Dakhla the windy paradise

Dakhla sits on a narrow peninsula in southern Morocco, right where the Sahara meets the Atlantic. The landscape is dry and vast, while the lagoon itself is flat, sheltered and turquoise. It's exactly this contrast – desert on one side, watersports paradise on the other – that makes Dakhla so appealing. Over nine years ago, our team discovered the smaller, northern lagoon for ourselves and has built a permanent base there ever since.

Temperatures stay pleasantly mild throughout the year, which means kitesurfing in Dakhla works just as well in autumn and winter as it does in summer – right when your session back home is long over for the season. Beyond the watersports, Dakhla also offers its own culinary tradition and a landscape that feels more like a desert road trip than a classic beach holiday.

The KiteWorldWide Pro Center Dakhla sits right above the lagoon – short walks to the water and a clear view of the entire kite spot. The lagoon itself is huge, mostly shallow enough to stand in, and ideal for learning to kitesurf, riding upwind, or working on freestyle tricks. On the ocean side, there's a bit of chop for anyone looking to progress further. Wingfoilers get their money's worth here too: the smooth lagoon water makes starting out easier than at most other wing spots, with gear for all levels available on site.

Björn, our Kite Centre Manager, sums up the conditions like this: the Dakhla peninsula offers daily sunshine and steady wind blowing at 15 to 25 knots on more than 300 days a year, plus flat water on the lagoon side and beautiful waves on the ocean side.

That makes Dakhla, alongside Brazil, the destination in our portfolio with the highest wind probability – though the two spots get there in different ways. In Tatajuba, Brazil, the wind blows from July to February with a wind probability of almost 99%, reaching 30 knots and more during peak season – but that window is clearly defined. In Dakhla, the wind is spread consistently across almost the entire year, a touch more moderate at 15 to 25 knots, but reliable all year round. For the European travel season, that means: from November to March, when it's off-season back home, you'll find prime conditions for kitesurfing in winter and kitesurfing in autumn in Dakhla – without depending on a short wind window like at many other spots.

For more advanced riders, a trip to the White Dune is also well worth it: a flatwater spot with steady wind and one of the most striking panoramas on the peninsula – more on that in the excursions and downwinders chapter.

Dakhla Sands sits right on the lagoon, with an unobstructed view of the spot – ideal if you want to check the wind over breakfast. You can choose between three room categories. The heart of the property is the open restaurant with panoramic views: it's where you'll gather for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or simply to unwind in the lounge and bar area come evening. Right next door is the KiteWorldWide Pro Center, stocked with current gear from Core and North.

Catering is full board and included in your package: a breakfast of coffee, tea and freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning, followed by a 3-course lunch and dinner blending local and international dishes – with fresh seafood from the region and, on request, gluten-free or vegan options. Water is included with meals; budget around 10 to 15 euros a day extra for other drinks at the bar. There's no better way to end the day than watching the sunset over the lagoon.

Kitesurfing is the main reason for your trip to Dakhla – but it's not the only one. If you can already ride upwind confidently, don't miss the downwinder to the White Dune: an impressive flatwater spot with steady wind, a spectacular panorama, and good odds of spotting flamingos along the way. Prefer to watch rather than kite? You can reach the White Dune comfortably by 4x4 instead.

South of Dakhla lies Sebkhet Imlily, a wetland in the middle of the desert: water flows along sandy and rocky paths through dozens of large, fish-rich pools – a striking contrast to the dryness all around. If you'd rather take things slower, a camel ride through the desert and oasis landscape around Dakhla connects you with a piece of the region's living nomadic culture. One thing to note: these excursions aren't included in the kite package and are booked separately on site.

We spoke with Björn, our Kite Centre Manager in Dakhla, about the spot and everyday life on site.

Björn, what makes Dakhla special as a spot for you?
"The Dakhla peninsula has many advantages: daily sun, steady winds blowing 15–25 knots on 300+ days a year, flat water on the lagoon side and beautiful waves on the ocean side. Besides being a paradise for watersports, Dakhla is a great destination for travellers seeking wild landscapes and oriental delights."

Who does the lagoon suit best?
According to Björn, beginners benefit most from the huge, shallow area – there's plenty of room to take your first steps at your own pace, without other kiters in your way. At the same time, the ocean side offers enough of a challenge for anyone progressing towards freestyle or wave riding.

What else can experienced kiters do?
Björn and his team organise trips to the White Dune or the Speed Spot in the surrounding area on request – ideal once the lagoon starts to feel a little too familiar after a few days.