Kitesurf Dakhla Morocco
Dakhla is one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world. Dakhla is famous for its 45 kilometre-long peninsula, clean and strong wind, a huge lagoon and waves just a short drive away on the coast. For the kitesurfing lovers Dakhla can offers all you need.
Dakhla’s spot itself is a lagoon, 40 kilometres long and four kilometres wide in some places. Formed by the Dakhla peninsula, which extends into the Atlantic. Close to the bank, the water is so flat that makes for an ideal spot for beginners, who can remain waist deep up to 300 metres off the beach. Dakhla is also famous because both the kitesurfing world tour events happens there and pro riders on training trips and weekend flock to the seemingly endless lagoon which can be ridden at both high and low tide. If space is what you’re after, you’ll find it in Dakhla – without any shore-break to disrupt your first board starts and early rides. The only advice would be that it is advisable for beginners to wear booties as there are shells on the lagoon’s floor.
The ‘speed spot’ has a way of injecting hysteria into anyone that goes there, even the advanced riders. You can reach it in a few minutes, but you should go with a guide as the wind is offshore over the sand bar that appears at low tide.
Also, a small wind wave forms in the centre of the lagoon which is perfect for topping up your Woo record. If that doesn’t come to it, you can go to the sand dune take-off spot – La Duna Blanca. We don’t condone it, but, if you want to float from a sandy dune all the way back down to earth – this is your starting point.
In other words, the entire area is an epic flat water playground and you can either go on a downwinder to Dragon Island, kite out front of your kite camp,or charge the speed strip at the northern end of the lagoon. Just check with the camp you’re staying at or your kite school for some recomendations based on conditions and your level.
If what you want is enjoy foil, you have pletiful foil-specific camps and deeper regions in the lagoon. Let’s say that you want to go somewhere for a week and really focus on your foiling, then Dakhla is a good choice.
Dakhla isn’t all about the lagoon, there are a couple of really solid wave spots with wind from the right across the peninsula. Oum Lamboiur regularly sets the stage for the GKA Kite-Surf World Tour with a point-break when it’s firing properly. Even when it isn’t at its best, there’s almost always some shred-able shore-break close to the beach.
Further down the coast you will find Lassarga. It is a less well known kitesurf spot but still really good with clean, peeling rights. Also, closer to the lagoon you can find another kitesurf spot called l’Or, which is about ten minutes in a 4×4, depending on which camp you stay at. It means ‘The golden point’ and features a point break that wraps around a small cliff with a wave breaking for up to 400 metres. Amazing to ride.
In general all the spots are very quiet, the only thing to be aware of are the rocks, specially at the start of the point at low tides. Oum Lambouir is the most used spot with easier access, but is further away from most camps than Point de L’Or, which is just five minutes, but this requires a 4×4 to access it. when it comes to waves, the best wave riding is during the winter months when there’s more swell, but there’s usually at least some surf all year. Keep in mind you will need a 3/2 wetsuit during the summer season and perhaps a 4/3 in the colder months.
WEATHER CONDITIONS, WIND AND WATER
Dakhla offers a long season for kitesurf. The statisticians agree that there is around 320 days of wind every year, so you’re in safe hands. The windiest months are April to September and in July and August it peaks with regular 30 knot days. In winter through to early spring, conditions relax a bit, backing down to 19-25 knots, but Dakhla can still surprise you with proper blowouts at any time of year.
The best waves can be found from November to February. Annual air temperatures vary from 20 – 30°C / 68 – 86°F during the day to 12 – 15°C / 54 – 60°F at night. On the lagoon, boardshorts and bikinis in mid-summer will be enough but we advice you to bring a warm sweatshirt and jeans for the evenings. The water temperatures averages from 19 – 24°C / 66 – 75°F all year but strong winds make it feel colder and January and February are the coldest months when you’ll need a long suit, either on the lagoon or the coast.
The wind’s normally lighter in the mornings before ramping up and peaking in the early afternoon and then drops off a little before sunset. In summer, you’ll use your seven and nine metres a lot and in winter a 12 will see more action.
MORE THAN KITESURF
If you’re looking for a kite-focused trip, chilled vibes and the option to just relax and recharge when you’re off the water then a trip to Dakhla is a solid call.
You will find most of the accommodation right by the kite spot at various corners of the kite lagoon, with everything you might need on hand. ION Club have two centres in Dakhla, one at the top of the lagoon and another in Lassarga, on the coast, right in front of a right hand point break!
Recently, there has been a big push among the hotels to cater for non-kiting guests, offering city tours and visits to various tourist attractions. The ancient mosque is well worth a visit – built by spaniards, it still standing today as a monument to ancient architecture.
There are loads of incredible local restaurants and the Moroccan cuisine. Food options go from camel kebab to the freshest fruit juices. Visit the small souk in town and the local markets selling herbs, spices, nuts and olives. Look out for the cars selling seasonal fruits and try the Dakhla-grown cherry tomatoes. Traditional tea in a cafe is a must-do, and lunch at the oyster farm is also highly recommended (even if you don’t like oysters, as there is plenty more on the menu). There are pizza options in town as well as a more upmarket dinner at Villa Dakhla.
Many will come to dakla looking for peace and quiet, especially after a day of battling the winds, Planet Kitesurf offer a hotel that few agents know of. It is a bit further down the beach in a quieter secluded spot: La Tour D’Eole – known for being secluded and eco-friendly.
As most people stay at the kite camps, they can arrange your transfers, so you won’t need to hire a car. Staying at the camps usually includes rescue boat cover too and the daily routine is very mellow. Also, Camps ussualy arrange social gatherings from time to time as well as live music in the evenings and yoga sessions during the day. Hotel Dakhla Club have a growing reputation for their dinner parties that usually escalate into late night dancing (pease check events’s changes during Covid pandemic). You’ll also find day beds as well as shaded areas to relax in.
Dakhla, as a growing hub for sports, is more recently developed than the traditional Moroccan towns further north. You can find Cafes, markets, museums, shops… but without forgetting the wildlife, including large flocks of flamingos, migratory birds and, of course, the camels.
AIRPORT
Fly into Dakhla (VIL). Recently there are more cities that flight directly to dakhla kitesurf spot, but if not, you’ll connect through Casablanca or Agadir with flights available everyday.
More info about kitesurfing trips in https://www.kiteworldmag.com/travel-home/