La Sarga, Dakhla: surfing and kitesurfing paradise in Morocco
Surfrider Europe partner of Ocean Adventure’s Sports Trips
The Dakhla lagoon is the name of a jewel lost between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara desert. Over the years, the town has become a destination of choice for kitesurfers. And there are several reasons for this.
It's nicknamed the "Windy City" because of the trade winds and the different types of wind. Optimal conditions for practising wind and board sports. Whether you're a kiteboarder, windsurfer, wingfoiler or even a surfer, you'll appreciate the mild temperatures all year round (in summer they're the same as in Biarritz!) and the diversity of the spots.
Historically, there have been 4 main kitesurfing spots in Dakhla, Europe's kitesurfing capital: the Lagoon, the Speed Spot, Lassarga and the Dune Blanche. But as the number of kitesurfers grows, other interesting, slightly more hidden spots are being sought out, because they're well worth the effort!
A not-to-be-missed surfing destination, Dakhla is home to some of the best kitesurfing spots in this part of Morocco. Camps and dedicated centres have been set up for kitesurfers, but the wildest spots are also well worth a visit. You'll get great pleasure from exploring these corners of paradise. In Dakhla, the diversity of spots means that everyone can enjoy their passion to the full. There are places exclusively for freeriding and others more suited to beginners. If you're planning a trip to the Windy City in the near future, check out the best kitesurfing spots in Dakhla here.
The lagoon in the heart of the lagoon: the ideal place for beginners
The lagoon is a large playground, 40km long and 18km wide, with a resting surface and flat, sometimes choppy, water. The wind can be gusty at times, but it remains fairly stable and allows you to progress or learn to kitesurf. It's an ideal place to learn kitesurfing because the lagoon is huge, you have plenty of space, the water is flat and you have a large support surface to start with.
The lagoon is 25km from the city, and this is where you'll do your first slides out of the water. You can also try your hand at wingfoiling - the central axis is almost 10 metres deep! Thanks to the continuous sea winds most of the time, conditions are perfect. We call this place the pool, probably because at first you sail from one side to the other.
The lagoon offers a rock-free stretch of water, so you can ride even at high tide! All in a breathtaking setting.
The Speed Spot
Dakhla owes all its fame to this kitesurfing spot. Located just a few kilometres from the lagoon, it's a very flat spot, perfect for testing your speed and manoeuvres in a headwind. Be warned, however, that it is only accessible at low tide, when the sand creates a small step and provides shelter from the wind on the surface of the water.
Very popular with athletes who already have an intermediate level of kitesurfing, this spot can be reached by downwind, boat or 4x4.
Freestylers particularly like this spot at low tide, as the sandbanks protect the surface of the water. Super flat and crystal clear for the best tricks!
Dune Blanche: a much sought-after spot
This time, access is only possible at high tide. This dune, which reaches a height of 10 metres, offers a magnificent view over the desert.
It's a daredevil's paradise! The concept? Jump off the crest of the dune and land in a flat area in the lee of the dune.
This is an incredible spot for all kitesurfing fans! The scenery is magnificent and the sea is warm - it's a living paradise.
Lassarga: a great kitesurfing spot in the waves
Lassarga offers an exceptional playground for kitesurfers, wingfoilers and surfers of all levels! It's the ultimate multi-glide spot! The subtle blend of water at 22°C and air at 25°C all year round, combined with 300 days of wind a year, means you can live your passion to the full.
The Lassarga spot faces east-west, with constant N-NE winds from March to October. It's a great time for freestyle and the water is flat. Wave enthusiasts will prefer the winter season, which runs from October to March and offers world-class wave quality that never stops rolling down the right!
Dakhla Attitude, The main Spot
The main spot is historically located opposite Dakhla's first kitesurfing camp. This spot is considered one of the best in the world for learning and improving your kitesurfing / windsurfing skills thanks to the constant wind and shallow waters.
If there weren't 300 people in the centre, we'd advise you to go!
For intermediate beginners who want to get out of the pool, out of the lagoon, there's a channel deep enough for those with foils to take it.
Dream Spot or Secret Spot
Enjoy a unique and unforgettable kitesurfing experience with mini trips to Dakhla's Secret Spot, a charming little bay nestling behind the Dune Blanche. This hidden destination offers ideal wind conditions for kitesurfing, far from the usual crowds.
The adventure is led in the water by our local kitesurfers, who know the course like the back of their hand. These professional kiteboarders will guide you through the beautiful Dakhla landscape to the secret bay.
A boat provides security for the duration of this expedition, allowing each participant to enjoy the experience in complete peace of mind. Whether you're an experienced intermediate or advanced kiteboarder, our support team will be on hand to help if you need assistance.
On arrival at the Secret Spot, a 4x4 is ready to provide you with extra security, as well as water, snacks and extra kitesurfing equipment. We've got you covered so you can concentrate fully on your kitesurfing session.
