Things to Do in Dakhla by Car – Places to Visit & Travel Tips

Dakhla is much more than a beach destination. Between the Atlantic Ocean, the lagoon, desert landscapes, kitesurfing spots and quiet coastal areas, there are many places to discover during your stay.

Having a car gives you the flexibility to organize your days at your own pace, whether you want to explore Dakhla city, visit the lagoon, spend time at the beach or discover some of the area's best-known attractions.

In this guide, Dakhla Best Car shares some of the places you can consider visiting during your stay, together with practical advice for getting around responsibly.

Some destinations around Dakhla may involve unpaved roads, tracks or special access conditions. Always check the route and your rental conditions before travelling, particularly if you are considering leaving normal public roads.

1. Explore Dakhla City

Before heading outside the city, take some time to discover Dakhla itself.

The city is relatively compact, and having a car makes it easy to move between your accommodation, restaurants, shops and different parts of the waterfront.

You can explore the local market, enjoy seafood and Moroccan cuisine, walk along the waterfront or simply experience everyday life in this distinctive southern Moroccan city.

A city or economy car is generally sufficient if most of your stay involves normal urban driving.

2. Discover Dakhla Lagoon

The Dakhla Lagoon is one of the area's defining natural features.

Its calm waters, open landscapes and consistent winds have helped make Dakhla internationally known for watersports, particularly kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Even if you are not visiting for watersports, the lagoon is worth discovering for its scenery and atmosphere.

Several hotels, camps and watersports facilities are located around the lagoon, so your exact route will depend on where you are staying or planning to visit.

If you are carrying kitesurfing equipment, an SUV can be convenient because of the additional luggage space.

3. Visit PK25

PK25 is one of the well-known areas around the Dakhla lagoon and is particularly popular with watersports enthusiasts.

The combination of shallow water and wind conditions attracts kitesurfers from Morocco and abroad.

If you are staying in Dakhla city but planning regular sessions around the lagoon, having your own vehicle can make it easier to organize your schedule independently.

Before travelling, confirm the exact location of your accommodation, watersports center or meeting point rather than relying only on a general destination name.

4. Spend Time at Puerto Rico Beach

Puerto Rico is one of the coastal locations often included in trips around Dakhla.

Visitors come for the open Atlantic scenery, beach environment and quieter surroundings away from the city.

Road and access conditions can change, so check your planned route before departure and follow local signs and access instructions.

Do not assume that every visible track is suitable for a rental vehicle.

5. See the White Dune

The White Dune, often called Dune Blanche, is one of Dakhla's best-known natural attractions.

It is a distinctive white sand formation beside the lagoon and is frequently included in organized excursions around Dakhla.

However, this is exactly the type of destination where visitors should distinguish between visiting the area and driving a rental vehicle off-road to reach a particular point.

Access conditions can involve tracks, sand or other unpaved terrain.

Before attempting to reach the White Dune independently with a rental vehicle, ask Dakhla Best Car about the appropriate access conditions and check what is permitted under your rental agreement.

For routes requiring genuine off-road driving, an organized excursion or suitable local transport may be the better option.

6. Discover the Imlili Area

Imlili is another destination frequently associated with excursions from Dakhla.

The area is known for its unusual desert landscape and natural pools.

It is farther from the city than many of the lagoon attractions, and the journey should therefore be planned carefully.

Check current road and access conditions before departure, make sure you have sufficient fuel and water, and confirm whether the intended route is appropriate under your rental conditions.

For areas requiring off-road access, do not assume that renting a 4x4 automatically means the route is permitted or insured.

7. Enjoy Dakhla's Seafood and Oyster Farms

Dakhla is well known for seafood, particularly oysters.

Visiting one of the area's oyster farms or seafood restaurants can be an enjoyable part of a day exploring the peninsula and lagoon.

If you have your own vehicle, you can combine lunch or dinner with other stops rather than organizing your entire day around transfers.

When choosing where to visit, check the establishment's current location and opening information before travelling.

8. Enjoy the Views Around the Dakhla Peninsula

Not every memorable part of a trip needs to be a famous attraction.

One of the advantages of exploring Dakhla is simply experiencing the contrast between the Atlantic coastline, lagoon and desert landscape.

There are viewpoints and stopping areas along normal routes where you can appreciate the scenery without attempting to drive into unsuitable terrain.

