Known for
In the far south, on an Atlantic spit of sand, Dakhla is a paradise for kitesurfers and lovers of wide-open spaces. Its turquoise lagoon, framed by Saharan dunes, offers surreal sunsets, hot springs, oyster beds and surprising wildlife (flamingos, dolphins).
What to see
Flat, turquoise water and steady wind: one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world.
💡 For beginners and experts alike: there are many schools and the water is shallow.
A large, pristine dune plunging into the lagoon, an iconic photo spot about 40 km away.
Natural hot-water baths in the middle of the desert, perfect after a windy day.
Rock formations, salt pools and birdwatching in a lunar landscape.
A wetland where you can spot flamingos and sometimes dolphins in the bay.
What to do
World-class spot: flat lagoon, steady wind, all levels.
Cross the lagoon to the famous white dune.
Nature paddle in a UNESCO biosphere-reserve lagoon.
Where to eat
🍽️ Dakhla oysters, sea urchins
Oysters farmed in the lagoon, served by the water.
🍽️ Catch of the day, squid
Ultra-fresh, pick your fish at the market.
🍽️ Camel, ceremonial tea
Desert cuisine and the three-glass tea ritual.
Where to stay & book
Full board, kite lessons and excursions included.
Quiet bungalows facing the turquoise water.
Handy for shops and the airport.
Climate & temperature
☀️ Summer: Summer: 25 to 28 °C, tempered by the ocean, strong wind.
❄️ Winter: Winter: 20 to 24 °C by day, mild; cool nights.
✅ Best time: Year-round; ideal kite wind from April to September.
🧴 Almost constant wind: cooler than it seems, protect yourself. · Intense desert sun: hat and sunscreen essential. · Isolated area: few services, bring the essentials. · Limited network and ATMs outside the town.
🎒 Windbreaker · Wetsuit (kite) · High-factor sunscreen · Sunglasses & scarf
Safety & tips
💡 Local tip: Dakhla is far from everything (a flight from Casablanca or Agadir is recommended). Book a camp on the lagoon: most offer kite lessons, excursions and full board.
Someone approaches you, claims your route is closed, or offers to guide you 'for free' to a square or landmark. Once there, they demand money, sometimes insistently.
✅ Refuse politely but firmly ('la, choukran' = no thanks) and keep walking. Use an offline map. A real guide carries an official badge. Never follow anyone who insists.
The driver refuses to turn on the meter ('it's broken') and then announces an inflated fare on arrival, sometimes 3 to 5 times the normal price.
✅ Ask for the meter before getting in. If the meter 'doesn't work', step out and simply take the next taxi — there are always others. If the driver insists or threatens you, call the police (19). Without a meter, agree on the price IN ADVANCE and ask your riad about the normal fare. Ride-hailing apps (inDrive, Careem) show the price upfront and avoid any dispute.
A woman grabs your hand and starts a henna tattoo 'as a gift', then demands a high price. Some black hennas contain allergy-triggering additives.
✅ Keep your hands close to you and refuse any contact. Never hold out your hand. Walk away at the very first approach.