Dakhla in three days: lagoon, dunes and oysters
A slow itinerary for first-time visitors to the Moroccan Atlantic Sahara.
Photo: Tbo47, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
A wide sandy beach on the Dakhla lagoon at low tide
Three days is enough to fall for Dakhla. This itinerary is built for first-time visitors who want a taste of everything: the lagoon, the dunes, the seafood and the slow rhythm of life at the edge of the Moroccan Sahara. It works whether or not you kitesurf.
Day 1: the lagoon
Start on the lagoon. If you have never kitesurfed, book an introductory lesson with a certified school. The flat, shallow water is one of the best places in the world to learn. If watersports aren’t for you, walk the shore at low tide and watch the kites, or go birdwatching in the early morning.
In the late afternoon, visit one of the oyster farms on the lagoon and taste them fresh from the water. Dakhla’s oysters are its best-known product.
In the evening, head into town for grilled fish along the seafront.
Day 2: Dragon Island and the White Dune
Join a half-day excursion, by boat or by 4×4 and boat, to Dragon Island and the White Dune. Operators time the trip to the tide, so expect an early or late start.
Climb the dune for the view over the lagoon, swim in the shallows, and look out for flamingos on the sandbanks.
Spend the afternoon resting at your camp or hotel, then watch the sunset over the lagoon. The light at the end of the day is the best of the trip.
Day 3: hot spring and the open coast
Drive out to the warm spring at Asma, an artesian well where warm, mineral-rich water gushes from the ground. Locals value it for soothing tired muscles. Then follow the coast to one of the long beaches facing the open Atlantic, a different world from the calm lagoon.
Back in town, browse the market, pick up a melhfa or some local silverwork, and finish with tea. Read about the art of Saharawi tea before you go.
Tips
- Book excursions locally. Most hotels and camps can arrange boats, 4×4s and guides.
- Pack layers. The wind can make mornings and evenings cool, even in summer.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Reflection off the water and sand is strong.
- Carry your passport. You may need it at checkpoints when you drive out of town.
Getting there and other practical details are in our travel planning guide.
