Dakhla's beaches and natural spots: White Dune, Dragon Island…

The lagoon's icon

🏜️ The White Dune

A white sand dune sitting on the edge of the lagoon, surrounded by turquoise water at high tide: it is Dakhla's most famous image. You climb it barefoot for the 360° view over the lagoon and the desert.

The scenery changes completely with the tide: at high tide, the dune seems to float on the water; at low tide, you can walk at length across the sandbanks.

🚙 How to get there: About 25–30 km from town, on the lagoon side. You go by 4x4 excursion or by boat with a local agency — the track is not suited to a standard rental car.
💰 Budget: Generally included in a half-day or full-day excursion (often combined with Dragon Island). Compare the agencies' programmes and confirm the price before setting off.
🕐 The right moment: At high tide for the photos, early morning or late afternoon for the light and the heat.

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The lagoon's mysterious island

🐉 Dragon Island

An island shaped like a sleeping dragon in the middle of the lagoon, a bird refuge: pink flamingos, herons and ospreys depending on the season. Circling the island reveals coves, dunes and superb viewpoints.

Depending on the tide, you approach it by boat, by kayak — and some crossings can be made on foot at low tide. An outing much loved by families.

🚙 How to get there: Reachable only via the lagoon: boat or kayak excursion departing from the camps and agencies. Often combined with the White Dune.
💰 Budget: Included in most full-day lagoon excursions. Check what the package includes (transfer, meal, equipment).
🕐 The right moment: Rising or high tide for comfortable sailing; the morning for birdwatching.

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The hot water jet of the Asmaa thermal spring in the Dakhla desert. Photo: Conseil régional du tourisme de Dakhla — Visit Dakhla ↗

The desert's hot bath

♨️ The Asmaa spring

North of the peninsula, a natural borehole sends hot water (around 38 °C) gushing into a pool where locals and visitors come to bathe, in the middle of the desert.

The place is simple and authentic — no tourist infrastructure: you come for the unusual experience of a hot bath facing the Saharan landscape.

🚙 How to get there: About fifty kilometres north of Dakhla, on the national road then a track. By taxi negotiated for the day, by 4x4 or on an excursion.
💰 Budget: Access to the pool is free or for a modest contribution; the cost is mainly the transport. Negotiate the return trip and the waiting time with the driver.
🕐 The right moment: At the end of the day when the air cools — the contrast with the hot water is most pleasant. Bring swimwear and a towel.

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The legendary flat-water spot

🪁 PK25

The lagoon road's "kilometre point 25" has become one of the world's most renowned kitesurf spots: a huge expanse of flat, shallow water, steady wind and several camps facing the spot.

Even without kiting, the sight of dozens of multicoloured kites over the lagoon is worth the trip.

🚙 How to get there: 25 km from the city centre via the airport road then the lagoon road. Taxi, camp shuttle or rental car.
💰 Budget: Free access to the beach; kite lessons and equipment are booked with the schools based on site (see our Activities page).
🕐 The right moment: April to September for the steadiest wind; session times depend on the tides.

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The fishing village at the end of the world

🎣 Lassarga

At the southern tip of the peninsula, Lassarga lines up its blue fishermen's huts between ocean and cliffs. It is also a renowned surf and kite spot on the ocean side, with several camps set above the beach.

You come for the end-of-the-world atmosphere, the fresh fish and the sunsets.

🚙 How to get there: About ten minutes from the city centre by taxi or car, along the road that follows the ocean southward.
💰 Budget: Free access. Count the price of a taxi ride from the centre — to be confirmed with the driver before setting off.
🕐 The right moment: Late afternoon for the light; all year round for the village atmosphere.

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The waves' beach

🌊 Oum Labouir

The big ocean beach closest to the city: sand as far as the eye can see, waves for surfing and bodyboarding, and a lighthouse marking the entrance of the peninsula.

It is the simplest beach outing from the centre — ideal for a half-day without any organisation.

🚙 How to get there: A few kilometres from the city centre, reachable by taxi in a few minutes or by bike for the brave.
💰 Budget: Free access.
🕐 The right moment: The morning when the wind is lighter; beware of currents, swim close to the shore.

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The wild cove

⛰️ Porto Rico

South of the peninsula on the ocean side, a wild beach tucked under ochre cliffs, popular with fishermen and surfers. Far less busy than the lagoon spots.

The contrast of red cliffs and ocean makes it a photogenic destination for a walk.

🚙 How to get there: By taxi or car along the southern coastal road, then a short walk depending on the chosen spot.
💰 Budget: Free access.
🕐 The right moment: Low tide to enjoy the beach; superb light at the end of the day.

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