Things to do in Dakhla

The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Dakhla (Beyond the Kite)

Nestled on Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast, Dakhla has long been synonymous with world-class kitesurfing. But what if I told you this stunning peninsula offers so much more than just wind sports? As someone who’s explored Dakhla’s hidden corners multiple times over the past five years, I’m excited to reveal the full spectrum of experiences this unique destination has to offer.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature enthusiast, culture lover, or simply looking to unwind, Dakhla’s distinctive blend of desert landscapes, azure waters, and rich cultural heritage creates an unparalleled travel experience. This comprehensive guide will take you beyond the kites to discover everything this remarkable destination has to offer.

TL;DR: Top 7 Things to Do in Dakhla

Explore the breathtaking White Dune (La Dune Blanche) where desert meets lagoon
Visit the mysterious Imlili Desert Sebkha with its natural fish ponds
Take a boat tour of Dakhla Lagoon for birdwatching and spectacular views
Sample fresh oysters straight from Dakhla’s renowned oyster farms
Experience the thrill of water sports beyond kitesurfing (SUP, kayaking, surfing)
Immerse yourself in local culture at Dakhla’s bustling markets and eateries
Relax in the therapeutic waters of Asnaa Thermal Spring

World-Class Watersports

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

While this guide focuses on activities beyond kitesurfing, it’s impossible to discuss Dakhla without acknowledging its status as a premier kitesurfing destination. The flat, shallow waters of the lagoon and consistent winds (15-25 knots) make it perfect for all skill levels.

For Beginners: The protected lagoon near Hotel Dakhla Attitude and Ocean Vagabond offers ideal learning conditions.

For Advanced Riders: Speed Point and Pointe du Dragon provide challenging conditions and bigger waves.

Several professional schools offer lessons and equipment rental, including Dakhla Spirit, Dakhla Club, and PK25.

Surfing

While Dakhla may be famous for kitesurfing, its ocean-facing beaches offer excellent surfing conditions too:

Point d’Or: Located about 40km north of Dakhla, this right-hand point break offers consistent waves, particularly between October and April.
Foum Labouir: This beach break works best during high tide and is suitable for intermediate surfers.
PK25: Beyond the kitesurfing area, this spot offers good waves when the swell direction is right.

The best surfing season runs from October to April, with water temperatures ranging from 18-22°C (64-72°F).

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

The calm waters of Dakhla Lagoon create the perfect environment for stand-up paddleboarding. Glide across crystal-clear waters while enjoying panoramic views of the peninsula and surrounding desert landscapes. Many kite camps and water sports centers offer SUP rentals by the hour or day.

For a unique experience, book an early morning paddleboard tour to catch the golden light illuminating the lagoon’s waters. Advanced paddlers can venture further to explore hidden coves and beaches inaccessible by land.

Kayaking

Kayaking provides another excellent way to explore Dakhla’s lagoon at your own pace. Follow the coastline to discover secluded beaches, observe local wildlife, and take in the contrasting landscapes of water and desert.

Insider Tip: Ask your accommodation about kayak rentals or book a guided tour that includes transportation to optimal launching points.

Fishing

The waters around Dakhla are rich in marine life, making it a paradise for fishing enthusiasts:

Shore Fishing: Try your luck from the beaches along the peninsula
Boat Trips: Join a local guide for deep-sea fishing excursions targeting dorado, barracuda, and various species of tuna
Traditional Fishing: Some tours offer the chance to learn traditional fishing methods from local fishermen

Most hotels and camps can arrange fishing trips, with equipment rental available locally.

Desert Adventures & Nature

Dakhla Lagoon Exploration

The 45km-long Dakhla Lagoon is the region’s centerpiece, a stunning body of turquoise water surrounded by desert landscapes. Several tour operators offer boat excursions across the lagoon, allowing you to appreciate its full beauty.

Birdwatchers should bring binoculars, as the lagoon attracts numerous migratory and resident bird species, including flamingos, herons, and ospreys. The most rewarding time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active.

