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Essaouira Activities

Our most recommended Essaouira Activities

From Marrakech: Essaouira Full-Day Trip

1. From Marrakech: Essaouira Full-Day Trip

Discover Essaouira on this day trip with a local guide. Explore the port city's breathtaking sights and streets, and see local markets and jewelers. Depart Marrakech in the morning and head to beautiful Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast. Once you arrive at the port city, formerly known as Mogador, you will have time to enjoy the charming sights of Essaouira. Take pictures of its ocher-colored walls, the beautiful and vibrant Moulay El Hassan square, the markets also known as souks, as well as the little streets of the city's old Medina. Then, enjoy a lunch of fresh fish in a local restaurant. During your trip, you'll also visit an association of Berber women producing argan oil, see the local markets, and wow at the gems in the jeweler's quarter.

From Marrakesh: Essaouira Full-Day Trip

2. From Marrakesh: Essaouira Full-Day Trip

Essaouira is a medieval city known for its annual Gnaoua music festival, and UNESCO considers the city as an international heritage. There are many other things to admire during your visits to Essaouira, such as its pleasant climate, Place Moulay El Hassan, La Skala, the port, the ramparts, and the Jewish quarter of Derb Lealouj, and we do not forget also the spiritual atmosphere of the beach. Take the road to the seaside resort of the Atlantic coast with a comfortable pick-up from your accommodation with a professional driver, you will discover three places before your arrival in Essaouira or you will stop on the road. The first one will be in a nice natural snack to rest, taste your favorite food, and get explanations about the program. The next stop will be at an argan cooperative to learn more about the benefits of this amazing and natural product. When you arrive in Essaouira, you will have a free walk, follow the narrow alleys and alleys of the medina recognized by UNESCO, explore the Jewish quarter at the same time prosperous and meet qualified local craftsmen; Linger on the city's vast sandy beaches and enjoy the sound of Gnawa music in the lively cafes of Place Moulay El Hassan. You will be free to have your lunch wherever you want in front of the premises or in a restaurant if you need suggestions that you can ask the driver. Then, you can relax on Essaouira beach by yourself and enjoy the fresh air. We guarantee you impeccable service, clean and comfortable cars as well as driver-guides who inform you about the Moroccan lifestyle and the beauty of the landscape throughout the journey from Marrakech to Essaouira.

Essaouira Sand Dunes: Half Day Quad Bike Tour

3. Essaouira Sand Dunes: Half Day Quad Bike Tour

Enjoy the golden sand dunes of Essaouira by thrilling quad bike transit. After a brief safety information session, and after having adorned yourself in protective gear, you will have a tour test to get used to your quad bike and the safety rules. Once this is completed, your 3 hour quad bike tour will begin. Your tour will begin by crossing Oued Ksob to the ruins of the Sultan's Palace that accompany you to the wild beach of Diabat. Following this you will navigate through the magnificent dune fields, driving on both sandy and rocky paths to overlook the Atlantic Ocean.

From Marrakech: Essaouira & Atlantic Coast Full-Day Trip

4. From Marrakech: Essaouira & Atlantic Coast Full-Day Trip

Experience the bohemian vibe of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast on a full-day tour from Marrakech. Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle across west Morocco, enjoying views of the arid landscape and argan trees en route (subject to availability). Stop at the town of Chichaoua for coffee. Arrive in Essaouira approximately 2 hours after your departure from Marrakech. Get your 1st views of more than 6 miles (10 kilometers) of golden beaches, popular with surfers for the constant, bracing winds. Once in Essaouira you are free to explore the medina and Portuguese architecture on your own. Alternatively, meet your local guide for a 1.5-hour tour of the Skala du Port and bastion southeast of the medina.  Stroll the labyrinthine streets of the medina, hearing traditional Gnaoua Muic music on every corner. Watch artisans at work, crafting thuya wood crafts. Continue to the fishing port to see the fishermen selling their catch of the day. Taste fresh seafood over lunch in the port. Then, take a walk along the beach before your transfer back to Marrakech.  En route, stop at an argan oil cooperative to see how the Berber ladies process the traditional argan oil, known locally as “liquid gold.”

Essaouira: Private City Tour

5. Essaouira: Private City Tour

Visit the city of Essaouira and start off by the small fishing port of the city where you can marvel at this historical place.  See an old watchtower and get an impressive panoramic view of Essaouira. Stop at the main square to taste a real Moroccan tea before continuing to visit the most important monument of the city, the scala of the medina. Admire the location where several films have been shot such as the famous film of Orson Welles Othello, or the Game of Thrones TV show. Continue the visit in the old medina, the kasbah, the mellah, the old Jewish quarter. See the synagogues, the souks of the medina, and the fish market which is full of people who buy, grill, and eat the day's catch.

Essaouira: 2-Hour Surf Lesson

6. Essaouira: 2-Hour Surf Lesson

Your surfing adventure starts at the local tour operator’s water sports store. Meet your guide for the day and get kitted out with all the necessary equipment you’ll need. Then head onto the beach where the real fun begins! If you’re a beginner, your guide will first help you focus on how to balance and pop up from your board to your feet. Learn about understanding the waves and how to catch the right wave at the optimum moment for a good surf. Then it’s time to work on your posture and stance to extend your ride on the board. If you’ve already got some surf experience, the lesson will be tailored to your level. Explain to your instructor the level of surf experience you have and then focus on your objectives for the session to perfect your skills.

