Essaouira, Morocco

• Kitesurfing holidays in Essaouira
• Other things to do in Essaouira
• Windsurfing holidays in Essaouira
• Getting to Essaouira
• Surfing holiday in Morocco
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Location information:

The city of Essaouira, located about 150km West of Marrakech, was only built during the 18th Century. Mohammed III chose Mogador as his key location and hired a French engineer, Theodore Cornut and several other European architects and technicians, to build the fortress.

Originally called “Souira” “the small fortress”, the name then came “Es-Saouira”, “the beautifully designed”.

With the completely intact Medina (old town), surrounded by fortified walls, and long, white beaches, Essaouira is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns on the Atlantic. Traders and visitors have always been drawn by the charms of Essaouira, from sugar and spice exporters to pirates.

Wind is a constant here. As a result of the huge differences between sea and land temperatures, the north easterly trade wind is accelerated by thermal action and blows continually. It's almost as if it never stops to catch its breath!

The bay in front of Essaouira is almost closed by the large island of Mogador, making it a relatively peaceful harbour and offering protection against the strong winds of the area.

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Kitesurfing holidays in Essaouira, Morocco

Kitesurfing holidays menu:

The wind & water conditions for kitesurfing in Morocco
Kitesurfing spots
Kitesurfing lessons & prices
Prices for Kite surfing equipment hire
Accommodation options

Kitesurfing conditions in Essaouira, Morocco:

Wind:

• Normal wind direction: On / side-onshore wind from the right during Summer
• During Autumn & Winter, sometimes side-shore from left
• Best months for wind: May - Sep: 65 - 80% of days Bft. force 4+
• During the season, 10 – 30+ knots
• Most used kite sizes: 7 – 12m

Water:

• 18 °C
• Chop / waves
• Pretty consistent waves, up to 2 – 3m, sometimes barrelling
• Flatter in the morning, with wind chop building as the wind increases around midday

Climate:

• 15 – 25+ °C year round
• Pleasant weather most of the year

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Kitesurfing spots in Essaouira, Morocco:

• No distinct zones for kitesurfing

• Long sandy beach of the bay stretches about 3 miles, with side-shore winds from the right offering ideal conditions for kite surfing lessons
• Perhaps best suited to more advanced kite surfers due to the strong & gusty wind, choppy water and waves

• More advanced kitesurfing spots further to the south, include Moulay Bouzarktoune & Sidi Kaoki

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Kitesurfing lesson prices in Essaouira, Morocco:

Beginner kite surfing lessons: Level 1 Intermediate kite surfing lessons: Level 2	Prices:
6 Hours	185 Euro
10 Hours	280 Euro

Advanced kite surfing lessons: Level 3 Expert kitesurfing lessons:	Prices:
4 Hours	185 Euro

Private KiteSurf Lessons: ALL levels: Beginner - Expert	Prices:
2 Hours	150 Euro

Kitesurfing lesson content:

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Prices for Kitesurfing equipment hire in Essaouira, Morocco:

Days of hire:	Kite surf equipment hire: ALL Material	Kite only rental: Kite, bar and lines
3 days	120 Euro	90 Euro
7 days	200 Euro	150 Euro
14 Days	330 Euro	250 Euro
21 Days	450 Euro	340 Euro

Please Note: All material means kite, bar & lines, board, harness, life-jacket, helmet, boots (if needed)

Kites can be changed according to conditions.Insurance NOT included in the above rental prices. Additional 50 Euro / week

N.B: Prices above do NOT include equipment insurance: Available at destination only: 1 week = € 50, 2 weeks = € 80

Kitesurfing equipment for hire in Essaouira:

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Windsurfing holidays in Essaouira, Morocco:

Windsurfing holidays menu:

The wind & water conditions for Windsurfing in Morocco
Windsurfing spots
Windsurfing lessons & prices
Prices for Windsurfing equipment hire
Windsurfing equipment info
Accommodation options

Windsurfing conditions in Essaouira, Morocco:

