Although most travellers reach Dakhla by plane, as alternative means such as trains are still being developed in the region, this is no reason not to reduce your harmful emissions and carbon footprint on the ground by choosing activities with a limited environmental impact.
Which activities are the most eco-friendly in Dakhla? A non-exhaustive list is proposed below.
Enjoying a horse ride at any time of day
Tempted to discover the magnificent landscapes of the Sahara at the pace of a beautiful Arab-Barb horse? Discover our horse rides in Dakhla to explore these landscapes without a motor.
During your horse riding escapade, you will cross deserted beaches bordered by the roaring Atlantic, flat-topped natural mountains, impressive cliffs, pretty dunes, the renowned lagoon with its white sand and colourful kitesurf sails, as well as the majestic desert stretching as far as the eye can see, transporting you to the other end of the world.
The beaches of Dakhla bordered by the ocean, excellent terrain for horses, allow you to set them off at a full gallop for truly memorable moments. Experienced riders will relish this, but so will beginners, as the horses of Ranch des Dunes, who are given the greatest care, adapt to all levels: both seasoned riders and beginners are welcome.
Don’t wait any longer to live an exceptional moment, guided by a professional and caring team!
Getting started or improving your kitesurfing
Dakhla, a city at the gateway to Europe situated between ocean and desert, is renowned for its regular and constant wind blowing 300 days a year. It is, by definition, the perfect destination to learn or improve your kitesurfing or wing foil skills, and its worldwide reputation speaks for itself.
Pleasant temperatures, sunny days, flat and shallow waters, numerous spots - so many assets that make Dakhla an incomparable playground for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
Two main options exist to experience exceptional gliding sensations: staying in a hotel with a private water sports centre directly on the lagoon, or contacting a mobile school that provides transport to and from your accommodation and takes you to discover different spots. Dakhla has the advantage of being suited to the widest possible audience, as hotel and sporting options exist for all tastes and all budgets.
So, are you ready to take the plunge and come and discover what gliding in Dakhla has to offer at its finest?
Discovering the desert at the pace of a dromedary
Fancy taking advantage of a break in the wind to experience a camel ride in Dakhla? Discover the dromedary ride at Ranch des Dunes. These emblematic desert animals are regularly and mistakenly called “camels”: dromedaries have one hump, not two.
Dakhla, between ocean and desert, lends itself perfectly to this unique outing. Set off on an immersive adventure through the Moroccan Sahara, at the slow and soothing pace of the dromedary, dressed in a traditional Sahrawi outfit (djellaba and chèche). These majestic, calm and powerful companions will take you on a journey of discovery through spectacular landscapes between cliffs and ocean. A camel ride in Dakhla (or rather a dromedary ride) is the ideal opportunity to feel the full serenity of the desert, cradled by silence and the elements. This gentle experience is accessible to all; you can choose to do it in a small group or with a larger party. Whether you are a couple, a family or friends, this moment will delight young and old alike!
These rides can be organised at any time of day, with a special fondness for the hours when the sun sets into the ocean, illuminated by the soft golden colours of that privileged moment.
Setting off on an adventure by electric motorbike
A fan of thrills but a lover of the desert’s quiet? Dive into a unique experience by electric motorbike through the spectacular desert landscapes with Beecross. Set off to discover endless dunes, wild tracks and unspoilt places, all in absolute silence and with zero emissions, for a total immersion in nature.
Whether you are a passionate motorcyclist or a novice in search of thrills, each outing is designed to offer an accessible, supervised and unforgettable adventure. Experience far more than a simple ride: a true escape, combining adrenaline, exploration and respect for the environment, in the heart of an exceptional natural setting.
To find them, follow this link: https://share.google/5oFQWVZwAwoBG2J2C
Gliding across the sand in a land yacht
Join Surfis for a unique desert adventure in Dakhla. Their land yachting excursions combine the pleasure of sailing with the excitement of off-road racing. Their experienced team will guide you through a memorable journey, full of adrenaline and thrilling sensations. Thanks to easy-to-learn techniques, you will be able to master land yachting in just 20 minutes, whatever the wind conditions.
This activity is accessible to people measuring a minimum of 1m50.
To contact them: https://www.surfis.ma/
Reaching Dragon Island by paddleboard
Dragon Island owes its name to its shape, which is reminiscent of a crocodile’s silhouette, or more mystically, of a dragon whose wings have taken flight. It is one of the most iconic sites in Dakhla, both for its turquoise waters and its exceptional panorama.
When the wind dies down, the lagoon becomes exceptionally flat, making it possible to reach the island by paddleboard for a sporting and refreshing adventure. It is also possible to reach the island by catamaran; the crossing is pleasant, easy and accessible to all. Once you arrive in the heart of this deserted island with its silent nature, you can access pretty beaches where a swim is possible, or climb to its summit to enjoy one of the finest viewpoints in the area: an unobstructed 360° view over the lagoon and the desert stretching as far as the eye can see.
If you want to disconnect, you can hire paddleboards at most hotels bordering the lagoon around PK25 of the lagoon. For the catamaran, contact Sahara Sailing (https://saharasailing.com/).
Walking through the infinite desert
Strolling through the Dakhla desert is not a simple physical activity; it is a unique experience of immersion in an incomparable natural environment. Setting off into the silent and soothing desert invites you to slow down, to reconnect with yourself and with nature, and to live in the present moment. Golden dunes, cliffs sculpted by the wind, an azure blue sky: an incredible setting that simply asks to be contemplated.
You can explore independently, but certain local operators, such as Palais Rhoul, offer organised and guided excursions through the iconic and grandiose landscapes of Dakhla for an authentic, serene and convivial adventure.
Surfing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean
Dakhla is a destination well known for its regular wind but less so for its beautiful waves, which have nothing to envy those of northern Morocco. Four spots, far from overcrowded, will delight beginners and experts alike. The best period runs from November to March, but pleasant conditions can emerge at other times of the year depending on the swell forecast on the ocean and the wind.
Depending on your needs and wishes, you can take lessons or simply hire a board. Fixed nautical bases offering these services exist at the main spots, as well as mobile surf schools.
Diving into the turquoise waters of the lagoon
Although diving may not be the first thing that comes to mind in Dakhla, its crystal-clear and shallow waters lend themselves perfectly to it. Introductory dives and dives for qualified divers are offered to discover the rich marine biodiversity of the lagoon, its sandy and even rocky seabeds in places. Various spots along the coast exist for those wishing to take part in this activity, which will delight nature lovers and adventure-seeking divers.
Two professional operators can accompany you on this underwater adventure: Mayorça Scuba Diving Center and Dakhla Diving Club. Do not hesitate to contact them for more information!
