Dakhla by car: the lagoon, kitesurfing and the deep South route

In the far south of Morocco, Dakhla juts out on a peninsula between the Atlantic and a huge lagoon. The wind blows there most of the year, making it one of the most renowned kitesurfing spots in the world. But Dakhla can also be explored by car: along the lagoon, towards the White Dune, or at the end of a memorable road trip on the deep South route.

Photo: Lärchenholz — CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Published on 28 October 2026

Why Dakhla attracts travelers
Must-sees around the lagoon by car
Coming to Dakhla by road: a road trip stage
Arriving by plane, then renting a car
When to go to Dakhla?

Why Dakhla attracts travelers

The Dakhla lagoon is a vast body of water about forty kilometers long, protected from the ocean swell. The trade winds blow through it more than 300 days a year: it is this steady wind, on often flat water, that attracts kitesurfers and wingfoil enthusiasts, both beginners and experienced.

The scenery does the rest: the desert drops directly into the turquoise water, and the evening light over the lagoon is among the most beautiful in the country. Even without doing water sports, the region is perfect for walking, swimming, and tasting the oysters farmed in the lagoon.

Must-sees around the lagoon by car

The road running along the lagoon serves most of the camps and kitesurfing schools set up along the shore. Take the time to stop at the viewpoints: at low tide, the sandbanks are exposed and the landscape changes from hour to hour.

The White Dune, a huge bank of light sand in the middle of the lagoon, is Dakhla's postcard image: it rises above the water at high tide. Dragon Island, further down the lagoon, can be reached depending on the tide, on foot or by boat. For both, check the tide times before you go.

On the ocean side, the corniche and the beaches of the peninsula offer a different, wilder face, with cliffs and cooler water.

Coming to Dakhla by road: a road trip stage

Dakhla is far from everything: expect about 1,165 km of driving from Agadir and 537 km from Laâyoune, on national road 1 which runs along the ocean. It is a journey to be done over several days, with stops in Tiznit, Guelmim, Tan-Tan, Tarfaya or Laâyoune, and never at night.

The road is good but the distances between two cities are long: fill up on gas as soon as possible, bring water, and beware of the sand that the wind sometimes deposits on the road. Police checks are frequent on this route: keep your driver's license, passport, and car papers handy.

Arriving by plane, then renting a car

Most travelers arrive via Dakhla airport, about 5 km from the city. A car remains the easiest way to reach the lagoon, the camps, and the spots, which stretch over dozens of kilometers.

On Loccor, Dakhla has its own rental page, but the local offer is still limited. Some agencies deliver their cars anywhere in Morocco: they appear at the top of the search when no car is based in the city, with the delivery conditions written on the listing.

When to go to Dakhla?

For kitesurfing, the windiest season runs from spring to autumn, when the trade winds are well established. Winter is calmer, with wind often present in the afternoon and mild temperatures, ideal for visiting without the heat.

The climate remains temperate all year round thanks to the ocean: even in summer, the lagoon is rarely overwhelmingly hot, but the wind and sun beat down hard. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a windbreaker are essential in any season.

Frequently asked questions

What is the driving distance between Agadir and Dakhla?

About 1,165 km via national road 1, and 537 km from Laâyoune. It is a journey to be spread over several days, driving only during the day.

Can you rent a car in Dakhla?

Yes: Dakhla has its page on Loccor, but the local offer remains limited. Some agencies deliver anywhere in Morocco; their delivery conditions are listed on each car's listing.

When is the best season for kitesurfing in Dakhla?

From spring to autumn, when the trade winds blow the strongest and most consistently. Winter is calmer but often remains windy in the afternoon.

How to get to the White Dune in Dakhla?

The White Dune is located in the middle of the lagoon: it is usually reached by boat from a camp on the shore. Check the tide times, as it rises above the water at high tide.

Sources

Le Routard – Dakhla, l’oasis entre Atlantique et Sahara — routard.com

Le Figaro Nautisme – Dakhla, un paradis de la glisse au cœur du désert — figaronautisme.meteoconsult.fr

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Written by the Loccor editorial team, the platform connecting travellers with car rental agencies in Morocco.

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