Wind:

• Normal wind direction: On / side-onshore wind from the right during Summer
• During Autumn & Winter, sometimes side-shore from left
• Best months for wind: May - Sep: 65 - 80% of days Bft. force 4+
• During the season, 10 – 30 knots
• Most used windsurfing sails: 4 – 5m

Water:

• 18 °C
• Chop / waves
• Pretty consistent waves, up to 2 – 3m, sometimes barrelling
• Flatter in the morning, with wind chop building as the wind increases around midday

Climate:

• 15 – 25+ °C year round
• Pleasant weather most of the year

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Windsurfing spots in Essaouira, Morocco:

• No distinct zone for Windsurfing
  
• Long sandy beach of the bay stretches about 3 miles, with side-shore winds from the right offering ideal conditions for windsurfing lessons & free-riding
• Perhaps best suited to more advanced windsurfers due to the strong & gusty wind, choppy water and waves
• More advanced windsurf spots further to the south, including Moulay Bouzarktoune & Sidi Kaoki

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Windsurfing lessons & prices in Morocco:

Kids windsurfing lessons:	Prices:	Windsurfing equipment rental:
6 hours	100 Euro	Included in the lesson price

Beginner windsurfing lessons:	Prices:	Windsurfing equipment rental:
2 hours	50 Euro	Included in the lesson price
6 hours	120 Euro	Included in the lesson price
10 hours	165 Euro	Included in the lesson price

Intermediate windsurfing lessons:	Prices:	Windsurfing equipment rental:
2 hours	50 Euro	EXTRA
6 hours + 1 hr assessment	165 Euro	EXTRA

Intermediate windsurfing lessons: Advanced windsurfing lessons: Expert windsurfing lessons:	Prices:	Windsurfing equipment rental:
5 days	250 Euro	EXTRA
10 days	450 Euro	EXTRA

Private Windsurfing Lessons: Min. level required: Water start onwards	Prices:
2 Hours	150 Euro

Windsurfing lesson content:

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Prices for Windsurfing equipment hire in Morocco:

Beginner Windsurfing board rental option:

• ONLY available when pre-booked with Beginner lessons:

Number of hours:	Prices:
5 hours	50 Euro
10 hours	80 Euro

Full Windsurfing equipment rental prices (whether booked with or without lessons)

Number of days rental:	Prices:
3 days	120 Euro
7 days	200 Euro
14 days	330 Euro
21 days	450 Euro

Windsurfing equipment for hire:

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Windsurfing equipment information:

Special prices for Windsurfing equipment hire:

• Nov, Feb
  

Windsurfing boards:

• Approx. 70 boards – All the latest boards from Mistral
• Kids windsurfing boards available

Fin Pool:

• The wrong fin / rig combination reduces performance (and enjoyment on the water) by up to 40 %
• You can change fins to have your ideal equipment set up for any given conditions

Sail Range:

• Probably the widest range of sail sizes offered on the market – All North Sails

• 120 rigs from 3.0 m² to 8.0 m²
• Kids & junior rigs available

Private Boom(s):

• No more hassle to adjust your harness line length every time you change your sail as the centre team will change or cut the harness lines of your boom at the beginning of your vacation
• All booms are equipped with a light up-haul line, boom protector & reduced oval diameter

Masts:

• Guaranteed 75 % carbon masts on ALL rigs under 6 m² & 100 % carbon masts on ALL rigs above 6 m²

Mast plates:

• All mast plates are given out with a protector: saves your feet, saves your holidays on the beach ...

