Dakhla sits on a narrow peninsula in Western Sahara, creating a massive 40km lagoon sheltered from Atlantic swells. The spot is renowned for thermal wind consistency, with trade winds enhanced by desert heating. According to Windguru Dakhla statistics, the lagoon experiences rideable wind (15+ knots) on 250+ days per year.
This is a "camp" destination where riders stay at all-inclusive facilities directly on the lagoon, minimizing travel time and maximizing water time.
Detailed Wind & Conditions Chart
| Month | Wind Days | Avg Wind Speed | Air Temp | Water Temp | Wetsuit | Conditions | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22-24 days | 18-26 kts | 22°C | 18°C | 3/2mm | Choppy | Low |
| February | 20-23 days | 18-24 kts | 23°C | 17°C | 3/2mm | Choppy | Low |
| March | 23-25 days | 18-26 kts | 24°C | 18°C | 3/2mm | Mixed | Medium |
| April | 25-27 days | 20-28 kts | 24°C | 19°C | 3/2mm | Glass/Chop | High |
| May | 26-28 days | 20-30 kts | 26°C | 20°C | Shorty/3/2mm | Strong | High |
| June | 27-29 days | 22-32 kts | 27°C | 21°C | Shorty | Strong | Very High |
| July | 28-30 days | 22-35 kts | 29°C | 22°C | Shorty | Very Strong | Very High |
| August | 28-30 days | 22-34 kts | 30°C | 23°C | Shorty | Very Strong | Very High |
| September | 26-28 days | 20-30 kts | 28°C | 23°C | Shorty | Strong | High |
| October | 24-26 days | 18-28 kts | 26°C | 22°C | Shorty/3/2mm | Mixed | High |
| November | 23-25 days | 18-26 kts | 24°C | 20°C | 3/2mm | Choppy | Medium |
| December | 22-24 days | 18-26 kts | 23°C | 19°C | 3/2mm | Choppy | Low |
Data compiled from Windguru and Windfinder historical statistics.
Primary Spots
Speed Spot (Lagoon Center)
The main wing zone. At low tide, this area becomes glassy flat with ankle to knee-deep water extending 500m+ offshore. Perfect for speed runs and learning. At high tide, small wind chop develops. Most camps launch from here.
Lassarga (Ocean Side)
Located on the Atlantic side of the peninsula. When the lagoon has 30+ knots, Lassarga offers 20-25 knots with clean right-hand point waves (0.5-1.5m). Advanced riders only. 15-minute drive from most camps.
Foum Labouir (South Lagoon)
Shallow kite zone that also works for wings. Extremely flat water at low tide. Less crowded alternative to Speed Spot.
Alternative Spots
Dakhla Bay (North Lagoon)
40km north near the town. Flatter water, less wind (subtract 5 knots), fewer riders. Good option for lighter wind days.
Pointe de l'Or
Wave spot on the Atlantic, 30 minutes drive. Consistent surf, side-shore wind. Requires 4x4 vehicle access.
Best Time to Visit
Optimal: April and October. Consistent 20-28 knot winds, moderate temperatures (24-26°C), comfortable water (19-22°C). Camps are 20-30% cheaper than peak summer.
Peak: June-August. Strongest winds (22-35 knots daily), warmest water (21-23°C). Camps fully booked; reserve 4-6 months ahead.
Budget: November-March. Excellent wind (18-26 knots), cooler but pleasant temperatures. Camps offer 40% off-season discounts.
Tidal Considerations
Critical: The lagoon depth varies dramatically with tides (up to 2m difference). At low tide, areas become too shallow for masts longer than 75cm. Wind quality improves at low tide (flatter water) but navigation becomes tricky.
Recommended: Bring a 65-75cm mast specifically for low tide sessions, or rent from camps.
Gear Strategy
Rent. Flying to Dakhla involves connecting through Casablanca or Agadir on small regional aircraft (often ATR-72). Board bag fees can exceed €200 each way, and damage risk is high. All major camps stock current-year Duotone, F-One, and Cabrinha gear.
Recommended Quiver (if renting): 4m and 5m wings. Board: 80-100L depending on rider weight.
All-Inclusive Camps
Premium Camps
- Dakhla Club: Established operation, beachfront accommodation, excellent food. 7 nights: €1,100-1,400 (includes all meals, gear, transfers). Private coaching available €60/hour. Visit Dakhla Club
- Ocean Vagabond: Eco-luxury tents, yoga sessions, premium gear. 7 nights: €1,200-1,500 (all-inclusive). Known for excellent cuisine. Visit Ocean Vagabond
- Dakhla Attitude Hotel: Boutique hotel-camp hybrid. 7 nights: €1,300-1,700. More upscale accommodation, same great location. Visit Dakhla Attitude
Mid-Range Camps
- Tribe Watersports: Young crowd, party vibe. 7 nights: €900-1,100. Good gear selection, lively atmosphere. Visit Tribe
- Westpoint Dakhla: Family-friendly, multiple room types. 7 nights: €950-1,200. Located at Speed Spot. Visit Westpoint
Budget-Friendly
- Dakhla Sailing Center: Simple accommodation, solid gear. 7 nights: €750-900. No-frills but good value. Visit Sailing Center
What's Included: All camps include airport transfers, breakfast/lunch/dinner, equipment rental (wing/board/wetsuit), and support boat rescue.
Independent Travel (Not Recommended)
Dakhla town has basic hotels (€30-60/night), but:
- Equipment rental is limited and dated
- Spots are 10-25km from town (taxi €20-30 each way)
- No rescue boat coverage
- Food options are basic
Verdict: Camp packages offer better value and experience.
Travel Logistics
Getting There:
- Dakhla Airport (VIL): Flights via Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc) or Agadir (Binter Canarias from Gran Canaria).
- From Europe: Fly to Casablanca, connect to Dakhla (4 hours total travel).
- From Canary Islands: Binter Canarias operates Fuerteventura/Gran Canaria to Dakhla (2 hours). Often cheaper route.
Visa:
- EU/US/Canada citizens: Visa-free for 90 days.
- Check Morocco Tourism for latest requirements.
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Euros accepted at camps. Bring cash; ATMs in Dakhla town are unreliable.
Local Rules & Etiquette
- Kites dominate the lagoon. Wings launch from designated areas; respect kite zones.
- Camps have assigned launch zones; check with your camp manager.
- The lagoon is a protected area. No littering, respect wildlife.
- Conservative dress code when leaving camp (Morocco is a Muslim country).
Health & Safety
- Drinking water: Bottled only. All camps provide safe water.
- Sun exposure: Extreme. SPF 50+ essential, reapply hourly.
- Medical facilities: Basic clinic in Dakhla town. Serious emergencies require evacuation to Agadir (flight) or Laayoune (4-hour drive).
- Travel insurance: Mandatory. Ensure coverage includes watersports and medical evacuation.
Resources
- Dakhla Attitude Webcam - Live view of the lagoon
- PK25 Hotel Webcam - View of the sport center
- Windguru Dakhla - Forecastation/721) - Wind forecasts and statistics
- Windfinder Dakhla - Alternative forecast
- Morocco Tourism Board
- Dakhla Info Guide - Local information portal