Essaouira: A Kitesurfing Gem on Morocco's Coast
Nestled on Morocco's western coast, Essaouira is a charming port city celebrated for its rich culture, relaxation, and adventure. Known globally for its kitesurfing, Essaouira draws enthusiasts with its consistent trade winds, flat water, and spacious beaches. Whether you're honing your skills at the top spot of Essaouira Bay (ideal for beginners) or tackling the challenging waves at Moulay (advanced riders only), this destination caters to all levels of kitesurfers.
Getting to Essaouira is straightforward, especially from Europe, with several weekly flights making the journey easy. It’s a budget-friendly option compared to many kitesurfing hotspots, and you won’t need a car to get around. The beach is just a 10-minute walk from the old town, where most hotels are conveniently located.
As you plan your trip, consider extending your adventure with a stop in Tarifa, Europe’s wind capital. The wind season in Tarifa overlaps with Essaouira’s, making it a perfect addition to your kitesurfing journey.
Essaouira's kite season
Essaouira is a kitesurfer's dream with steady trade winds and stunning coastal scenery. The best kitesurfing season runs from April to September, providing consistent wind conditions averaging 20-25 knots throughout this period.
During this time, the wind typically blows from the northeast, creating ideal cross-onshore conditions. Essaouira's expansive beaches and flat water bay offer a safe and spacious learning environment for beginners, while also accommodating advanced riders.
In the summer months, particularly in July and August, the wind can occasionally intensify, reaching speeds of 35 knots or more, perfect for some Big Air practice! Despite the warm air temperatures, the water can be quite cool, so a full wetsuit is advisable to stay comfortable during extended sessions.
Overall, Essaouira's reliable winds and beautiful setting make it a top destination for kitesurfing. Whether you're chasing steady winds or stronger gusts, you'll find many opportunities to enjoy the sport in this iconic location.
Kite spots in Essaouira
4 Spots
© KiteWorldWide
Essaouira Bay
This large, crescent-shaped beach just south of Essaouira is ideal for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and Wing Foiling. Known for its consistent side-shore breeze from the Passat trade winds, it’s perfect for beginners. The shallow water and soft sandy bottom make it an excellent spot for lessons, and the bay's size provides plenty of space for everyone.
Beginner to Advanced
Sea
Freeride, Freestyle
© Moulay-Bouzerktoun
Moulay
20 kilometers north of Essaouira, this small fishing village is renowned for its strong winds and top waves. The sandy beach's rocky slabs offers great conditions, especially from March to June when waves reach 1.5 to 3 meters. Be mindful of tide conditions to avoid rocks, but don’t let that deter you—it's an epic spot for wave rider.
Advanced
Sea
Wave Riding
© KiteWorldWide
Sidi Kaouki
About 25 kilometers south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki features a long sandy beach with reliable, though sometimes offshore, winds. The spot is known for its powerful shore break and strong currents, making it popular among surfers and kitesurfers alike.
Intermediate to Advanced
Sea
Freeride, Wave Riding
© Malind Kate
Imsouane
While Imsouane is more famous for surfing, it’s also a great spot for kitesurfing. Located about 90 kilometers south of Essaouira, this small fishing village offers long waves ideal for surfing and longboarding. The left side of the bay features the famous long wave, known as ‘La Baie,’ perfect for longboarding, while the right side has larger waves suited for advanced surfers. Nearby, you'll find cafes and restaurants.
Intermediate to Advanced
Sea
Wave Riding
Map of Essaouira's kite spots
Other kitesurf spots in Morocco
4 Spots
Dakhla, Morocco
April to September
