Enjoy a horseback ride at sunset
Tempted to discover the magnificent Saharan landscapes at the pace of a beautiful Arabian-Barb horse? Join Ranch des Dunes in Dakhla for an unforgettable ride… made even more magical during the golden hours when the sun dips into the ocean, bathed in the warm, gentle hues of this privileged moment.
During your horseback adventure, you will ride across deserted beaches bordered by the roaring Atlantic, flat-topped mountains, dramatic cliffs, beautiful dunes, the renowned lagoon with its white sand and colourful kitesurf sails, and the majestic desert stretching as far as the eye can see, making you feel like you have been transported to the other side of the world.
Dakhla’s ocean-side beaches are excellent terrain for horses and allow you to break into a full gallop for truly unforgettable moments. Experienced riders will love it, but beginners are equally welcome: the horses at Ranch des Dunes, cared for with the utmost attention, adapt to all riding levels — from advanced to first-timers.
Do not wait any longer to experience an exceptional moment, guided by a professional and caring team!
Learn or level up your kitesurfing
Dakhla, a city at the gates of Europe nestled between ocean and desert, is known for its steady, consistent wind blowing 300 days a year. It is, by definition, the perfect destination to learn or improve your kitesurfing or wing foiling skills, and its world-class reputation speaks for itself.
Pleasant temperatures, sunny days, flat and shallow waters, countless spots… so many assets that make Dakhla an unparalleled playground for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Two main options exist for enjoying exceptional riding conditions: stay at a hotel with a private watersports centre right on the lagoon, or book an itinerant school that provides transport to and from your accommodation and takes you to discover different spots. Dakhla has the advantage of catering to everyone, with hotel and sports options for every taste and budget.
So, are you ready to take the leap and discover the purest riding experience Dakhla has to offer?
Take an excursion to the White Dune and the Imlili desert
Hop aboard a 4x4, venture out on Saharan tracks and discover the iconic White Dune, perched between desert and lagoon. Unlike any other dune, this one does not shift with the wind because it is filled with water due to its position: an entire ecosystem has formed around it, offering an incredible panorama from its summit. The contrasting landscapes all around will delight photographers of all levels. Animal lovers will not be disappointed either, as flamingos and other migratory birds are particularly fond of this unique and peaceful spot. Depending on the tides and seasons, travellers can also enjoy a swim in the surrounding waters. It is possible to stop at the Asmaa hot spring along the way.
Another notable point of interest near Dakhla is Sebkhat Imlili, a Saharan wetland known for its circular water pools that are home to surprisingly resilient fish, among other species. The journey is well worth the detour — a true desert expedition that will plunge you into the heart of the Sahara… and if you are lucky, you might even spot herds of dromedaries!
Finally, Puerto Rico beach has nothing to envy from the Seychelles with their iconic boulders, as it features nearly identical ones. Its waters, although darker and cooler, are still pleasant for a refreshing swim with the desert as your backdrop.
Many multilingual guides in Dakhla offer these excursions as half-day or full-day trips.
Immerse yourself in Sahrawi culture with a dromedary ride
Fancy a camel ride in Dakhla? Great news: it is possible with Ranch des Dunes… but on dromedaries, those magnificent desert icons often mistakenly called “camels.” Dromedaries have a single hump, not two — the key difference that sets them apart from camels.
Dakhla, between ocean and desert, is the perfect setting for this unique ride. Set off on an immersive adventure through the Moroccan Sahara, swaying to the slow, soothing rhythm of the dromedary, dressed in traditional Sahrawi attire (djellaba and cheche). These majestic, calm and powerful companions will take you on a journey through the spectacular landscapes of cliffs and ocean. A camel ride in Dakhla (or rather, a dromedary ride) is the perfect way to feel the full serenity of the desert, lulled by the silence and the elements. This gentle experience is accessible to everyone — you can choose to go in a small group or a larger one. Whether you are a couple, a family or a group of friends, this moment will delight young and old alike!
Sail to Dragon Island by boat
Dragon Island owes its name to its shape, which is reminiscent of a reptile — something like a crocodile, or more mystically, a dragon whose wings have flown away. It is one of Dakhla’s most iconic sites, renowned for its turquoise waters and exceptional panorama.
To get there, you need to cross the lagoon, and the journey — whether by catamaran or motorboat — is pleasant, easy and accessible to everyone. Once you arrive at the heart of this deserted island surrounded by silent nature, you can access beautiful beaches where swimming is possible, or climb to the summit for one of the most stunning viewpoints in the area: a clear 360-degree view over the lagoon and the endless desert.
If you are looking to disconnect, you can contact Sahara Sailing for the catamaran option, or the hotels of the Dakhla Hospitality Group for a motorboat.
Race through the desert at full speed on a quad bike
Looking for a family-friendly, fun and exotic way to discover the desert? Hop on a quad bike to cross the endless desert, ride along cliffs with breathtaking views, or climb golden sand dunes.
This dynamic excursion lets you get your adrenaline fix while visiting some of Dakhla’s must-see sites on an all-terrain vehicle, off the beaten track. Freedom and thrills guaranteed!
This activity, suitable for everyone, is available through Dakhla Quad & Events, the go-to for all things motorsports in Dakhla. They offer quad, buggy and land rover excursions for all levels, as well as motocross for more experienced riders.
Go on an adventure by electric motorcycle
Love the thrill but also cherish the tranquillity of the desert? Dive into a unique electric motorcycle experience through Dakhla’s spectacular desert landscapes with Beecross. Discover endless dunes, wild tracks and untouched locations, all in complete silence, with zero emissions, for a total immersion in nature.
Whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast or a newcomer seeking excitement, every ride is designed to deliver an accessible, guided and unforgettable adventure. Experience more than just a ride: a true escape combining adrenaline, exploration and respect for the environment, in the heart of an exceptional natural setting.
To find them, follow this link: Beecross
Glide across the sand on a land yacht
Join Surfis for a unique desert adventure in Dakhla. Their land yachting excursions combine the joy of sailing with the thrill of off-road racing. Their experienced team will guide you through a memorable journey, packed with adrenaline and excitement. With easy-to-learn techniques, you can master land yachting in just 20 minutes, regardless of wind conditions.
This activity is accessible to anyone measuring at least 1.50 m (5 ft) tall.
To get in touch: Surfis
Surf the waves of the Atlantic Ocean
Dakhla is well known for its consistent wind, but less so for its beautiful waves, which rival those of northern Morocco. Four uncrowded spots will delight beginners and experts alike. The best season runs from November to March, but pleasant conditions can appear throughout the year depending on the ocean swell and wind forecasts.
Depending on your needs and preferences, you can take lessons or simply rent a board. Fixed watersports centres offering these services are located at the main spots, and mobile surf schools are also available.
Dive into the turquoise waters of the lagoon
Although diving may not be the first thing that comes to mind in Dakhla, its crystal-clear, shallow waters are perfectly suited for it. Discovery dives and certified dives are available to explore the lagoon’s rich marine biodiversity, its sandy and even rocky seabed in places. Several spots along the coast are available for this activity, which will delight nature lovers and divers seeking adventure.
Two professional providers can accompany you on this underwater adventure: Mayorqa Scuba Diving Center and Dakhla Diving Club. Do not hesitate to contact them for more information!