Harness rental:

• Free harness rental for anyone who pre-books equipment rental
• Otherwise, please bring your own harness

Wetsuits:

• Shorty wetsuit / full suit. Please bring your own if you have one. Limited stock available at the centre

Foot straps:

• Foot straps are changed regularly and anti-slip is redone as soon as necessary in all centres

Change Equipment:

• One of the highest ratios of equipment changed every-year to brand new gear

Trimming:

• Windsurfing rigs (with or without booms) are always perfectly trimmed
• For 3 years North Sails has been the only brand worldwide to offer the revolutionary “Harness line Trimming System” which guarantees longer time and more fun on the water, whatever your level

Equipment insurance: (only available at destination – not included in hire / rental prices)

• 1 week: 35 euro
• 2 weeks: 55 euro

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Surfing holidays in Morocco:

Surf holidays menu:

Surf spots in Morocco
Surf lessons & prices
Prices for Surf board hire
Accommodation options

Surf spots in Morocco:

Morocco is an all year round surfing Mecca. Located on Morocco's Atlantic coast, Essaouira is an outstanding surfing spot, regularly hosting International surf competitions

Waves in the bay of Essaouira are smaller making this surf spot especially suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers

Essaouira Bay:

• Protected & good for learning to surf

Sidi Kaouki: (25 km south of Essaouira)

• A long sandy beach
• Good conditions for advanced surfers
• Big shore break compared to Essaouira
• Long waves for some great surfing down the line
• Attention must be paid to low and high tides and to the currents

Cap Sim (2 km north of Sidi Kaouki)

• Good alternative if too many surfers in Sidi Kaouki
• Similar conditions as Sidi Kaouki
• High and rising tides offer the best surfing conditions at this surf spot

There are fantastic surfing spots all along the Moroccan coast with a number of secret surf spots that are hard to find
Surf lesson prices:

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Surf lessons & prices in Morocco:

Beginner Surf lessons: & Intermediate Surf lessons:	Adult Prices:	Kids Prices:
2 hours	35 Euro	30 Euro
6 hours	95 Euro	75 Euro
10 hours	145 Euro	115 Euro

Advanced Surf lessons: & Private Surf lessons:	Adult Prices:	Kids Prices:
2 hours	40 Euro	35 Euro

Surf lesson content:

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Surf board rental prices in Morocco:

 

Surf board rental prices	Full day prices:	Half day prices:
3 days	50 Euro	36 Euro
7 days	95 Euro	70 Euro
14 days	167 Euro	167 Euro
21 days	239 Euro	239 Euro
extra day	12 Euro	12 Euro

Surf boards for hire:

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Accommodation options in Essaouira, Morocco:

Accommodation options menu:

Villa Quieta:
Hotel Sofitel Mogador:
Riad Zahra:
L'Ocean Vagabond Guest House:

Villa Quieta:

Starting from prices: (Euro / person, subject to availability)
High season:	price on request
Low season:	price on request

Location:

• Villa Quieta is located in a quiet residential area only 400m from the Club Mistral / Skyriders Windsurfing / Kitesurfing / Surfing centre

Amenities & facilities:

• Villa Quieta was formerly a big family house, subsequently converted into a comfortable guest house, with lavish and typically Moroccan furnishings

• A sunny terrace with deckchairs boasts an amazing view of the ocean but if you’re looking for quiet seclusion, the gardens might be a good choice

Rooms:

• The 12 rooms and 2 suites are uniquely and tastefully appointed & furnished
• The spacious double rooms have very nice bathrooms with shower & W/C
• Some rooms also have a balcony
• Furthermore there are 2 rooms with 4 beds (great for families) a mini-suite and a royal suite. These suites have a private balcony, where breakfast can be served at your request

Suites:

• Mini-suite: A large room for 2 people
• Royal suite: A large room that will accommodate 4 people. The large bathroom has a big whirlpool bath

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Hotel Sofitel Mogador:

Starting from prices: (Euro / person, subject to availability)
High season:	price on request
Low season:	price on request

• Location:
  
  • This 5 star luxury hotel is situated across the road from the beach, in the middle of Essaouira Bay
  • The Club Mistral / Skyriders centre is about 1 km away from the hotel

• Facilities:
  • The 2-storey luxurious resort with its magnificent garden offers thalasso treatments, hamam and a large fresh-water pool
  • An ocean-view restaurant serves international cuisine. In addition, you can enjoy refreshments at the pool-side snack bar, at the beach bar on the beach opposite the hotel and in the music bar

