Is Dakhla, Morocco Safe? An Honest Local Safety Guide

Dakhla looks remote on the map, between the Sahara and the Atlantic, so many travellers wonder if it is truly safe. Online information can feel mixed. Travel advisories speak about Moroccan Sahara in general, while thousands of watersports visitors describe calm, friendly and trouble free stays around the lagoon.

This guide focuses on what travellers actually experience in Dakhla city and around the lagoon, especially if you are visiting for kitesurf, wingfoil or surf.

How Safe Is Dakhla Overall#

Day to day life in Dakhla feels calm and slow. Recent reports even highlight that tourism in the region has shown steady and satisfying results, which reflects the stability visitors experience on the ground, as noted in a tourism ministry update. Around the lagoon, the atmosphere is almost fully focused on watersports lovers and tourism. According to both locals and frequent visitors, crime in the lagoon area is extremely rare.

The city itself is considered safe and calm. Compared to larger Moroccan cities, Dakhla has fewer crowds and less traffic. Incidents that do occur are minor and usually between locals, not involving tourists.

There are several gendarmerie checkpoints between the city and the lagoon. These add a sense of structure and contribute to the overall feeling of safety. They may slow travel slightly, but they keep the area controlled and predictable.

At night it is better to move in a small group or with a local, mainly because Dakhla does not have a compact walkable medina. Places are spread out, so long walks in the dark are not convenient.

Crime and Security Around the Lagoon#

The lagoon zone is considered one of the safest parts of the region. Crime rate there is close to zero. Riders often leave their gear on the beach during sessions, relax, and return later without problems.

Theft is very rare, but basic precautions still apply. Keep your passport, money and electronics in your room or in a locked space. Gear on the beach during a session is normally safe. Leaving expensive equipment out overnight is not recommended.

Security presence on the peninsula and checkpoints along the road create an environment where visitors feel looked after and protected.

Is Dakhla City Safe for Solo Female Travellers#

Many women ask if Dakhla is safe to visit alone. The answer depends on where you are in the region.

Around the Lagoon and Resorts#

The lagoon and resorts are extremely safe for solo women. Most people are athletes, instructors, coaches or travellers. Bikini, shorts, swimwear and beach clothing are completely normal and accepted. Women walk alone between bungalows, restaurants and beaches without issues.

Inside Dakhla City#

The city is also generally safe and calm, but it is more conservative. Modest clothing is appreciated because many residents follow traditional habits.

During the day, women can walk in the city safely. In the evening, it is better to move with someone, not because of danger but because of comfort and culture.

Harassment is rare. You may hear a mild comment in the city, especially if you dress in a more beach oriented style, but physical aggression is not part of the local behaviour. Ignoring comments is usually enough.

The lagoon and city should not be described the same way. Resorts feel international and sporty. The city feels local and modest. Both are safe when you respect the environment.

Watersports Safety in Dakhla#

Dakhla is considered one of the safest places in the world to learn kitesurf and wingfoil. The lagoon is large, shallow and flat, which makes progression easier and falls less stressful for beginners.

Most camps operate rescue boats. If one camp cannot respond immediately, another camp usually assists. There is a strong sense of cooperation between schools, and rescue drivers are used to helping riders who drift or lose their boards.

Some areas become deep quickly or have more offshore wind. If you do not yet ride upwind, it is important to stay in beginner friendly zones of the lagoon and avoid areas that require stronger technical skills.

If you want to learn upwind confidently, you can book your kitesurf or wingfoil lessons in Dakhla with IKO certified instructors who focus on skill progression and safety.

For an introduction to the safest beginner zones, you can read our beginner friendly kitesurf spots in Dakhla lagoon. It explains where the water is shallow, how tides change each area and which zones suit new riders best.

There are no dangerous animals in the typical riding zones. In some areas you may find broken shells on the beach or in the shallows. Many riders wear thin boots to avoid small cuts.

Transport and Getting Around#

Most travellers use airport transfers provided by camps or schools. These are safe, reliable and part of the usual visitor experience.

Private taxis are available between city and lagoon, but prices can be high. Some transfers start around 50 euros. Camp shuttles are usually more cost effective.

Rental cars are easy to use as long as you have a valid licence. The road between Dakhla city and the lagoon is simple, used daily by locals, taxis and schools. You will pass through several checkpoints, which are normal and usually brief.

Walking deep into the desert away from camps or the main road is not recommended. Apart from getting lost, you may encounter stray dogs. Staying with others and keeping to known areas is the safest choice.

Health and Environment#

There is no dangerous wildlife in the lagoon or at the camps. You do not need to worry about sharks or snakes in regular tourist areas.

Tap water is best avoided. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth. This is standard practice for travellers in many regions.

The sun can feel strong even when the temperature is only 22 to 24 degrees. Reflection from the lagoon and sand increases exposure. People who burn easily should use high factor sunscreen, wear a cap and protect their shoulders.

Wind chill can also surprise visitors. The air may feel mild, but strong wind on wet skin can feel cooler than expected. Choosing the right wetsuit for the season helps maintain comfort. For more on wetsuits and weather you can read our Dakhla weather, wind and wetsuits guide.

How Official Advisories See Dakhla#

Government advisories often speak about Morocco and the Moroccan Sahara in broad terms. Some mention the need for general caution in certain regions or border zones. These advisories rarely address the specific situation in Dakhla lagoon, which is a concentrated watersports destination and feels calm and structured on the ground.

The most practical approach is to stay within the city, lagoon and organised excursions. Avoid remote border areas that are not part of the normal tourist circuit.

Checking your own country’s updated travel guidance is always good practice, but combine it with real on site information from schools, camps and locals.

Practical Tips To Stay Safe In Dakhla#

You can keep your trip smooth and worry free by following simple habits.

Stay in recognised kiteschools, camps or guesthouses.
Use airport transfers arranged by your school or camp when possible.
Keep valuables in your room and avoid leaving electronics on the beach.
If you are a woman, you can walk alone around the lagoon safely. In the city, dressing modestly reduces attention and moving with another person feels more comfortable.
Avoid walking deep into the desert alone because of stray dogs and orientation risks.
Protect yourself from sun and wind chill with sunscreen, a hat and the right wetsuit.
Choose beginner friendly areas in the lagoon and learn to ride upwind with professional guidance.

If you have doubts, you can rent kitesurf or wingfoil gear in Dakhla directly on the lagoon or book lessons with our certified instructors. Riding with a team that knows the local conditions is the easiest way to feel confident and safe.

With basic precautions and good local support, most travellers experience Dakhla as a calm, welcoming and very safe destination for watersports.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is Dakhla safe for tourists?
Yes. Both the city and lagoon are considered calm and friendly. Most visitors report trouble free trips.

Is Dakhla safe for solo female travellers?
Yes. The lagoon and resorts are extremely safe. The city is also safe but more conservative, so modest clothing and moving with someone at night can increase comfort.

Is the lagoon safe for beginners?
Yes. The shallow, flat water makes Dakhla one of the safest places to learn kitesurf and wingfoil.

Are there dangerous animals in Dakhla?
No. Typical riding and tourist zones have no dangerous wildlife.

Is it safe to drive from Dakhla city to the lagoon?
Yes. The road is simple, monitored and used daily by schools, taxis and locals.

Can you drink tap water in Dakhla?
Tap water is best avoided. Use bottled or filtered water.

Are rescue boats available?
Yes. Most schools have rescue boats and they cooperate if help is needed.