Things to Do in Nouadhibou

Over 300 abandoned ships create the world's largest maritime graveyard in Nouadhibou's bay. The city sits where Mauritania meets the Atlantic and Western Sahara, serving as the country's economic engine through fishing and iron ore exports. Industrial, yes—but fascinating. This isn't tourist Mauritania. The population mixes Mauritanians, Moroccans, Senegalese, and Europeans working the fishing trade, creating a blend of Moorish, West African, and French colonial influences that feels authentic. Banc d'Arguin National Park lies just south, while those rusted ship hulks create West Africa's most unusual landscape.

Fresh seafood dominates the dining scene here. Numerous small restaurants serve grilled fish, octopus, and shellfish caught the same day—this is fishing port food at its best. You'll find thieboudienne alongside Mauritanian specialties like camel meat and Moroccan-influenced tagines. Several Lebanese restaurants cater to international workers. Basic café-restaurants serve French bread, coffee, and simple meals throughout town. Street food is limited compared to other West African cities, though fresh fruit and tea vendors operate in commercial areas.

November through March delivers comfortable weather with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and minimal rainfall. This is prime birdwatching season at Banc d'Arguin as European migrants winter here in massive numbers. Book accommodations early. April and May remain pleasant before temperatures climb. Summer months from June through October are brutally hot and humid, often exceeding 100°F—though fishing peaks during this period. The harmattan winds from December through February bring dust but also cooler, drier conditions.