Observing the desert plants and animals, taking birdwatching walks near the White Dune, or learning to surf and kitesurf, this secluded oasis in the south of Morocco feels like the edge of the world.
Dakhla is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially for kitesurfing, but it’s so much more than that. Located on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara desert, Dakhla is a hidden retreat for nature lovers. In this blog post, you will discover the 5 best things to do in Dakhla.
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Kitesurfing Lessons
The steady wind from the North and shallow, calm waters create the perfect conditions for kitesurfing in the lagoon. Even if you’re not drawn to the sight of colorful sails flying across the water, there are plenty of other aquatic adventures to enjoy. From catamaran rides and windsurfing to stand-up paddleboarding and deep-sea fishing, the waters of Dakhla invite exploration.
Lesson Prices: Surfing or paddleboarding from €50 for 2 hours at the Ion Club, windsurfing lessons for €75, and kitesurfing lessons for €65-80 for 2 hours in small groups. Water sports centers can be found at Océan Vagabond and Dakhla Attitude.
Walk the White Dune
Step out of the 4×4 and onto the sand for a short hike. Rising from the Sahara, the White Dune stands tall over the turquoise waters with its pristine sand. From the top, you’ll witness an incredible panorama of aquamarine waters and soft beige sands, contrasting beautifully. Classified as a Ramsar wetland, the 400 km² lagoon is home to fiddler crabs, birds like gulls, egrets, herons, and even pink flamingos.
Our Tip: The White Dune can only be accessed by 4×4 at low tide; at high tide, it becomes an island and a popular kitesurfing spot!
Enjoy Oysters with Your Feet in the Sand
If you’re a fan of oysters, Dakhla is the place for you! The region produces nearly 400 tons of oysters each year, making it Morocco’s oyster farming hub. Head to Talha Mar for fresh oysters by the lagoon, where black lines of traps peek above the water. Originally just an oyster bed, Talha Mar is now a casual restaurant where you can enjoy oysters, lobster, grilled fish, and squid tagines with your toes in the sand.
Cost: About 5 euros for a dozen oysters, 4 to 7 euros for a tagine.
Experience the Desert Life
Beyond the water, Dakhla’s location in the Western Sahara offers the chance to dive into desert landscapes. From canyons and cliffs to acacia-dotted savannahs and soft talc-like dunes, the desert is full of life. The Imlili Sebkha, a salty depression, attracts fish, reptiles, birds, and small mammals, creating a lively desert oasis.
Our Tip: To truly immerse yourself in the desert, spend a night in a bivouac. Dakhla Rovers organizes tailor-made excursions starting at €410 for two days, including a night in a bivouac.
Discover the City of Dakhla
Though Dakhla’s modern concrete design may seem unremarkable, it offers glimpses of rich Sahrawi culture. A visit to the Museum of Handicrafts provides insight into Sahrawi jewelry, clothing, and ancient rock carvings. In the evening, Downtown bustles with life. You’ll find bissap, wax shops, and mlehfas—the vibrant veils worn by Sahrawi women—showcasing the cultural crossroads of Morocco and Africa.
Our Tip: For a taste of Sahrawi cuisine, head to the restaurant Villa Dakhla. Alongside Mediterranean dishes, the menu offers camel parmentier and tanjia with dromedary meat.
Prices: 10-15 euros per dish.
Good to Know: Western Sahara, formerly under Spanish rule until its decolonization in 1975, remains a contested territory between Morocco and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi independence movement.
