Travel for real
Play at being castaways on the sands
On the Atlantic coast, in the south, there is a magical bay. Between dunes and waves, live in harmony with a nature which is full of secrets.
An idyllic back-drop
Dakhla was founded in 1884 at the mouth of the Rio de Oro by the Spanish. At the time it was called Villa Cisneros. This small fishing port is on the edge of a magnificent lagoon with turquoise waters. As well as welcoming thousands of migratory birds including colonies of pink flamingoes, the bay is home to the largest population in the world of monk seals. Its waters are also frequently visited by skate and hump-backed dolphins. The impressive Punta Sarga, at the southern extremity of the peninsula, is the recommended site for watching them.
Interesting pastimes
Considered by surfing champions as one of the most beautiful spots in the world, this is the ideal place for all board sports on water… as well as on the sand dunes! To feel as though you are communing with nature, it is possible to sleep in khaïmats tents (traditional communal accommodation in the desert) as part of a surf camp. A shower in 38°C sulfurous water from the thermal spring at Asmaa must be tried: it is reputed to be excellent for the skin, breathing difficulties and the bones. The Rio de Oro lagoon is also one of the most fish-rich places in the world. The star of the lagoon is the meager (Argyrosomus regius). By surf casting, meaning fishing right at the water's edge, it is possible to catch fish up to 2m long and weighing up to 80kg.
To remember
Dakhla and its bay are still among those rare places on the planet where man is in harmony with the elements and unspoilt nature.