And the adventure doesn't stop there! For those who wish, you can extend the experience by bivouacking on site. Imagine sitting around a campfire, listening to the desert and sharing kitesurfing stories as you gaze up at the starry sky.
So, are you ready for a kitesurfing adventure like no other? Join us for a trip to Dakhla's Secret Spot and experience unforgettable moments on the water and beyond.
Natural Park
The Natural Park in Dakhla is the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts looking for a windy, wild and authentic place away from the crowds. It offers the perfect setting for a peaceful, active holiday away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This secret oasis was discovered by former windsurfing champion Rachid Roussafi. One of the highlights of the Natural Park is its secluded location, away from the multitude of accommodation lining the Dakhla lagoon. Whether you're a novice looking for an introduction to watersports or an expert looking to hone your skills, you'll be delighted to navigate the vast expanse of water at this exceptional spot.
The Natural Park offers a unique opportunity for kitesurfers, wingoilers and windsurfers to sail undisturbed. Unlike overcrowded spots, this place offers remarkable wind conditions.
The constant wind makes the Natural Park an ideal spot for all types of water sports enthusiasts. What's more, the different depth zones are suitable for all levels of sailor, whatever the equipment used.
Don't miss the excursions organised from the camp, such as Lassarga by boat, the Dune Blanche, the famous Dream Spot and other smaller, lesser-known surf spots. You can be sure that you will return from this holiday with lasting memories.
Dragon Island
Dragon Island is a large sand and rock dune that the wind shapes into a dragon when viewed from the side. If you're brave enough, you can get there on foot or by swimming at low tide. Don't be afraid to climb up and marvel at the magnificent, panoramic views from the top!
If you visit Ile du Dragon, remember to take a pair of shoes with you, as the sand is covered in shells.
La pointe d'Or: wave sailing conditions for all levels
Located near the Dakhla lagoon, but on the ocean side. Be careful, you risk sinking into the sand, so it's best to take a 4x4! Its rocky point forms a bay, ideal for taking advantage of the Atlantic waves. You'll need a good level to kite in these big waves.
Discover a rocky point forming a small bay nestling in Dakhla. With a moderate wind and beautiful waves from the Atlantic Ocean, this spot provides the best conditions to start or progress in surfing. Armed with your board, you'll glide gently along, following the rhythm of the long waves of the Sahara.
If you've never tried surfing before, this will be a truly original experience.
Jardiland, an exceptional destination for learning to kitesurf
An extraordinary adventure awaits you in Dakhla. Feel the rhythm of the waves as you glide serenely over the Jardiland spot. A secret spot for fans of this sport, this spot is characterised by a totally low tide. In fact, there's very little water on this spot. It's super-flat, but decidedly authentic, with grasses embellishing its setting. In fact, the kitesurfers love to jump over the tall grass.
As Jardiland is less busy, it has managed to retain its wild aspect. You'll discover a breathtaking, photogenic spot.
Foum Lbouir, enjoying world-famous waves
This beach, several kilometres long and close to the town, offers ideal waves: straight and long. Every year, one of the stages of the professional circuit takes place here, and rightly so! You'll find excellent conditions, perfect for an adrenalin-pumping session in the waves. The best conditions are from October to May, when the wind is not too strong. The wind is a few knots lighter on the ocean than in the lagoon and gusts inside the bay. Once you leave the bay a little, the wind becomes more stable, but is still stronger than in the lagoon.
In Dakhla, there are several point breaks in the region where you can enjoy surfing. The best-known spots include Foum Labouir. This spot offers consistent but moderate swells. Thanks to its configuration, the length of the waves is incredible. As a result, this spot is just as suitable for novices as it is for amateurs who already know a thing or two about surfing.
What's more, the Foum Lbouir spot is still little-known, ideal for those who don't want to get tangled up with the crowds. It's a confidential spot where you can let the waves caress you in peace and quiet. And if you've come without a crew, you can hire boards and wetsuits near this spot.
La Sarga, surfing at the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara
To surf the most splendid waves in Dakhla, head for La Sarga! This fishing village acts as a link between the lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. It's also a surf spot with an international reputation. Here you'll find some of the most inaccessible waves in Morocco. Enormously long, the waves roll along the sandy point that marks the tip of the peninsula.
The waves at Lassarga also change according to the tide and wind conditions, making the spot a quality playground for surfers of all profiles. As for the water, it's especially suited to keen kiteboarders.
As well as the waves and the wind, the landscape of this charming fishing village is breathtaking. What a pleasure it is to admire its wild nature and dream setting. In other words, La Sarga is a top choice when it comes to surf spots in Dakhla.
The oyster park: almost alone with your kitesurf!
An easy spot, with a large expanse of clear, shallow water for practising at high tide. Suitable for beginners, it's also a good choice for a freestyle session. Famous for its pink flamingos, but also and above all for its oysters, lobsters, cannolicchis and fresh fish to enjoy after a day's kiteboarding.
