  We analyze the direct detection of neutralino dark matter in the framework of
the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. Taking into account all the
available constraints from LEPII and Tevatron, including bounds from the muon
anomalous magnetic moment and flavor constraint as $b \to s \gamma $, we
compute the neutralino-nucleon cross section and compare the results with the
sensitivity of dark matter detectors. We also study the relic abundance of
neutralinos, comparing it with WMAP observations. We show that a light
singlet-like Higgs can escape accelerator constraints allowing for scenarios
with large cross sections, and a very interesting phenomenology.
