Compare destinationsBest kite spots in Morocco - Kitesurfing in Dakhla
A solid choice for those wanting reliable wind, easy access to the water and zero distraction! Dakhla is situated in southern Morocco next to the Western Sahara desert, but most importantly on a peninsula that provides a safe forty-five kilometres long lagoon to kite in with uninterrupted winds.
There’s something for every kitesurfer in Dakhla with flat shallows suitable for beginners and learners, nearby access to renowned coastal wave spots, downwinder opportunities, a foiling paradise, and even a super flat speed spot for perfecting your freestyle tricks, or boosting to the moon when the wind cranks!
The whole region is set up for kitesurfing and there are various Moroccan style hotels and ‘camps’ situated around the Dakhla lagoon. With winds that blow year-round, it’s one of the most reliable short-haul destinations you can reach from Europe!
Ultimate guide for your trip
Guide overview
The best kitespots for kitesurfing in Dakhla
Depending on your position around the lagoon there are a few differences in the conditions, in particular depth, so choose the best location to suit your riding style.
Kitesurfing in the North of the Dakhla Lagoon
North of the Dakhla Lagoon is where most accommodation and schools are situated and here the water is also the flattest nearest the shore, especially at low tide. Beginners will enjoy the safety of the shallows with enough space to practice uninterrupted, but be careful of your feet as there are sometimes sharp shells that you may want to protect yourself from. At higher tide and further out into the lagoon, the water becomes more choppy, but intermediates and advanced riders will enjoy the kickers that form as a result!
Kitesurfing at Dakhla Speed Spot
Dakhla Speed Spot is a must for advanced riders as it has butter flat water that will progress your riding to the next level! It’s best to go via a guided trip as the wind blows offshore here and the spot is quite isolated.
Kitesurfing at Dakhla wave spots
Dakhla wave spots are accessible by car or 4x4 and trips are on offer through most hotels. Oum El Bouir is the most popular place to find wave enthusiasts owing to the point break and solid peeling conditions, particularly in the winter months. Point de L’Or is a rocky bay only accessible via a short 4x4 drive, but as hinted by the name, also has a point break with both left and right-hand waves. Further south at the peninsula tip you’ll find Lassarga, which is growing in popularity and known for its clean almost 1km long right-hander wave!
Weather and kite conditions for kitesurfing in Dahkla
Dakhla has some of the most reliable winds in the world with it blowing 80% of days between April to September. The summer months receive the strongest winds that often get to over 30 knots when most kiters will be riding 7m kites in either a thin shortie or even board shorts. The rest of the time you’ll need larger kites (9 and 12m), and in winter you’ll want a full-length wetsuit too. Don’t forget that the desert temperatures plummet at night so you will need something warm to wear in the evenings year-round.
You should not miss this in Dakhla
Wildlife Spotting
Dakhla itself is actually a national park and boat trips are available to spot marine mammals that include a variety of dolphins and whales, as well as flocks of flamingos and other migratory wading birds, eagles, hawks and vultures.
Souks
Dakhla is a more modern town, but tradition still plays a part and you can enjoy shopping at its smaller Moroccan markets or souks. Saharan fabrics, leather goods and brightly coloured decorative items, as well as teas, exotic fruit and other items, are on offer.
What you can do in Dakhla besides kitesurfing
Quad or dune buggy rides
To get your fun adrenaline fix on land then opt for an excursion into the dunes either by 4X4 vehicle, or it’s possible to rent your own quad bike or dune buggy and be guided into a new sandy adventure!
Yoga
Yoga is widely available and usually, classes run in the morning, as well as at sunset after you’ve finished on the water. The ecolodge La Tour d’Eole offers daily yoga sessions held around their poolside setting.
Entry requirements for your kite trip to Dakhla
If you are an EU citizen then no visas are required to enter Morocco, but make sure your passport has at least 6 months left before the expiry date.
How to get around in Dakhla
The airport is approximately 1.5 hours away but all hotels offer a transfer service and are used to transporting kitesurfing equipment too. There is a minibus in Dakhla that operates on a circuit throughout the day, stopping off at most hotels which allows you to travel around the lagoon.
KiteWorldWide Accommodation in Dakhla
KiteWorldWide has carefully selected a beautiful accommodation for you to maximize both the pleasure on the water and the pure relaxation in harmony with nature.
Across the lagoon, La Tour d'Eole was built with sustainable materials, local resources, and respect for the environment. You will stay in stylish bungalows with private terrace. In the heated pool with sunbathing lawn or in the shade of the wooden pergola you can let your soul dangle.
What does a typical day of kitesurfing in Dakhla look like?
WHY GO TO DAKHLA WITH KITEWORLDWIDE?
...GKA World Tour in Dakhla
Dakha is often chosen as host to the GKA world tour and yearly competitions take place for both freestyle and wave disciplines. The Africa Triathlon Cup takes place usually in November time too!
Top restaurants, cafes and bars in Dakhla
Due to the lagoon location being away from the city, most hotels have their own resort complexes and offer fully catered packages. However, should you want to venture out on a culinary excursion, then there are plenty of small traditional eateries to choose from along the seafront in town.
For fresh and tasty locally caught seafood then head to the oyster farm where the basic restaurant TalhaMar will feed you to bursting on a budget. Or if you want something a bit more upmarket, then Villa Dakhla has a wide menu and great service, and the sea views make it all the more worth the trip!
General information
Dakhla airport is a short flight from Casablanca which has regular direct flights from most European cities. On arrival, your hotel will have a shuttle waiting for you to take you to your hotel.
The hotels and camps that are set up for kitesurfing are also located around the Dakhla lagoon with direct access to the water and launching areas.
Morocco is not an unsafe place to travel and Dakhla is mostly comprised of very safe modern tourist resorts. Should you explore outside of the hotel then you will most likely encounter friendly and helpful locals where crime is at a minimum.
During the hotter summer months you may be able to get away with kiting in board shorts, but bring a shortie wetsuit just in case. Earlier in the year, you will find you’ll need a full-length wetsuit even in the Dakhla lagoon.
The summer months get the strongest wind (it can be over 30 knots), so bring your smallest kites. Most of the year you will likely be riding a 9 or 12m kite, but bring the whole quiver if you want to score the earlier lighter winds, or be ready for when it occasionally nukes!
Dakhla hotels that cater for kiteboarding tourists usually provide storage solutions for your equipment as part of your travel package. Check before booking whether you will receive a locker, launching assistance, or if you are covered by the safety boat service in operation.
The Dakhla resort hotels are set up for tourists so local religious cultures are less common and international dress is the norm. If you venture out of the resort you should consider being respectful to customs and wear clothes that cover the body between your knees and elbows. The evenings can be cold throughout the year so bring something warm to wear after dark!
Although a Muslim country, Dakhla hotels cater fully for tourists and have well-stocked bars with beer, wine and a range of alcoholic beverages. Some hotels even have separate bars on-site with their own cocktail menus, so you can still relax with that all-important cool drink on the terrace!
Dakhla hotels have a full range of fresh food on offer for you to choose from. Traditional Moroccan fare and international dishes are widely available and usually, there is something to suit everyone. However, if you have any dietary requirements it is worth checking at booking to see if they can cater to your needs, or arrange for special food for you.
While wifi is often available, the Dakhla lagoon is located away from the city inside a national park area with less infrastructure. Wifi is not always reliable so it’s a great opportunity for you to detach from the digital world and totally unwind to maximise the enjoyment of your stay.
