What Sidi Kaouki Is (and Is Not)

Sidi Kaouki is a small village by a long beach, about 25 km south of Essaouira. It is known for surfing, wind sports and beach rides. It is not a resort: there are only a few cafés, restaurants and guesthouses, and evenings are quiet.

The Wind

The wind is the thing most visitors underestimate. It is often strong, especially in the afternoon and in spring and summer. It makes the beach feel cooler than it is and can blow sand around.

  • Bring a windproof jacket, even in summer.
  • Plan beach time and surfing for the morning.
  • Use strong sun cream. The wind hides how strong the sun is.

More ideas in what to do when it's windy.

Windy afternoons bring the kitesurfers out.
Windy afternoons bring the kitesurfers out.

Transport

Most visitors arrive from Essaouira by grand taxi, local bus, hire car or transfer. Buses are not frequent, so plan your return before you go. See how to get to Sidi Kaouki, and visiting without a car if you don't drive.

Cash and Payments

Bring cash from Essaouira. Small cafés and many local services do not take cards, and you should not count on finding a cash machine in the village. The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Small notes are useful for taxis and tips.

Phone Signal and Internet

Mobile networks cover most of Morocco, but in small villages and on parts of a long beach the signal can be weaker. Many guesthouses have wifi, but speeds vary. A local SIM card or eSIM, bought before you arrive in Sidi Kaouki, makes maps and WhatsApp easier.

Beach and Sea Conditions

The beach is open to the ocean, with waves, currents and rocks in places. There may be no lifeguards. Only swim when the sea is calm, stay close to the shore and keep children near you. Check the tide before long walks so you are not cut off near the rocks. Read can you swim at Sidi Kaouki?

The beach is open to the ocean, so there are waves most of the year.
The beach is open to the ocean, so there are waves most of the year.

Dress and Respect

Swimwear is fine on the beach. In the village and near the marabout, cover your shoulders and knees. The marabout is a religious place, so be quiet nearby and ask before taking photos of people.

The marabout is a place of prayer. Please visit quietly.
The marabout is a place of prayer. Please visit quietly.

Five Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make

  1. Forgetting sun cream because the wind feels cool.
  2. Not planning the transport back to Essaouira.
  3. Arriving out of season late in the day and finding cafés closed.
  4. Starting a long beach walk without checking the tide.
  5. Trying to surf big waves or kitesurf without lessons.

A Few Useful Words

  • Salam: hello
  • Shukran: thank you
  • La, shukran: no, thank you
  • Bshhal?: how much?

A Good First Day

Walk along the beach to the marabout in the morning. Have lunch near the beach. In the afternoon, try a horse ride or a surf lesson, then stay for the sunset. For everything else, start with plan your trip and the Sidi Kaouki FAQ.