Things to Do in Îles de Los

Îles de Los sits three miles off Conakry's coast, offering a genuine escape from Guinea's chaotic capital that most travelers never discover. The three main islands—Kassa, Room, and Fotoba—each have distinct personalities, with Kassa being the most developed and Room maintaining its traditional fishing village character. Everything slows down here. The constant noise of Conakry fades into gentle waves and seabird calls, while crumbling colonial buildings hint at the islands' complex past as slave trading posts and French administrative centers. Fishermen mend nets in early morning light, baobab trees cast shadows on sandy paths, and locals might invite you for tea simply because you're curious about their lives. The beaches aren't pristine white sand, but they have character—and the swimming beats Conakry's oppressive heat.

The food revolves around incredibly fresh seafood. Small restaurants on Kassa serve the most varied menus, while Room Island offers more real feels where your meal might be caught that morning by the person cooking it. Rice forms the base of most meals. Sauces range from mild to genuinely fiery—ask about heat levels if you can't handle spice, and fresh fruit tastes significantly better than exported versions you know. Bring cash since cards aren't accepted anywhere, and don't expect extensive menus—the best meals come from asking what's available today.

November through April offers the most reliable weather and calmest seas. December through February tends to be cooler and less humid, though "cooler" is relative in this tropical climate. The rainy season from May through October brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that can disrupt boat schedules but also means fewer tourists and lower prices. The landscape becomes incredibly lush. Harmattan winds from the Sahara create hazy conditions between December and February but bring relief from humidity.