The White Dune (La Dune Blanche)

Perhaps Dakhla’s most photogenic natural attraction, La Dune Blanche is a massive white sand dune rising dramatically from the turquoise lagoon waters. This surreal landscape creates a stunning visual contrast that photographers will love.

How to get there: Located about 26km north of Dakhla city, the White Dune is accessible by 4×4 vehicle (approximately 40 minutes). Most hotels arrange half-day tours.

Best time to visit: Late afternoon offers the most dramatic lighting for photos, and you can enjoy a magical sunset from its summit.

What to expect: Climb to the top for panoramic views, slide down its slopes, or simply marvel at this natural wonder. Many tours include a traditional tea ceremony at the dune’s base.

Recommended Tour Operator: Sahara Discovery offers expertly guided excursions to the White Dune, often combining it with visits to other nearby attractions for a comprehensive day trip. Their local guides provide fascinating insights into the geological formation and cultural significance of this natural wonder.

Imlili Desert Sebkha (The Desert Fish Ponds)

One of Dakhla’s most fascinating natural phenomena, the Imlili Sebkha consists of small saltwater pools nestled amid sand dunes, roughly 100km south of Dakhla. What makes these pools truly remarkable is that they contain fish that have adapted to extreme salinity variations.

The Science: These natural depressions fill with groundwater that surfaces through natural springs. As water evaporates, salinity increases, creating a challenging environment where only the most adaptable species survive.

Visiting Tips:

A 4×4 vehicle is essential due to rough terrain
Pack water and snacks as there are no facilities
Visit during morning hours to avoid intense midday heat
Wear sturdy footwear for walking on rocky terrain

4×4 Desert Tours

Venture into the Sahara Desert surrounding Dakhla on an exhilarating 4×4 excursion. These tours typically include visits to:

The archaeological site of Loma Larga
Traditional nomadic settlements (with permission)
Remote desert landscapes with stunning rock formations
Fossil beds and ancient dried riverbeds

Sahara Discovery, a Moroccan travel company with deep local roots, offers some of the most comprehensive desert exploration packages. Their signature 6-day “Deep Desert Explorer” tour combines Dakhla’s coastal highlights with authentic Saharan experiences, taking you from the Atlantic waters to the heart of the desert. For those with more time, their multi-day expeditions venture further into the Sahara, featuring overnight camps under star-filled skies and encounters with nomadic communities.

Camel Riding Experiences

Experience the desert as locals have for centuries – from the back of a camel. Sunset camel treks along the peninsula’s beaches or through the surrounding desert offer both authentic cultural experiences and unforgettable photo opportunities.

Most tours last 1-2 hours and include a guide who can explain the important role camels play in local culture and history. Sahara Discovery incorporates traditional camel treks into many of their tour packages, often pairing them with local tea ceremonies for a complete cultural immersion.

Oyster Farm Visit

Dakhla is Morocco’s oyster capital, producing some of the country’s finest shellfish. Several oyster farms offer tours where you can:

Learn about sustainable aquaculture practices
Understand the entire farming process
Sample freshly harvested oysters straight from the lagoon
Enjoy a seafood lunch in a picturesque setting

The largest operation, Dakhla Oyster Farm, offers guided tours with advance booking, typically including transportation from your accommodation.

City Exploration & Culture

Dakhla Town Centre

While most visitors stay at resorts along the lagoon, Dakhla’s city center offers authentic cultural experiences:

The Souk: Browse local handicrafts, spices, and everyday items at the central market
Spanish Cathedral: Explore this architectural reminder of the region’s colonial history
Dakhla Lighthouse: Climb for panoramic views of the city and Atlantic Ocean
Local Tea Houses: Experience traditional Moroccan hospitality over mint tea

The city center is easily navigable on foot, though taxis are readily available and affordable. For a deeper understanding of Dakhla’s historical context and cultural significance, Sahara Discovery offers guided city walks with knowledgeable local guides who can share stories and insights not found in guidebooks.