Essaouira: One Hour Dromedary Ride

7. Essaouira: One Hour Dromedary Ride

Depart the Ranch de Diabat on a peaceful dromedary camel. Discover the charming nature of these large animals while exploring the surrounding. This tour is ideal for groups and families with small children as the dromedary has a gentle nature.  Enjoy a ride just a few minutes from Essaouira. Walking a large beach with soft sand. Relax in the ocean breeze and see the famous island of Mogador. Pass by dunes and see the tucked away, former home of the Black Sultan. Finally cross the forest of wild Mimosas and Thuya on your return. 

Essaouria: Beach & Big Dunes 2-Hour Quad Biking Tour

8. Essaouria: Beach & Big Dunes 2-Hour Quad Biking Tour

Enjoy an exciting two-hour quad bike tour, with incredible views of Essaouira. To ensure you can safely enjoy the vast beaches of Essaouira and the big dunes of Capsim you will need to go through a safety briefing and be instructed on how to drive a quad bike.  You will get geared up with clean, professional equipment and take a test ride on your quad before you head out on your adventure. After a few minutes on the road, cross the Oued Ksob and the ruins of the Sultan's Palace that lead you to the amazing beach After visiting the beach, navigate the magnificent dune fields, driving on the curvy sandy dunes. Enjoy the amazing views of the desert and have fun on your quad bike. Revive your energy with water and a snack. You will be able to take as many breaks as you want to enjoy the scenery while on your tour. 

From Marrakesh: Essaouira Day Trip

9. From Marrakesh: Essaouira Day Trip

Essaouira day trip from Marrakech offers a delightful escape to the coastal city known for its vibrant culture, captivating history, and picturesque scenery. Departing from Marrakech in the morning, you'll embark on a scenic drive through the Moroccan countryside towards the Atlantic coast. Upon arrival in Essaouira, you'll be greeted by the city's charming blue and white medina walls, which create a striking contrast against the azure sea. As you step into the narrow winding streets of the medina, you'll find yourself immersed in a lively atmosphere filled with colorful shops, bustling markets, and the aroma of freshly cooked seafood. Stroll along the ancient ramparts that encircle the city, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the picturesque harbor filled with traditional blue fishing boats. The refreshing sea breeze and the sound of seagulls overhead create a serene ambiance as you explore the charming streets lined with art galleries, handicraft shops, and quaint cafés. The beach in Essaouira is a popular spot for relaxation and water activities. Feel the sand between your toes as you take a leisurely walk along the shoreline or enjoy a refreshing dip in the Atlantic waters. You may even have the opportunity to witness local fishermen skillfully maneuvering their boats or practicing the age-old art of net fishing. Seafood lovers will delight in the abundance of fresh seafood available in Essaouira. Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can indulge in the city's famous grilled fish and other local specialties. Afterward, take your time to continue exploring the city's cultural landmarks, such as the Skala de la Ville, a fortification offering stunning views of the coast, or the lively Place Moulay Hassan, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere and observe the local way of life. As the day comes to a close, you'll embark on the return journey to Marrakech, carrying with you memories of Essaouira's charm, coastal beauty, and vibrant cultural scene.

Essaouira: Area Highlights 3 hours E-Bike Tour

10. Essaouira: Area Highlights 3 hours E-Bike Tour

Explore the countryside around Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki on stylish electric bikes. Enjoy the silence of this innovative and ecological vehicle to discover breathtaking landscapes. The tour around Essaouira starts from Bab Sbaa. The walk starts along the beach and then moves on to the countryside surrounding the city. This tour lasts about 2:30 and covers 27 kms. Several short stops are planned, including a tea break and the discovery of Argan oil production. The use of electric bikes is easy and accessible to all.

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What people are saying about Essaouira

This was the highlight of our trip while in Morocco. This coastal town is beautiful! The shopping is great too - found so many great pieces of art and clothes here. Since my friend was interested in learning about the Jewish history behind this town, our tour guide took me and my friends to the Jewish Quarters within the city when the official tour was over. We were able to visit a Jewish school that made beautiful jewelry and were able to buy it. I think the tour guide’s name was Zaid - I could be wrong. But he was so kind and even had his friends sing Happy Birthday to me in French and Arabic, since it was my birthday. So sweet! Wish we could’ve stayed here longer. This experience was unforgettable!

For a private trip, this was perfect in terms of price and services. Our driver was great, very dynamic, the journey was smooth. Our guide as well was very interesting and nice. The stop at the argan shop is a little bit a way to make you buy expensive products but if this helps the women communauty of this village why not ? Expect also to spend around 15£ per person at least for the lunch but the seafood was really tasty and fresh. The souk at Essaouira is also much quieter than Marrakesh, and if you like art gallery this is the right place. I really enjoy the trip and recommend this experience.

Be prepared for a long day. The bus ride got interesting as we got closer to the coast with rolling hills, greenery and interesting sites (goat tree and villages). Essaouira was a very interesting town, especially within the walls with its many shops, markets, and sites. The beach was a nice place to relax and swim or watch groups play football. Seafood was the specialty as it was so fresh.

It was Phenomenal!!! I loved the experience and learning about the camels and desert. The guide - Mustafa - was the best!

Ended up having a private lesson and the guide and instruction were awesome!