A windless day in Dakhla is not the same as a day without waves. Distinguish land activities, which do not need wind to move, from water outings, which still require a check of the sea, tides and participants’ abilities. Here are ten ways to adapt your day.
Decide according to the day’s conditions
| Situation | Options to consider | Check before leaving |
|---|---|---|
| You want to stay on land | Horse or camel riding, hammam, padel, paintball | Time slot, duration, transfers and entry conditions |
| The lagoon looks calm | Paddleboarding, fishing or towed activities | Instructor’s assessment, tides and actual water conditions |
| There is still ocean swell | Surfing | The school’s choice of spot and session for your ability |
| You want a motorised activity | Electric motorbike | Age, height, ability, equipment and permitted routes |
Land sailing depends on wind: save it for a day when the organiser confirms suitable conditions. At the Ranch, horse rides start at €35 for 1h and camel rides at €30 for 1h, excluding any transfer from town.
Enjoy a horse ride at any time of day
To replace a kite session, a horse ride lets you explore the desert without waiting for the wind. Choose 1h for the cliffs, 1h30 to reach the beach or 2h for a longer route. The 3h and 4h30 excursions are for experienced riders.
Tell the Ranch your actual riding experience: the guide decides the pace and galloping is not guaranteed for beginners. Allow for transfers from your accommodation and ask about available times before travelling.
Reach Dragon Island by paddleboard
Paddleboarding is an option when lagoon conditions are suitable, but apparently flat water is not enough to plan a crossing to Dragon Island. Ask locally about the forecast wind, tides, currents, distance and your ability to return.
Choose a supervised outing if you do not know the area. Lagoon hotels can advise on hire or instruction; Sahara Sailing is also listed for catamaran trips. Confirm the itinerary and sailing conditions, including the return journey.
Plan a fishing excursion
Fishing is one of the main economic activities in Dakhla, thanks to its nutrient-rich waters that attract a high concentration of fish between the lagoon and the ocean. The region is home to skilled and knowledgeable fishermen who will be delighted to take you out for a more peaceful adventure, with all the patience and serenity that surfcasting or sport fishing requires.
By boat or directly from the beach, several options are available depending on your preferences and the size of your group. Embark on a unique, accessible, and authentic cultural experience suited to everyone!
Treat yourself to a hammam and massage
Going to the hammam is an age-old tradition that is an essential part of life in Maghreb countries. This wellness ritual, designed to cleanse the skin deeply - and in some ways, the soul - is a very common practice in the daily life of Dakhla’s inhabitants. Using steam, a special kessa glove, and black soap, your skin is exfoliated, cleansed, and left softer than ever before.
Depending on the type of hammam you choose, a therapist will perform this treatment with varying additional products, always in the spirit of greater serenity and relaxation. For the most complete experience, your hammam can be combined with a relaxing or deep-tissue massage. So slow down, breathe, and take advantage of your stay in this beautiful desert to surrender to these wonderfully soothing local traditions.
Many hotels offer spas on-site, and independent establishments can also be found in town. Some less touristy ones may be single-sex, so it is worth checking in advance what type of clientele they cater to.
Discover the desert at the pace of a dromedary
A camel ride is a land-based alternative for a windless day, with 1h or 1h30 routes. Choose a daytime departure or save the outing for sunset, subject to availability.
With children, give their ages and the build of anyone sharing a mount: the combined adult-child weight is limited to 120 kg. The activity page explains prices and transfer coverage. Sky colours still depend on the weather.
Plan an electric motorbike outing
For a motorised outing, contact Beecross to confirm the route, driving requirements and equipment. A lack of wind does not remove the need to check heat and route conditions.
An electric motorbike is not impact-free: charging, equipment, transport and effects on the ground still matter. Land sailing, sometimes suggested alongside it, depends on wind and is therefore not presented here as a guaranteed windless-day option.
Book a paintball session
Dakhla Quads & Event opened a paintball ground in 2025 in the Dakhla desert, adding a new fun and sporting activity to the region’s offer. Strategic thinking, quick decision-making, effective action - you will burn energy and have a great time while strengthening bonds within your group, whether friends or family. As well as being ideal for switching off, paintball offers a new way to experience an adrenaline rush in an activity that is accessible to all!
Surf the waves of the Atlantic Ocean
If the wind eases but swell remains, ask a surf school which spot and lesson suit your ability. A lack of wind guarantees neither waves nor a suitable beginner session.
To replace a kite session, a lesson lets an instructor confirm conditions and equipment. If you only hire a board, ask about the spot and return arrangements; your plans need to follow ocean conditions.
Jet ski, towable tube or wakeboard
Wind at a standstill, a calm lagoon and exceptionally flat water - what better conditions to enjoy a jet ski ride, a wakeboard session, or a towable tube adventure? Adrenaline, fun, and exceptional gliding sensations are guaranteed! Some activities can even be enjoyed by the whole family.
Ask your accommodation for the most suitable options available to you in this area.
Play a game of padel
Are you at least 4 people, looking to work on your cardio and burn off some energy while having fun? Dakhla Attitude offers two padel courts - an accessible and enjoyable sport - so you can let off steam while improving your coordination and reflexes. A great alternative when the wind isn’t blowing enough, or as a warm-up before other activities.
Courts are available on reservation directly with the hotel, and are open every day from 10am to 7pm. For more information: Dakhla Attitude Padel
A guide from Ranch des Dunes. Revision of 9 September 2026: decision guidance, consistency of Ranch offers and conditions to confirm. External operators’ availability was not rechecked on this date.
