The Ultimate Guide to Kitesurfing in Dakhla, Morocco

On the southern coast of Morocco, Dakhla is a kite mecca nestled between the Sahara and the Atlantic Ocean. It promises some of the most reliable wind on the planet and is just a short flight from Europe.

I’ve had my eyes set on Dakhla for a while. I got lured in by the promise of an endless flatwater playground and consistent wind all day long, and this September I finally got a chance to check it out.

I’ve learned a very important lesson on this trip. Different people have very different definitions of what flat or gusty is. As it turns out, I’ve been quite spoiled thus far because, to me, the lagoon in Dakhla is all but flat, even in low wind.

So if you’re anything like me, this is a friendly reminder to manage your expectations (or pick your camp in Dakhla wisely – more on this below).

In a hurry?

Book your Dakhla kite holiday at one of the best camps:
KBC Dakhla
Paraiso Dakhla
La Tour d’Eole

Season: April to October
Wind: 15-35kn
Temperature: bring a shortie or 3/4
Best spot: White Dune for flat, Oum Lbouer for waves

Dakhla Kite Season

Dakhla isn’t one to hold back when it comes to wind. With well over 300 windy days per year, you’ve got a pretty good chance of kiting when you get here. Mornings are mostly quiet and the wind picks up in the afternoon thanks to thermal winds.

The prime kitesurfing months in Dakhla are from April to October. The real heavy hitters, wind-wise, are June to August, with speeds cranking up to 35 knots.

During July and August, you’ve got over 90 percent wind chance. However, it’s not all smooth sailing; the wind is gusty, and the lagoon gets very choppy and busy.

December and January are considered to be off-season, but you can still get plenty of kiteable days on bigger kites in winter. But it’s best to check the forecast and book last minute if you want to travel in winter.

October is the star month for hitting the waves on your kite at Oum Lamboiur’s. This is when the waves and winds play ball, but any time between October and March is a good time for wave surfing.

Water Temperature

Dakhla’s water temperature hovers between 19 – 24°C (66 – 75°F) all year. You can stick with a long wetsuit throughout the year or opt for a shorty during the summer months. Just keep in mind that summer is the windiest so you’ll feel the chill despite the higher temperatures.

I tend to get cold easily so I took my 3/4 when I was there at the end of September. Probably would have been fine in a 2/3 but a shorty wouldn’t have been enough for me.

Air Temperature

Dakhla daytime temperatures range from 22 to 29°C (72 to 84°F) most of the year. However, when the wind picks up, it can feel cooler, and on calm days, temperatures can climb to a toasty 40°C (104°F).

As the sun sets, Dakhla’s desert nature shines through, and nights and mornings can get chilly. Remember to pack some warm layers and a windstopper for those cooler evenings and early mornings.

Best Kite Spots in Dakhla

Dakhla Lagoon

Wind: side shore, sometimes gusty

Water: Very choppy with flatish areas at low tide

Infrastructure: Plenty of kite camps along the shores with schools, rental, safety, showers, bars and accommodation

In Dakhla, the primary kitesurfing spot is the lagoon, a vast playground catering to all skill levels. There are standing areas for schools and beginners here. When the tide is low, you’ll discover flat (but shallow) areas at the edges. As the tide rises the water becomes choppy, especially with strong winds.

Watch out for gusty winds, especially during full moons. Also, keep an eye on the dunes that can make the winds extra unpredictable. Some launching spots sit behind them and beginners might need some assistance to get out. It’s a good idea to watch your back in these cases.

Speed Spot

Wind: offshore, usually a bit stronger than in the lagoon

Water: flat to choppy

Infrastructure: none

Situated on the eastern side of the Dakhla Lagoon the Speed Spot is famous for its flat and shallow water, which is perfect for freestyle.

If you’re staying at Paraiso Dakhla it’s just a few tacks upwind to get here and you can always drift back downwind or count on the safety boat if things go south.

Most kite camps organize kite trips to this spot with safety boats and beach assistance. You can also opt to do a downwinder on your own accord from the lagoon, just be mindful as the wind here is offshore and there is no safety on site.

If you’re staying at Dakhla Attitude (which I do NOT recommend) you can walk to the speed spot but you won’t have any assistance.

Every now and again you’ll get Westerly winds (usually it’s N/NW) in the morning. On those days the Speed Spot turns into a side-on spot but it isn’t as flat.

White Dune

Wind: offshore

Water: flat

Infrastructure: none

Now this is the paradise kite spot everyone is talking about and the one you’ve seen plastered all over Instagram and marketing media.

The White Dune is this perfect sandy spit with a beautiful white sand dune and a butterflat lagoon behind it. You can climb up the dune and jump off of it with your kite, landing in the most beautiful turquise flat water.

Most kite schools organize downwinders to it but beware that the ride there is very choppy and bumpy. The scenery along the way is beautifulI but if I was to do it again I’d rather drive there and save my energy for the flat.

Oum Lbouer

Wind: side-shore, bit gusty

Water: wave

Infrastructure: bars, restaurant, surf center

If you’re into waves, Dakhla’s Atlantic side offers various surf spots for every skill level. The best time for waves is from September to May, coinciding with lower wind chances. This makes September and October the best months for kitesurfing in the waves with highest chances for both.

The catch? Wind on the ocean side is a bit lighter and very gusty in the most popular wave spot, Oum Lbouer bay. As you ride beyond the point the wind stability improves.

Where to stay in Dakhla

There are several kite camps scattered around the lagoon for you to choose from. Some are more rustic, offering basic tent accommodation, and others are more upmarket and comfortable offering amazing lagoon views and swimming pools.