Local Cuisine Deep Dive

Dakhla’s cuisine blends traditional Moroccan flavors with abundant seafood:

Seafood Tagine: Try this local specialty featuring the catch of the day with traditional Moroccan spices
Fresh Oysters: Sample them at source or at restaurants like La Maison du Pêcheur
Camel Meat: Traditional dishes featuring this lean protein are found in authentic local restaurants
Street Food: Don’t miss brochettes (meat skewers) and harcha (semolina bread) from market vendors

Where to Eat:

Talhamar: Excellent seafood with lagoon views
Restaurant Café La Agüera: Authentic local cuisine
Ocean Vagabond: Mediterranean-Moroccan fusion in a stylish setting

Cultural Interactions

For deeper cultural immersion:

Tea Ceremonies: Participate in a traditional Sahrawi tea ceremony, a ritual involving three rounds of increasingly sweet mint tea
Music and Dance: Some cultural centers and camps arrange performances of traditional Hassani music and dance
Artisan Workshops: Visit local craftspeople creating traditional leatherwork, jewelry, and textiles

Sahara Discovery’s cultural tours often include visits to local families for authentic home-cooked meals and cultural exchanges, providing a rare glimpse into everyday life in the region.

Relaxation & Wellness

Asnaa Thermal Spring (Source chaude d’Asnaa)

Located about 30km from Dakhla, this natural hot spring offers therapeutic benefits in a stunning desert setting. The mineral-rich waters maintain a constant temperature of around 38°C (100°F), perfect for soothing tired muscles after adventure activities.

Visiting Tips:

Bring a towel and swimwear
Most enjoyable during morning or late afternoon
Combine with a visit to the White Dune for a full-day excursion
Some tour operators include meals served at the springs

Beach Relaxation

While Dakhla’s lagoon beaches are popular for water sports, several quieter beaches offer perfect relaxation spots:

PK25 Beach: Located 25km north of Dakhla, this expansive beach offers solitude and stunning views
Puertito Beach: A sheltered cove with calm waters, ideal for swimming
Dragon Beach: Less crowded than the main kitesurfing areas

Yoga & Wellness Retreats

Several eco-camps and resorts now offer yoga and wellness programs, capitalizing on Dakhla’s serene environment:

Morning beach yoga sessions
Meditation classes against desert backdrops
Wellness packages combining activities with healthy cuisine

Ocean Vagabond and Dakhla Spirit regularly host wellness retreats, especially during shoulder seasons.

Unique Dakhla Experiences

Visiting the Port

Dakhla’s fishing port offers a fascinating glimpse into local maritime life. Early risers can watch fishing boats return with their morning catch, followed by the lively fish auction. The port area also houses workshops where traditional wooden boats are still built and repaired using time-honored techniques.

Stargazing in the Desert

With minimal light pollution and clear desert skies, Dakhla offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. Several tour operators offer night excursions into the desert, complete with astronomical guides and traditional Bedouin camps.

For the best experience, time your visit away from the full moon and bring warm clothing – desert temperatures drop significantly after sunset, even in summer. Sahara Discovery’s “Celestial Sahara” overnight tour provides a particularly memorable stargazing experience, featuring an astronomy expert who guides you through the desert night sky while you enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine around the campfire.

Seasonal Events

If your timing aligns, don’t miss these local events:

Dakhla Festival (May): Celebration of local culture with music, dance, and traditional sports
International Kiteboarding World Cup (typically March): Professional competitions and demonstrations
Seafood Festival (October): Culinary celebration of local marine bounty

Practical Planning Information

Best Time to Visit

Dakhla enjoys a mild climate year-round, but the ideal time varies depending on your activities:

For Kitesurfing: April-September offers the most consistent winds
For General Tourism: October-April provides pleasant temperatures (20-25°C/68-77°F)
For Surfing: Winter months (November-March) bring better swells
For Budget Travelers: November and February offer good conditions with fewer crowds

Getting There & Around

Flights:

Direct flights connect Dakhla Airport (VIL) with Casablanca, Agadir, and Las Palmas
Flight time from Casablanca is approximately 2 hours

Local Transportation:

Taxis are inexpensive for city travel
Car rentals (preferably a 4×4) give the most flexibility
Many hotels offer airport transfers
Regular shuttle services connect major hotels with the city center

For comprehensive exploration beyond the immediate Dakhla area, consider booking with Sahara Discovery, which offers all-inclusive transportation as part of their tour packages. This eliminates the hassle of navigating unfamiliar terrain while ensuring you don’t miss any hidden gems along the way.

