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Essaouira Bay is Morocco's most iconic kite and windsurf destination. The large crescent-shaped sandy bay stretches south of the historic medina, offering a perfect natural playground for all levels.
The bay benefits from the NE trade winds (Alizés) that blow almost daily from April to October, typically 15–25 knots with afternoon peaks to 30+. The wind hits the bay cross-shore to cross-onshore — safe direction pushing riders back towards the beach. The Îles Purpuraires offshore partially shelter the bay from the heaviest Atlantic swell, creating manageable chop inside with small waves near Fort Portugais in the south.
Essaouira is extremely well-set-up for learning and progression. Multiple IKO-certified schools operate directly on the beach (Explora, Ocean Vagabond, Alex Pastor Kite Club, Kite Tripping). Morning sessions offer lighter wind for beginners, while afternoons deliver strong wind for experienced riders. The sandy bottom and gentle shore make it very forgiving.
Beyond kiting, Essaouira offers a stunning medina (UNESCO), excellent restaurants, the Gnaoua music festival, and easy access from a direct international airport (EasyJet, Transavia, RAM) or 2.5h drive from Marrakech.
Multiple kite/windsurf schools: Explora Morocco, Ocean Vagabond, Alex Pastor Kite Club, Kite Tripping, Kite Surf Essaouira. ION Club center. IKO certified instruction available.
Wide sandy bay, shallow entry. Flat to small chop inside bay. Small beach break waves near Fort Portugais (south). Multiple kite schools on the beach. Kites 7–12m typical. Kite zone occupies the main beach, with surfers and swimmers closer to medina.
Choppy inside bay. Small waves (0.5–1m summer, up to head-high winter). Sandy bottom. Water 17–20°C. Wetsuit 3/2mm year-round, 4/3mm winter.
Beginner
Open all year round
Year-round. Peak kite season: April–October. Surf season: November–March (less wind, bigger swell). Kite schools operate daily during season.
Beach is a 10 min walk from the medina. Hotels along the beachfront are even closer. Petite blue taxis available in town. No car needed — everything walkable. Car rental optional for exploring nearby spots.
Generally safe spot. Wind can be very strong in summer afternoons (30+ knots) — beginners should ride mornings. Gusty near the northern end by the medina walls. Light current possible near Fort Portugais area. Sand blast factor on windy days. Water is cool (17–20°C), wetsuit 3/2mm recommended year-round.
NE trade wind ('Alizés'), cross-shore to cross-onshore on the bay. Season April–October, peak June–August. 15–25 knots typical, peaks 30–35+ summer. Thermal reinforcement afternoons. Mornings lighter (10–15 knots), excellent for lessons. Winter: lighter, more variable, occasional gusty NW. Essaouira is a thermal spot — forecasts not always reliable.
07:10 | 18:33
Currently, there is no weather station at this spot. If you want to change this, help us fund one: Weather Station Project
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