Difficult to reach, this flat spot deserves to be! Accessible with a tailwind, it can only be done at low tide. Have fun jumping over the tall grass and don't forget to take some superb photos of this magnificent spot...
https://youtu.be/eUYT3JE8-6c
The idyllic setting of Arish
Before kitesurfers invaded its broad coastline, Dakhla was a coveted surfing spot. In fact, this peninsula is renowned the world over for its lagoon, which has become an essential wind garden for kitesurfers. But traditional surfing is still practised here.
Special mention should be made of the Arish spot and its beautiful waves. Make the most of your visit to the town to ride these never-ending breakers. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate, you'll have hours of fun. Located to the north of Dakhla, the El Arish spot has without doubt the best waves in the surrounding area. Surfers from all over Europe come here to indulge their passion.
And while the water may be cooler at certain times of the day, the sun is there to keep you warm. And don't forget to wear suitable wetsuits when surfing.
Porto Rico beach, discovering the Dakhla wreck
Located around 60 km from Dakhla, "Porto Rico" is a magnificent golden sandy beach. The water is crystal clear and the wind constant. This long, seemingly endless beach is unique in its kind, with a stone cliff rising up in the middle. Further south of the town, this beach is popular with kitesurfing fans.
Indeed, kitesurfing near the famous Dakhla wreck is a sensational experience. However, discovering this majestic wreck is well worth the effort, as it is quite difficult to find. You'll need a good guide to guarantee your find.
Le Downwind, une aventure unique
Le downwind est une activité de kitesurf captivante qui promet une aventure inoubliable. Contrairement aux sessions classiques, le downwind n'implique pas de remonter au vent pour revenir à son point de départ. En fait, c'est l'opposé : les kitesurfeurs commencent à un point A et se laissent porter par le vent jusqu'à un point B. L'objectif est de profiter de la poussée du vent, en surfant en travers ou légèrement en aval, ce qui donne un sentiment de liberté et de vitesse sans égal.
C'est une expérience vraiment unique, qui permet aux kitesurfeurs d'explorer la magnifique lagune de Dakhla, en passant d'un spot à l'autre. En commençant par le lagon, réputé pour ses conditions idéales pour le kitesurf, avec ses eaux plates et ses vents constants, puis en se dirigeant vers des spots plus excitants comme le speed spot ou la dune blanche, le downwind offre des paysages à couper le souffle et des sensations fortes.
Downwind, a unique adventure
At Ocean Adventure we offer this incredible experience to intermediate and advanced kiteboarders. A level check will be carried out on site to ensure a safe and memorable adventure. Downwind is an activity that requires some experience due to its dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature, which is why we do not recommend it to beginners.
The typical route is from the lagoon to the speed spot or white dune, around 10 to 20 km, but for the more adventurous we can go up to 30 or 40 km. Safety is our priority, which is why it is not recommended to do this activity alone. Significant logistical support is required. Experienced locals lead the walk, closely followed by a group of 4 to 6 people and a boat to ensure safety.
A 4x4 follows us onto the beach, ready to provide extra equipment, water and snacks if needed. And for those who wish to extend this magical adventure, we offer the possibility of a bivouac on the sand, where you can fall asleep under the moonlight, exhausted but fulfilled by this unique kitesurfing experience, around a fire for a convivial and memorable evening.
Our aim is to enable you to experience the downwind adventure in the best conditions, in complete safety, while offering you an unforgettable kitesurfing experience in the splendid Dakhla spots.
Event : 300km Downwind with Mitu and Ghali, Local Sarahoui
Ocean Adventure is delighted to present one of the best downwinds ever achieved by our passionate partners.
After around a year of preparation, our organisers Mitu and Ghali have succeeded in bringing a new downwind concept to fruition. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, their vision of an even bigger and better downwind finally came to fruition. Ghali's bold plan:
From Dakhla, the kitesurfing capital, to Senegal, a 300-kilometre downwind course over 6 days.
During the first edition, our guests had the pleasure of discovering magnificent landscapes all along the route, ranging from white sandy beaches, turquoise and dark blue waters, dunes and cliffs. The daily changes in scenery added to the excitement and anticipation of what was to come.
Crossing the Tropic of Cancer remains a key moment in this downwind.
For those who have lived the experience, the impressions are unanimous. One guest from New York shared:
"I wasn't expecting this at all! A wonderful week, breathtaking scenery in the desert, an atmosphere that I find mystical and the fact that I was doing it in a kite adds an absolutely incredible dimension. There really was a great atmosphere."
At Ocean Adventure, our mission is to provide you with an unrivalled kitesurfing adventure, in complete safety.
Downwind in Dakhla is more than a sport, it's a life experience not to be missed.
https://youtu.be/tncqxwmTYOE