Being on the lagoon is ideal as you can kite whenever you want and even take a nap in your room between kite sessions. Just keep in mind that most camps on the Western side of the lagoon are situated behind the main road. They generally transport your gear to the beach for you but you’ll have to cross the main road with your kite at low tide.

There are also various hotels and guesthouses in Dakhla city, which are generally cheaper but you will need to rent a car to get back and forth from the kite spot.

Make sure to check recent reviews before booking. The ownership and management of establishments here change often and with it the quality of service and accommodation.

Where I stayed – do not repeat my mistake!

I spent two weeks at Dakhla Attitude and while being close to the Speed Spot really is a massive bonus, I would NOT return here. The food and restaurant staff are amazing but everything else is subpar and it feels like they’re still living off of old glory. This was among the first kite camps here with different ownership and better management at the time.

They forgot to pick us up and we had to call several times and wait for 2.5 hours for the transport to arrive. Bungalows are tiny (you can almost touch the wall in front of you while sitting on the toilet) and in desperate need of maintenance and new mattresses. It also feels like they try to rip you off at every step with additional charges that are not disclosed in the initial offer.

The launching spot is gusty and actually quite dangerous. Tangled kites are standard (I had a beach boy crash their kite over mine on the beach!) and according to the kite instructors, 3 ripped kites in 3 days per student are normal.

No precautions are being made for beginners and there is no minimum requirement for renting gear. At some stage they rented out to someone who did not know how to control the kite nor pull the safety. Sure enough that ended in a nasty accident. As if this wasn’t bad enough, somebody drowned during my stay there. A tragedy that probably could have been prevented with better safety measures.

There are several other camps (PK25, Lagoon Energy, West Point and Dunes de Dakhla) owned by the same group. Considering the management and setup are the same, I’d stay clear of all of them.

Best Kite Camps and Schools

Paraiso Dakhla

Paraiso Dakhla is a kite haven just a short distance downwind from the Speed Spot. It offers incredible views of Dragon Island and a private, mostly flat kitesurfing area right in front of the hotel.

From here you can easily kite upwind to the Speed Spot, knowing that a safety boat stands by in case of any mishaps. And you’ll always be able to drift back downwind even if the wind decides to play tricks.

This brand-new establishment boasts spacious bungalows, a swimming pool with breathtaking sea vistas, and fabulous buffet-style meals. Their cocktails and aperitifs come highly rated too.

If you’re after ample space and flatwater perfection, Paraiso Dakhla is the right pick for you.

La Tour d’Eole

La Tour d’Eole is a remote retreat on the South Eastern shores of Dakhla lagoon. La Tour d’Eole is not for those seeking bustling action, but rather, a peaceful escape and comfortable retreat.

This resort boasts a private kite area, offering ample space and calm waters, far from the crowded lagoon. Surrounded by dunes and close to the White Dune, it’s a place where nature takes center stage.

La Tour d’Eole is a little bit more upscale compared to most camps up the lagoon. It provides comfortable bungalows and attentive service, sea views and a swimming pool to cool off in. It’s an oasis for those who prefer kitesurfing in a pristine setting.

Hotel Dakhla Club – KBC Dakhla

Located just upwind from where I stayed, Hotel Dakhla Club sits on the eastern shore of the kite lagoon, nestled into the sand dunes. Offering both wind protection and stunning lagoon views, it combines kitesurfing with a touch of desert luxury.

This hotel goes beyond the basics, with amenities like a large freshwater pool (which I was very jealous of on those hot no wind mornings), a relaxing hamam, massage services, and a well-equipped gym.

Hotel Dakhla Club also boasts an ideal location on the lagoon, with plenty of space for launching, landing, and storing your kite gear. Run by a team of Germans, it prioritizes safety at the kite spot, making it the perfect base for your kitesurfing holiday.

Dakhla vibes

The overall atmosphere in Dakhla can vary depending on your choice of camp or hotel and the fellow guests sharing your accommodation. I’m used to lively and friendly kite spots where solo travelers are keen to make new friends. However, my experience in Dakhla was quite different, and not in a positive manner.

I found that the social dynamics were different here with a certain je ne sais quoi dominated by large groups of French guests, often engrossed in their own world. This created a subtle division between “us” (non-French guests) and “them” (the French contingent). This atmosphere didn’t quite match the communal spirit expected at a kite camp.

The on-water atmosphere left something to be desired too. There were raised voices, tangled kites, and a noticeable disregard for safety protocols and right of way. Fortunately, the lagoon offers plenty of space to find your own little bubble well away (and upwind) from it all.

Getting to Dakhla

The most straightforward way to reach Dakhla is by flying into Dakhla Airport (VIL). Typically, international flights connect through Casablanca or Marrakech before taking a domestic flight to Dakhla.

From Europe the Royal Air Maroc route through Casablanca is a common choice. The layover in Casablanca is usually brief and you can bring a kite bag of up to 23 kg at no additional cost, on top of your regular luggage allowance.

Alternatively, you can consider an overland journey from other Moroccan cities, although be prepared for a lengthy drive through the desert.

No Wind Activities

You’d better be on good terms with the wind Gods cos in Dakhla there really isn’t much to do on no-wind days. When there’s no wind it also gets incredibly hot and you really do feel how strong the sun is. So even if you want to do something, chances are the heat will make you change your mind.

Luckily, these days are supposed to be few. You can do a catamaran trip in the bay, go on a desert excursion, rent a SUP or kayak and explore Dragon Island, surf the waves, or go horse riding. There’s also an Oyster farm and a small wake park.