What is the best season to kitesurf in Dakhla?
Which surf boots brands are the best?
What to do besides Kitesurfing in Dakhla?
The Dakhla region is world famous for being one of the top 3 kitesurfing destinations in Europe, along with Fuerteventura and Tarifa. It is less well known for the quality of its surf spots, even though these are "world class", but all the better for it... These extreme activities are far from being Dakhla's only tourist attractions. Ideally situated at the junction of the Sahara and the Atlantic, this region of southern Morocco hides some real natural gems that you won't want to miss when you visit.
The Mecca of Kitesurfing
20 - 25 degrees on average all year round: welcome to Dakhla!
This is the ideal spot for those who like to disconnect from the world. The magnificent Oued Eddahab lagoon - known as Rio de Oro - and its turquoise waters will make you forget the dullness of everyday life. But Dakhla is also a paradise for thrill-seekers: kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, the coast is world-famous for its favourable winds and mysterious places like Dragon Island or the White Dune.
Explorations and must-see sites
Are you more of a hiking and trekking enthusiast? You won't be disappointed by your visit to Dakhla either. There's no shortage of trails to explore in the region.
La dune blanche (The white dune)
One of Dakhla's natural attractions is La Dune Blanche. This is a crescent-shaped dune of white sand. At high tide, it is transformed into an island. Until now, this phenomenon has remained a real mystery. There is no reliable scientific data or theory to explain it. There are two ways to visit the White Dune: in a 4x4 vehicle or on a kitesurfing trip.
Île du dragon (Island of the dragon)
A boat trip is the easiest way to get to this island, which looks like a dragon in profile. You can always try to visit ile de dragon at low tide, but watch your timing! It is possible to walk around the island. This walk will also give you a chance to admire the ballet of kite surfers and dolphins. As with the boat trip, the pink flamingos and other migratory birds will serve as your welcoming committee.
Pointe D'Or (Golden Point)
The closest wave spot to the bottom of the Dakhla lagoon is Pointe de l’Or. About 20 minutes from the airport, you can be riding the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. A deserted sandy beach with a rocky point creates a beautiful little bay of clear water where you may only see one or two fishermen, so the waves are there for you.
Sand golf
This golf course is covered with a natural lawn, watered with sea water, which stands up very well to the extreme conditions of this region of Morocco. The beauty of this unique landscape has made the site famous. The original, entirely ecological golf course has 9 holes. It is suitable for all levels of player.
If you're just starting out, the golf academy is at your disposal. It's open to golfers of all ages. Children, young people and adults can all benefit from assistance on the course. International coaches also give practical lessons.
Here's a rather unique way of discovering the dunes of Dakhla, obviously it's not possible for everyone to fly over magnificent landscapes in a paraglider, but this local is sharing with us the view he has from a little higher up than we do!
It's clear here that the wind is an integral part of Dakhla, and with the updrafts alone he's able to fly and follow the curves of the dunes, giving us an idea of what you can do kitesurfing!
Asmaa hot springs
If you like your activities off the beaten track, head for the desert, 35 km from the city.
A thousand miles from the traditional tourist routes, right in the heart of the desert, you'll find the Asmaa hot springs. To get to this unique spot, you have to travel around 25 km along a sandy track. The desert landscape that criss-crosses the road gives you no idea of what to expect. Suddenly, out of nowhere, there is a small house, then a crowd of tourists, the signs that you have arrived at the right place.
Beyond the crowd, you'll see a powerful jet of water where you can take a dip and relax after a walk in the desert!
In the heart of the Imlili desert
You can continue your exploration of the Dahkla region with an excursion into the Imlili desert. For almost 100 km, you will cross desert plains and abandoned villages, before leaving the road to enter the desert.
And that's where the magic happens. In the heart of this desert area, between the cracked earth, green reeds are timidly taking shape, the beginnings of vegetation.
As you continue your walk, you'll come across the natural pools that emerge from nowhere in the heart of the desert. There's no explanation as to why they're there, but one thing is certain: they are, and the surprises don't stop there.
If you take a closer look, you'll see that the pools in question are inhabited by tiny fish! How do they survive in this seemingly hostile environment? It's a mystery!
Portorico and Puertito beaches
For you, holidays often mean relaxing in the sun? When you're in Dakhla, don't miss Porto Rico. This small, quiet village, around sixty kilometres from Dakhla, is home to a heavenly beach. Known as "the King's private beach", it was closed to the public for a long time. Today, this natural treasure is open to holidaymakers, who can bask on its fine sandy beach and swim in its crystal-clear waters. The long, immaculate beach, which seems endless, with a stone cliff in the middle, is a pleasant walking route. Located further south, Puertito beach is just as beautiful as Puerto Rico. It's also well worth a visit.