Accommodation

Dakhla offers accommodations for every budget and preference:

Kite Camps: Ocean Vagabond, Dakhla Spirit, PK25
Luxury Options: Dakhla Attitude, La Crique
Budget-Friendly: Hotel Sahara, Dakhla Palace
Unique Experiences: Desert camps and eco-lodges

Insider Tip: Book accommodations well in advance during peak kitesurfing season (April-September) and around major events.

Essential Tips

Safety: Dakhla is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions apply. The most common issues are sunburn and dehydration.

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the local currency. ATMs are available in town, but cash is preferred at smaller establishments.

Language: Arabic and Hassaniya are the main languages, though French is widely spoken in tourism establishments. Basic Spanish is understood by many locals due to historical connections.

Packing Essentials:

High-SPF sunscreen and lip protection
Sunglasses and hat
Light layers (temperatures can vary significantly between day and night)
Modest clothing for city visits
Waterproof phone case if participating in water activities

Internet Connectivity: Most hotels and camps offer Wi-Fi, though speed and reliability vary. Local SIM cards with data plans are affordable and widely available.

Things to do in Dakhla besides kitesurfing

If you’re not interested in kitesurfing, don’t worry – Dakhla offers plenty of alternatives:

Take a boat tour of the lagoon for incredible nature photography
Visit the White Dune and Imlili Sebkha for unique desert experiences
Explore the city’s markets and cultural sites
Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants
Try other water activities like paddleboarding or kayaking
Relax at Asnaa Thermal Spring
Book a desert excursion to see spectacular landscapes

For the most comprehensive non-kitesurfing experience, Sahara Discovery’s 6-day “Dakhla Complete” tour covers all major attractions while providing flexibility for personal interests and pace.

Is Dakhla good for families?

Absolutely! Dakhla offers several family-friendly activities:

The calm lagoon waters are safe for supervised swimming
Shorter camel rides can be arranged for children
Boat tours accommodate all ages
Many resorts offer family rooms and kid-friendly meals

The best family accommodations include Dakhla Attitude and Ocean Vagabond, both offering family rooms and activities suitable for children. For families wanting to explore beyond the immediate resort areas, Sahara Discovery offers customized family tours with child-friendly pacing, appropriate activities, and guides experienced in traveling with children.

Budget-friendly activities in Dakhla

Traveling on a budget? Try these affordable experiences:

Explore Dakhla city center and markets (free)
Enjoy public beaches along the peninsula (free)
Share group tours to reduce costs (from 150 MAD per person)
Visit the fishing port in the morning (free)
Use local transportation instead of private taxis
Eat at small local restaurants away from tourist areas

Sample Itineraries

3-Day Non-Kiter Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning: Explore Dakhla town center and markets
Afternoon: Boat tour of the lagoon
Evening: Seafood dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2:

Full-day excursion to White Dune and Asnaa Thermal Spring
Evening: Traditional dinner with cultural performance

Day 3:

Morning: Stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking
Afternoon: Visit to oyster farms with tasting
Evening: Sunset at Dragon Beach

1-Week Mixed Activity Itinerary

Day 1-2: Arrival and water sports introduction (SUP, kayaking)

Day 3: White Dune and lagoon exploration

Day 4: Desert adventure to Imlili Sebkha

Day 5: City tour and cultural experiences

Day 6: Beach relaxation and optional activities

Day 7: Final explorations and departure

For those seeking a pre-arranged comprehensive experience, Sahara Discovery’s 6-day tour packages strike an ideal balance between structured exploration and free time, with options to customize based on your interests.

About the Author: Sarah Mansouri is a travel writer and Morocco specialist who has visited Dakhla six times since 2019. Her work focuses on sustainable tourism and authentic cultural experiences throughout North Africa.