Western Sahara
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
13
Coastline
1,110 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Laayoune
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Consistent winter conditions
- Epic, empty right pointbreaks
- Kitesurf and fishing hotspot
- Desert beauty and wildlife
- Friendly Sarahaoui hospitality
Negatives
- Mostly windy conditions
- Remote surf spots
- Chilly desert conditions
- 4WD rental necessary
- Lack of variety of hotels
Where to surf in Western Sahara
Western Sahara is the former Spanish Sahara, a large, lightly populated desert country south of Morocco. When Spain pulled out in 1976, the territory was occupied by troops from Morocco and Mauritania. The Mauritanians withdrew in 1979 and Morocco has occupied all of Western Sahara since then. It is slowly opening up to adventurous foreign tourists, most of whom are kiteboarders, revelling in the constant, strong, desert-driven-winds, howling down Dakhla’s unique long bay.
Surf spots in Western Sahara
Research the 13 surf breaks in Western Sahara and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Western Sahara.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Western Sahara
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 567,402
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- MAD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 9.25 Dirham MAD
Cost of living
Communication
- Language
- Arabic, Spanish, Berber
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cf
Visas
Most passport holders do not need a visa. Instead a free "visa waiver" is issued at customs and allows tourists to stay in Western Sahara for 90 days.
Getting There
Best is to fly Casablanca (CAS) easily accessible from Europe. Then, national Royal Air Maroc flies 3/wk with a Boeing 737 ($180 return). Régional Air Lines also operates flights. CTM bus company makes daily Agadir/Dakhla (15h, $110 return) or Marakkech/Dakhla (20h, $120). Or drive a rental car from Agadir.
Getting Around
Without a vehicle you wont be doing much surfing. Standard rental cars are available at the airport. Renting a 4WD will be expensive, but good insurance if searching beyond the well-known spots.
Accommodation
Try Nagjir in Foum el Oued or Josephina in Al Marsa ($45-59/dble). In Dakhla, Sahara Regency is $120/n or Dakhla Hotel at $30/dble. Dakhla Attitude and Ocean Vagabond are 2 big bayside bungalow villages for all watersports (fr $260/w). Westpoint Dakhla is another large complex overlooking Foum Labour. Food is a bit pricey at $15 per meal. Fresh seafood at the Oyster farm restaurant.
Activities
Dramatic desert landscapes and not much else. Dirt bike and ATV hire is available. Many camps offer surf-casting and lagoon fishing for bass and bone fish. Kiteboarders everywhere. Thermal spring at Asnaa.
Hazards & hassles
Dust, sand, strong winds, personnel mines and some military activities. Cold morning wind chills. Currency is Moroccan dirham.
Handy Hints
The camps have surf shops but mainly for kite gear and some improving shortboard rental fleets. SUP, kayaking, wakeboarding and quad biking all available.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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