• Rooms:
  The 117 spacious rooms are comfortably appointed and have a balcony, air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, telephone and nice bathrooms
  
  

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Riad Zahra: - NOT available until Dec'08

Starting from prices: (Euro / person, subject to availability)
High season:	price on request
Low season:	price on request

Location:
This relatively new Riad, Zahra guest house is about 400m away from the Club Mistral / Skyriders Windsurfing / Kitesurfing / Surfing centre and is situated in a quiet residential neighbourhood



Amenities & facilities:
This cosy and clean guest house is managed professionally and has a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere, with a pool on the terrace if you feel like taking a refreshing dip and a break from the wind.




Rooms:

• The rooms are nicely furnished and clean. All rooms have a bathroom with shower and W/C and Sat TV
• There are three rooms that can sleep 3 people (1 double bed & 1 single bed). 2 of these rooms also have a small balcony
• Furthermore there are 7 larger and more spacious rooms, with sufficient space for 4 people (1 double bed & 2 single beds) These rooms do not have separate bedrooms, all beds are in one room
• For a small extra supplement you can upgrade to a room with sea view

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L'Ocean Vagabond Guest House: - NOT available until 15 Dec'08

Starting from prices: (Euro / person, subject to availability)
High season:	price on request
Low season:	price on request

Location:
L’Ocean Vagabond Guest House is located 100 metres from the beach and 200 metres from the Medina, about 10 mins from the windsurfing & kitesurfing centres

Amenities & Facilities:

• Immaculate & newly refurbished
• A restaurant on the beach provides visitors with healthy food and the option to try various water sports as well as a sheltered area ideal for sunbathing and socializing
• The Ocean Vagabond is near the various historic and cultural sites of the city of Essaouira - the ramparts, the port, museums, the church St Anne and the beach of Essaouira
• Communal spaces are spacious and bright, with large panoramic windows that open onto the garden where you will be able to enjoy a dip in the heated swimming pool
• A restaurant, looking out onto the garden serves local and Mediterranean cuisine, based on fresh, seasonal produce
• At Midday, seasonal salads, clubs sandwiches and soups can be served around the swimming pool while the restaurant on the beach offers a full summer kitchen, offering pizzas, omelettes and a variety of local specialties
• There is a very cosy African colonial style Bar (equipped with a 42 inch plasma screen with international satellite channels)
• A library on the mezzanine level of the living room and a reading room is at your disposal, with comfortable leather chairs and your choice of books and a 42 inch plasma screen with DVD, CD reader, and satellite TV
• The hotel also has a small, brightly decorated living room with an open fire for cooler winter days

Rooms:

• The rooms open onto private terraces with the view of the beach - a spectacular mix of sun, sea and sand
• The 14 rooms are laid out on 2 floors
• All rooms have private bathrooms made of natural marble and tadlakt, with bath-tub and WC. They are all equipped with twenty inch LCD screens, satellite channels, telephone, safe, mini bar and room service
• Warm and romantic, every detail has been considered to provide a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere

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Other things to do in Morocco:

• Trips into the desert by camel or 4x4
• Visit the markets
• Site seeing trips
• Quad biking

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Getting to Morocco:

• Fly to either Marrakech or Agadir airports
• Easyjet fly to Marrakech (RAK)

From Marrakech:
Leave the airport and follow the road to the city centre. On the first cross you can see the sign "Essaouira" on the left side. Follow the road about 170 kms till you arrive in Essaouira. The roads are decent and the trip should take you no more than about 2 hours.
When you arrive in Essaouira you take the coast street with the ocean on your left side. Follow this road until you see the Club Mistral and Skyriders Centre.

From Agadir:
Leave the airport and take the road to the city centre. When you arrive to the main coast street you will see the sign “Essaouira". Follow this road about 180 kms. It should take about 3 hours because there are a lot of turns in the road. When you arrive to the first crossing in Essaouira, go strait to the coast street.

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