There are limited facilities for watersports on the coast, but visitors should note that tides and currents can render the sea very dangerous and only the strongest swimmers should venture in at certain places. There are good beaches at Grand Popo and Ouidah. In Cotonou, several hotels have swimming pools, and tennis is available at the Club du Benin and sailing at the Yacht Club. A dug-out canoe or motorboat can be hired on Nakoue Lagoon.

The country’s two national parks, Pendjari and ‘W’, are the best places to view wildlife. For further details, see the Resorts and Excursions section.