Essaouira beaches and sea safety
For beginners and families, the place to start is the long sandy bay right next to town, with a school or on calm, small-wave days. Sidi Kaouki is a long beach about 25 km south; Moulay Bouzerktoun, about 25 km north, is for experienced riders only. The sea is cool all year (about 17–20 °C offshore). In an emergency call 19 (police, in cities), 177 (Gendarmerie, outside cities) or 15 (ambulance and fire).
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Essaouira bay (the town beach)
Beginners, with a schoolA long sandy bay south of the medina and the port. Being right next to town, it's the obvious place to start.
At its south end are the Oued Ksob river mouth and the village of Diabat. Offshore, the Mogador islands are a protected nature reserve.
Sidi Kaouki (about 25 km south)
Surf and kite: check conditionsA village and long beach with the white marabout (shrine) of Sidi Kaouki on the sand. It's used for surf and kite. It's further from town, so go with someone who knows the spot and check the conditions before you get in.
Moulay Bouzerktoun (about 25 km north)
Experienced riders onlyA coastal village and wave spot known for strong wind. Waves, rocks and currents make it a spot for experienced riders only: it is not a place to learn.
The Mogador islands
Look, don't landThe small archipelago about 800 m off the port is a Permanent Biological Reserve, described as holding the world's largest breeding colony of Eleonora's falcons. Visitor access is forbidden: enjoy the view from the shore.
How warm is the sea in Essaouira?
Cool all year. Offshore model averages (2022–2024) go from about 17 °C in February–March to about 19–20 °C in September–October. A full wetsuit is the norm: 4/3 mm in winter and spring and 3/2 mm in summer is a sensible recommendation.
Offshore model values (Open-Meteo Marine, 2022–2024). Wave height at the beach depends on the spot, the tide and the seabed.
| Month | Essaouira (°C) | Sidi Kaouki (°C) | Wetsuit (recommendation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17.3 | 17.3 | 4/3 mm |
| February | 17.0 | 16.9 | 4/3 mm |
| March | 17.0 | 16.9 | 4/3 mm |
| April | 17.7 | 17.7 | 4/3 mm |
| May | 17.5 | 17.6 | 4/3 mm |
| June | 18.9 | 18.9 | 3/2 mm |
| July | 18.1 | 18.7 | 3/2 mm |
| August | 18.5 | 19.1 | 3/2 mm |
| September | 19.0 | 19.1 | 3/2 mm |
| October | 19.7 | 19.9 | 3/2 mm |
| November | 19.0 | 18.8 | 4/3 mm |
| December | 17.9 | 17.9 | 4/3 mm |
What should I know about currents?
Any Atlantic beach with breaking waves can have rip currents: narrow channels of water flowing away from the shore. If you're caught in one:
- Stay calm and don't swim against it.
- Float, and wave or call for help.
- Swim parallel to the beach to get out of the current, then head back to shore.
Flags, lifeguards and swimming zones
Where lifeguards or flags are present, follow their instructions; a red flag generally means no swimming. In summer, respect the swimming zones: kiters and wingers must keep clear of them.
Offshore wind and inflatables
Wind blowing from the land out to sea (offshore wind) can carry inflatables, paddleboards and tired swimmers away from the beach. Don't use inflatables in offshore wind, and never kite or wing alone in it.
With children
- Stay within arm's reach in the water, even in the shallows.
- Choose calm, small-wave days and the hours when the wind is lighter (usually mornings).
- Bring a wetsuit for longer sessions: the water is cool even in summer.
Emergency numbers in Morocco
Save them in your phone before you go in the water.
Frequently asked questions
Which beach in Essaouira is best for beginners?
The town bay, with a school: it's long, sandy and right next to town. Moulay Bouzerktoun is for experienced riders only.
Is it safe to swim in Essaouira?
It can be, on calm days and with care. The water is cool, the Atlantic can have waves and rip currents, and conditions change quickly. Follow any lifeguard flags, don't swim alone and keep away from kite and wing areas.
What are the emergency numbers in Essaouira?
Call 19 for the police in cities, 177 for the Gendarmerie Royale outside cities and 15 for ambulance and fire (Protection Civile).
Can you go to the Mogador islands?
No. They are a Permanent Biological Reserve and visitor access is forbidden.