Between ocean, lagoon and desert, Dakhla reveals itself as much through its landscapes as through its activities. The must-dos are horse riding at sunset, kitesurfing, the Dune Blanche, a camel trek and Dragon Island. Here are ten experiences to choose from according to your desires, your level and the weather.
Enjoying a horse ride at sunset
Tempted to discover the magnificent landscapes of the Sahara at the pace of a beautiful Arabian-Barb horse? Discover our horse rides in Dakhla and the dedicated sunset experience, when the ocean and the dunes are draped in golden hues.
During your horse riding escapade, you will cross deserted beaches bordered by the roaring Atlantic, mountains with naturally flat summits, 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 side of the world.
The beaches of Dakhla bordered by the ocean, excellent terrain for horses, allow you to set them off at full gallop for truly unforgettable moments. Expert 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 of rider: experienced and novice alike are welcome.
Don’t wait any longer to experience an exceptional moment guided by a professional and caring team!
Learning or improving your kitesurfing
Dakhla, a city at the gateway to Europe situated between ocean and desert, is renowned for its regular and consistent wind blowing 300 days a year. It is, by definition, the perfect destination to learn or improve your kitesurfing or wing foiling, 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 for experiencing exceptional gliding sensations: staying in a hotel with a private watersports 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 purest?
Going on an excursion to the Dune Blanche and the Imlili desert
Board a 4x4, set off on an adventure across the Saharan tracks and discover the iconic Dune Blanche, nestled between desert and lagoon. Unlike all others, this dune does not shift with the wind, as it is filled with water owing to its position: an entire ecosystem has formed around it, offering an incredible panorama when standing at its summit. The contrasting and varied landscapes surrounding it will delight novice and seasoned photographers alike. Animal lovers will not be left wanting either, as flamingos and other migratory birds particularly appreciate the serenity of this unique spot. Depending on the tides and the seasons, travellers may also enjoy a swim in the surrounding waters. It is possible to stop at the Asmaa hot spring along the way.
Another notable point of interest in Dakhla is Sebkhat Imlili, a wetland in the Sahara known for its circular pools of water sheltering, among other things, resilient fish. The journey is well worth it: a true expedition into the desert that will immerse you in the heart of the Sahara. If you are lucky, you may even encounter herds of dromedaries!
Finally, Puerto Rico beach has nothing to envy of those in the Seychelles with their iconic rocks, as it displays virtually the same. Furthermore, its waters, while slightly darker and cooler, remain pleasant for a restorative swim with the desert as a backdrop.
Many multilingual guides in Dakhla offer these excursions as half-day or full-day trips.
Immersing yourself in Sahrawi culture with a camel trek
Fancy experiencing a camel ride in Dakhla? Good news: Ranch des Dunes offers dromedary rides in Dakhla. 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 traditional Sahrawi attire (djellaba and chèche). These majestic, calm and powerful companions will take you to discover the 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, lulled by silence and the elements. This gentle experience is accessible to everyone: you can choose to do it in a small group or with a larger party. Whether you are a couple, a family or a group of friends, this moment will delight young and old alike!
Reaching Dragon Island by boat
Dragon Island owes its name to its shape, which is reminiscent of a reptile such as a crocodile, or, more mystically, a dragon whose wings have taken flight. It is one of the most emblematic sites in Dakhla, both for its turquoise waters and its exceptional panorama.
To get there, you must cross the lagoon, and the journey, whether by catamaran or motorboat, 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 it is possible to take a swim, or climb to its summit to enjoy one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area: an unobstructed 360° view over the lagoon and the desert stretching endlessly into the distance.
If you wish to disconnect, you can contact the company Sahara Sailing for the catamaran, or the hotels of the Dakhla Hospitality Group for a motorboat.
Escaping at full speed through the desert by quad bike
Fancy discovering the desert through an experience that is accessible to the whole family, fun and wonderfully different? Climb aboard a quad bike to cross the endless desert, ride along cliffs with breathtaking panoramas, or climb golden sand dunes.
Thanks to this dynamic excursion, you can get your fill of adrenaline while visiting unmissable sites in Dakhla aboard an all-terrain vehicle, well off the beaten track. A guaranteed sense of freedom and powerful emotions!
This activity, suitable for everyone, is available through Dakhla Quad & Events, the reference for all things motorsport in Dakhla, offering quad bike, buggy and land rover excursions for all, as well as motocross for the more experienced.
Setting off on an adventure by electric motorbike
A fan of thrills but a lover of the desert’s tranquillity? 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 total immersion in nature.
Whether you are a passionate motorcyclist or a complete novice in search of strong sensations, every outing is designed to offer an accessible, supervised and unforgettable adventure. Experience far more than a simple ride: a true escape from it all, combining adrenaline, exploration and respect for the environment, in the heart of an exceptional natural setting.
To find them, follow this link: Beecross
Gliding across the sand in a land yacht
Join Surfis for a unique desert adventure in Dakhla. Their land yacht excursions combine the pleasure of sailing with the excitement of off-road racing. Their experienced team will guide you through a memorable journey, rich in adrenaline and exhilarating sensations. Thanks to easy-to-learn techniques, you can master the land yacht in just 20 minutes, whatever the wind conditions.
This activity is accessible to people measuring a minimum of 1m50.
To contact them: Surfis
Surfing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean
Dakhla is a very well-known destination for its consistent wind, but less so for its beautiful waves, which have nothing to envy of those in northern Morocco. 4 spots, far from overcrowded, will delight beginners and experts alike. The best period runs from November to March, but pleasant conditions can emerge throughout the rest of the year depending on the swell forecast on the Ocean and the wind.
Depending on your needs and desires, 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
Even if diving is not the first thing that springs to mind in Dakhla, its crystal-clear and shallow waters are perfectly suited to it. Introductory dives and dives for certified divers are offered to explore the rich marine biodiversity of the lagoon, its sandy and even rocky seabeds in places. Various spots along the coast exist for practising 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!
