A vast turquoise lagoon stretching into the Sahara — Africa's kitesurfing capital, pristine white dunes, therapeutic hot springs, oyster farms and sunsets at the edge of the world.
Dakhla sits on a narrow peninsula jutting into a 40 km lagoon of impossibly flat, turquoise water. The constant trade winds that make it Africa's premier kitesurfing destination are the same winds that sculpt the white sand dunes behind the city and carry the scent of the Sahara into every sunset. It is Morocco's most remote and most extraordinary beach destination.
Beyond kitesurfing, Dakhla has emerged as a destination for luxury eco-camps in the dunes, therapeutic hot springs that emerge at 39°C from the desert floor, oyster and fish farms fed by the cold Canary Current, and some of the most spectacular 4x4 desert excursions in North Africa. The pace is slow, the sky is enormous and the silence of the Sahara is never far away.
A 40 km enclosed lagoon of flat, shallow turquoise water — the flat water and constant 20-30 knot winds make it perfect for kitesurfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Vast white dunes rise directly behind the lagoon — accessible by 4x4, ideal for sandboarding and watching the sunset paint the Sahara gold from the dune crests.
Natural geothermal springs emerge at 39°C from the desert — the mineral-rich water is believed to have therapeutic properties and the setting, in the middle of the hammada, is surreal.
The cold Canary Current upwelling makes Dakhla's oysters exceptional — tour the lagoon farms, eat them fresh with lemon and a glass of Moroccan rosé overlooking the water.
Two sweeping Atlantic beaches north of the city — Foum el Wad has crashing Atlantic surf, Porto Rico is the favoured spot for sunrise swimming and long empty beach walks.
A protected wetland at the southern tip of the peninsula — boat tours through flamingo colonies, migratory birds and the extraordinary light of the southern Atlantic coast.
Click any hotel to see full details, amenities and estimated nightly prices.
The most celebrated kite resort in Africa — lagoon-edge bungalows, a world-class kite school with instructors from multiple disciplines, pool, spa and the finest seafood restaurant in Dakhla. The destination within the destination — Dakhla's ultimate address.
A stunning Atlantic-facing resort — infinity pool over the ocean, full kite and surf school, eco-camp option in the dunes and exceptional seafood dining. A complete water sports and relaxation resort with a more intimate feel than Dakhla Attitude.
A sports-oriented resort designed around Dakhla's world-famous lagoon — kite, surf, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboard packages with a full spa for recovery. Popular with professional athletes and serious water sports enthusiasts from around the world.
Central Dakhla's best value hotel — clean, comfortable rooms, rooftop terrace with lagoon views and an excellent base for exploring the city and nearby beaches. The practical choice for those who want comfort without paying lagoon-front resort prices.
A straightforward budget hotel in Dakhla town — clean rooms, air conditioning, and a friendly reception that can help arrange kite lessons and lagoon excursions at local prices. The most economical base for experiencing Dakhla's incredible natural setting.
Peak kitesurfing season — the strongest, most consistent trade winds and pleasantly warm 24°C days while northern Morocco shivers.
Warm and windy — ideal for all water sports, dune excursions and the lagoon boat trips. Perfect temperatures for exploring.
Intense heat inland but the Atlantic breeze keeps the coast bearable. Wind drops slightly but still good kitesurfing conditions.
Wind builds through September — a great shoulder season with fewer visitors and excellent conditions from October onwards.