Travelling to the Bijagós with kids: a family's practical guide

We're a family with two children (6 and 9) and we've just spent a weekend in Bubaque. Here's what we learned.

The flight in a small plane Fear before, fun during. Kids are obsessed with big planes — on a 5-seater Cessna 210 they feel like they're on an adventure. A window each, tolerable noise with earplugs, the pilot narrating the islands like a live documentary.

Arrival and first steps Bubaque is small and safe. Motorbike taxi gets everyone to the hotel in 5 minutes. There are beach areas without strong currents (harbour bay), ideal for the kids to swim calmly. Bring flip-flops with soles — there are stones and crabs.

What they loved most 1. Watching fishermen bring in the catch at dawn (6:30 a.m., they woke up on their own). 2. Central market — a thousand new things to smell and touch. 3. Scenic flight at the end of the trip (huge birthday present). 4. The waves at Bruce Beach.

What we had to watch - Hydration: humid heat means they drink less than they should. - Sunscreen: high factor, often. - Food: fresh fish was perfect — but ask for it boneless. Avoid unwashed salads. - Mosquitoes at dusk: repellent + long sleeves in the hotel.

Documents for minors Spanish ID card works for domestic flights (Bissau-Bubaque). For Dakar or Cap Skirring you need the child's passport. Under-14s cannot fly alone.

Prices with discounts Children aged 2-11: 25% off. In our case 45,000 × 2 adults + 33,750 × 2 kids = 157,500 CFA round-trip for all four. Cheaper than 4 hours of boat — and much less seasickness.