling by sea.

Sailing the Atlantic 🌊

Once we set off, the experience was breathtaking. The Atlantic Ocean stretched wide and endless before us, and despite the initial fear, the ride quickly turned into excitement.

The waves rocked the boat gently at times, and more strongly at others. Sitting in that canoe in the middle of the ocean was both humbling and thrilling. The scenery was beautiful, the air was fresh, and for a moment, all worries were left behind.

Arrival at Mondoni 🏝️

By the time we arrived at the beachside of Mondoni, it was already late in the evening. We could see the village lights in the distance, but it was too late and unsafe to continue inland. Instead, we decided to stay by the beach and head back the next day.

Even though we didn’t fully explore the village this time, the journey itself was an unforgettable experience.

Lessons From the Journey

1. Never travel by boat without a life jacket. Even if locals seem comfortable, safety should be your priority.

2. Be ready for the unexpected. Trips like this often don’t go as planned, so flexibility is key.

3. Enjoy the moment. Despite the risks, the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean makes the experience truly memorable.

Final Thoughts ✨

My trip from Limbe to Mondoni across the Atlantic was an unfiltered glimpse into real Cameroonian sea travel. It was thrilling, scary, and beautiful all at once. From the canoe crossing at Dog Ya to the waves of the Atlantic and the beach of Mondoni, every moment was filled with adventure.

Would I do it again? Yes – but definitely with a better life jacket!