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At the heart of Dakhla's endemic fauna
Dakhla, Morocco, is famous for its diverse marine life, including green lobsters and fiddler crabs, and is a top destination for dolphin watchers. It's not uncommon to spot dolphins on a stroll along the beaches, and even basking sharks that are not dangerous to humans. Dakhla is also a meeting place for a large number of birds, such as pink flamingos and bald ibises. The town is also home to some extravagant reptiles, such as colourful lizards, vipers and cobras. Activities in Dakhla include fishing, thanks to its fish-filled coastline, and mini-cruises to admire the marine wildlife and the large turquoise lagoon.
We also recommend a visit to Herné Island, or "Dragon Island", for a panoramic view of the lakes, dunes and white sands.
Birdwatching by the lagoon or mammal and reptile watching in the desert
Animal lovers won't be left out either when they visit Dakhla, this special region where the sea meets the desert. During the various walks they take, they may have unexpected encounters with a unique bird or reptiles. But for those who really want to make animal-watching one of their main activities in Dakhla, there are desert safaris to meet the mammals and reptiles that have made this unusual world their home. There are also excursions to the coast to watch the pink flamingos and other migratory birds that come to enjoy the sun in this part of Morocco.
Dakhla is home to many types of animal at the bottom of its seas. Such is the case of the green lobsters that are the emblem of its bay. Surprising and extraordinary at first sight, they are the pride of the locals. Did you know? Dakhla is one of the few countries to have this magnificent marine creature. Today, these lobsters have become a highly protected treasure. Dakhla is also home to many other marine fauna, such as the fiddler crab. Every day, many visitors head to Dakhla to see what these crabs look like. A short stroll along its vast beaches is a must to marvel at the unrivalled beauty of these animals.
Gastronomy & Culture
Dakhla, a pearl of Morocco, offers much more than breathtaking scenery. Its gastronomy and culture are also treasures to be discovered during your stay in this enchanting region.
Dakhla's gastronomy is a veritable voyage of the senses, blending Berber, Saharan and Moroccan influences. The traditional dishes reflect the way of life of the desert dwellers and fishermen, highlighting local produce and authentic spices. Be sure to try "Rfissa", a dish made with chicken, lentils and msemmen (flaky pancakes), or "Tajine de poisson", a seafood delicacy spiced up with spices. Sweet dates and delicious Moroccan pastries will delight gourmets in search of exotic flavours.
Beyond its gastronomy, Dakhla reveals a rich and authentic culture. You'll be charmed by traditional Saharan music, which transports listeners to the vast expanses of desert. Folk dances such as the "Ahidous" echo the ancestral customs of the region. Local artisans will warmly welcome you to their shops, showcasing their unique skills through hand-woven carpets, silver jewellery and bewitchingly patterned pottery.
Desert Vibrations: A Gnawa Evening in Dakhla
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary cultural richness of Dakhla during our special Gnawa evening. In the exceptional setting of the Saharan desert, under a starry sky, let yourself be enchanted by the hypnotic rhythms and spellbinding melodies of the Gnawa masters. This immersive experience will be punctuated by traditional dances, spiritual songs and delicious local cuisine. Join us for a night of celebration, communion and discovery, where music, spirituality and Moroccan hospitality meet.
Gnawa evening at the Kite Camp Ocean Adventure lagoon
Cyril B : One-week family holiday in Dakhla The Lagoon
The entire Ocean Adventure team would like to personally thank Cyril for his trust and loyalty! Like Cyril, you too can leave your impressions on our various addresses below.
We look forward to hearing from you.
"We had a great trip to Dakhla The Lagoon. The pension met our expectations, the food was very good. The instructors were very friendly and we all made great progress in kitesurfing and wing foiling. There was a good general atmosphere at the camp. The quad bike ride on the Dune Blanche was great, as was the horse ride on the beach. A destination to recommend for sporty families!"
The Dakhla souk
Like all Moroccan towns, Dakhla has its own souk. Unlike Marrakech, Dakhla's souk is a little small, but well worth a visit. You'll even find souvenirs that you'd be hard pressed to find in other Moroccan towns. Among the items you'll find in this souk is Melhfa. This is a light fabric used by the women of the Sahara to cover themselves. It can help to keep you cool on your next visit to the desert.
Did you enjoy tasting Sahraoui tea in the Sahraoui Village? You can find loose tea in the Dakhla souk. You could make some more at home and impress your friends and family. As well as tea, you'll find acacia sap, which you can use to sweeten your tea. You'll also find other local specialities such as el aych, a cereal widely eaten in this region of Morocco.
1. At N'TIFI
Open from midday to midnight
African, Moroccan, Mediterranean cuisine... popular and inexpensive
2. Dakhla Villa
Open from noon to midnight
"Very cool to drink a cold beer" French cuisine, Moroccan, Seafood & Fish...
3. Rhoul Palace
Open from midday to midnight
French and Moroccan cuisine, seafood and fish... Allow a small budget for pleasure
NB: reservations must be made online.
4. Guest House
Open for lunch and dinner
Seafood and fish dishes, grills, barbecues... "A rare gem in the middle of the desert"
