First of all… why travelling to Essaouira?
Well - it’s not just a paradise for ocean and wind lovers! It’s also perfect for horse riders, travellers and generally for those who love to immerse themselves fully in authentic cultural experiences.
Essaouira is a city found in Western Morocco, and it’s known as the Windy City because we have it all year round. The small city is a perfect holiday destination for all ocean lovers, because you’ll find ideal conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, wing foiling and surfing.
The weather conditions
During the year we have a windy season and a wavy season, the windy season starts from March or April, until October, when the wave season takes over the opposite months. But it’s important to remember that this only means that there are slightly higher waves and a little less wind in winter, and slightly more wind and smaller waves in summer - so it’s perfectly possible to do all sports all year round!
In terms of the weather, we have something quite unique and special here in Essaouira. Whilst the rest of Morocco and Europe are suffering record heat waves and high summer temperatures - because of the exposure to the cooling Atlantic winds, Essaouira rarely if ever breaks 26 degrees and even remains mild at night. We always recommend that visitors just bring autumn clothes to throw on during the brisk evenings in summer. Even in winter, it remains perfect to enjoy watersports in a wetsuit - the coldest is 13-14 degrees in January and February, and 15-17 in December and March.
Now that you know all the great reasons to come to Essaouira, let’s talk about the best ways to get here so we can see you really soon! :)
Morocco is of course Northern Africa so there are only two ways to get here - by plane or by ferry.
Let’s start with The Plane.
The majority of our clients come to Morocco by plane, as we have 4 airports where you can fly to:
ESSAOUIRA (ESU)
The closest is Essaouira Airport, we would love to have direct flights to all the countries to make your holidays with us easier, but there is already direct connection with France, Belgium and the UK! But the truth is that the airline companies open new direct connections regularly from different countries. We always share that news in our social media to inform everyone about it as soon as we hear and we’re always first to know!
For the moment we have direct connecting flights with Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Brussels, and in 2 months again - London!!
The airport of Essaouira is just 20 minutes from the city: we can easily organise a private transfer to pick you up from only 20 euro.
MARRAKECH (RAK)
Marrakech Airport is the second closest airport from Essaouira and the one with the best connections to travel to Morocco. Just 190 km from Essaouira, you can come here by bus for only around 10-12 euro, in just 3h. We recommend you to take the Supratours company, there are at least 3-4 buses every day.
We also organise private transfers for our clients, the price is 70 eur each way. The driver we send for you will pick you up at the airport main door and will bring you directly to your Riad. If you fancy trying a local tradition, the transfer driver will take you to drink the traditional mint tea en route, so you can start with your first taste of Morocco before you even arrive here!
AGADIR (AGA)
Agadir Airport is just 174 km from Essaouira, there is no highway between these 2 cities so the trip is a little bit longer… 4 to come by bus. There are usually 2 buses per day coming from Agadir to Essaouira.
Our private transfers cost 80 eur one way, and it will take you around 3,5h to arrive here. The driver will be waiting at the airport door to bring you directly to your Riad, in very comfortable cars where you can rest, sleep or just talk with the drivers, enjoying the incredible coastal views on this route.
CASABLANCA (CMN)
One of the biggest cities in Morocco, the Casablanca Airport is the one with the most connections here in Morocco. Situated 372 km far from Essaouira. You can take a bus from Casablanca to Essaouira, which will take you around 5,5 hours to arrive, more and less.
Our private transfers in this case cost 130 eur, and it will take you 4 hours to get here.
Important information for the wind riders about our transfers - you can bring all your kite or windsurf equipment with you! We have a storage service in our beach centre so you don’t need to carry your equipment every day to the beach when you are here. We just want your trip to be the most comfortable, so you just need to worry about enjoying yourself and having fun ��
The second option to enter the country: The Ferry.
If you live, or are coming from the south of Spain, it’s worth considering the advantages of bringing your own car or van (imagine all those great pieces of handmade craft pieces and furniture for home!). It’s also super handy if you’re planning on using your own kite or surf equipment with us - as carrying it all on flights can become quite expensive. So - here are the options:
If you are travelling with your car, the only thing to be sure you have that will be checked at immigration, is international insurance for your vehicle, that your company should provide you. Usually, you just have to ask.
You have 2 ports to take the Ferry from Spain and 2 ports to arrive in Africa. From Tarifa or from Algeciras, let’s go one by one.
If you are crossing the Strait of Gibraltar with the car, you have 2 options to arrive to Essaouira:
1. From Algeciras you can take a Ferry to Ceuta or to Tangier. Ceuta is a Spanish autonomous city in Morocco, in this case you are travelling from Spain to Spain. About the ticket, this way is cheaper if you are travelling with your car or Van. Once in Ceuta you will go to the border and from there you will start the trip to Essaouira, which will take you around 9 h to drive.
2. The other option is to take the Ferry from Algeciras to Tangier, in this case you have to prepare all your documentation inside the boat, you will find a desk there with the Moroccan police asking you for the passport and for all the car papers.
If you are travelling on foot (without a vehicle) by Ferry we recommend you travel from Tarifa to Tangier City, whilst on board you will have your passport already stamped, so once in Tangier you can go directly to the train station. There are 2 ways to get to Essaouira from Tangier with public transport:
1. Tangier – Marrakech (night train) / Marrakech – Essaouira (bus)
2. Tangier – Casablanca (fast train) / Casablanca – Essaouira (bus)
For more information you can check:
Once in Essaouira...
Essaouira is not a big city, all distances are walkable, but in all cases, we have a good shared-taxi service. Essaouira is full of blue taxis who will take you wherever you want just for 7 dirhams (~€0.60 / £0.50)
The important thing is that you know that once you get here, our team will take care of you - giving you the best tips to enjoy town to its maximum, to help you find the best places, and come back home with luggage and memories full of unforgettable gifts.
We like to recommend to our clients that they come to Essaouira when they have any time, even a few days off, as well as long holidays… The connection with Marrakesh is really modern, quick to transit, and the airport of Marrakesh is so well connected with a lot of European cities. So, you don’t need to have long holidays to come to Morocco, just 4-5 days. It's already worth it to come for a long weekend. The best idea is to contact us before coming, so we can help ensure that you have nothing to worry about. We’re more than happy to help.
We can’t wait to share all the great, chill, surf town vibes that Essaouira has, with everyone!!
We look forward to you joining us soon.
Email or whatsapp or call me for more info.
marta@explorawatersports.com | + 34 682 807244 (WHATSAPP) | + 212 6 11475188 (BEACH CENTER)
Marta