Always park safely and respect signs, restricted areas and the surrounding environment.

What Type of Rental Car Do You Need in Dakhla?

The right vehicle depends on what you actually plan to do.

Economy Car

An economy or city car can be sufficient if your itinerary mainly consists of Dakhla city, your hotel, restaurants and destinations accessible by normal paved roads.

It is also generally the most affordable category and usually consumes less fuel.

SUV

An SUV can be useful if you want additional luggage space or are travelling with family, friends or sports equipment.

For kitesurfers carrying boards, bags and other equipment, the extra space can be particularly convenient.

4x4

A 4x4 offers different characteristics and additional space, but it is important to understand what renting one does — and does not — mean.

A 4x4 rental does not automatically authorize off-road driving.

Your rental agreement and insurance conditions continue to apply regardless of the vehicle category.

If your planned destination requires tracks, sand or genuine off-road driving, ask us before departure.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Dakhla?

The price depends on the vehicle category, rental duration, dates and availability.

At Dakhla Best Car, indicative rates can start from around 250 MAD per day for selected economy vehicles on rentals of 7 days or more.

SUVs and 4x4s generally cost more.

Instead of repeating the complete price table here, you can consult our Dakhla Car Rental Prices 2026 guide for indicative rates by vehicle category and rental duration.

Is Unlimited Mileage Included?

Yes. Unlimited mileage is included according to the conditions applicable to your rental.

If you are planning a longer journey outside Dakhla, inform us about your itinerary in advance so we can confirm any conditions relevant to the selected vehicle.

Rental vehicles must remain in Morocco according to the rental conditions.

Plan Your Route Before Leaving Dakhla

Dakhla's landscapes can make relatively remote destinations look deceptively accessible.

Before a longer journey, check your route and consider:

• how far you will travel;
• road and access conditions;
• fuel availability;
• water and other essentials;
• mobile coverage;
• your expected return time;
• whether your rental conditions permit the intended route.

For remote destinations, it is better to prepare in advance than to improvise after leaving the city.

Fuel and Longer Journeys

Check your fuel level before leaving Dakhla for a longer journey.

Distances between services can be greater once you move away from the city, so don't wait until the fuel level becomes low before planning a stop.

If you are unfamiliar with a route, ask for current local information before departure.

Driving Responsibly Around Dakhla

Dakhla's natural environment is one of the reasons people travel here, and it should be treated with care.

Use established roads and authorized access routes whenever possible.

Avoid disturbing wildlife, vegetation and sensitive coastal or desert areas.

Do not leave rubbish behind, and respect any access restrictions or instructions you encounter.

Responsible travel helps protect the landscapes visitors come to Dakhla to experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exploring Dakhla by Car

Do I need a 4x4 in Dakhla?

Not necessarily.

If your itinerary mainly involves Dakhla city and destinations accessible by normal paved roads, an economy car or SUV may be sufficient.

Your choice should depend on your actual itinerary, passenger numbers, luggage and the access conditions of the places you intend to visit.

Can I visit the White Dune with a rental car?

The White Dune area may involve tracks, sand or other unpaved access.

Contact Dakhla Best Car before attempting to access it with your rental vehicle. Do not assume that off-road access is permitted simply because you rented a 4x4.

Can I visit Imlili with a rental car?

The appropriate vehicle and access method depend on the route and current conditions.

Because Imlili is a more remote destination, confirm the route and rental conditions before departure. If off-road access is required, an organized excursion may be more appropriate.

Is Dakhla good for a road trip?

A car can be very useful for exploring Dakhla and destinations accessible by normal roads, particularly if you prefer to organize your schedule independently.

For longer or more remote journeys, plan the route carefully before leaving.

Is unlimited mileage included with Dakhla Best Car?

Yes. Unlimited mileage is included according to the conditions applicable to your rental.

Can I rent a car when I arrive at Dakhla Airport?

Dakhla Best Car provides vehicle pickup and return at Dakhla Airport (VIL). Reserving in advance is recommended so that your vehicle and airport handover can be organized for your arrival.

Explore Dakhla at Your Own Pace

From the city and lagoon to beaches and some of southern Morocco's most distinctive landscapes, Dakhla offers plenty to discover.

Choosing the right vehicle gives you the flexibility to organize your stay according to your own schedule.

At Dakhla Best Car, you can choose from economy cars, SUVs and 4x4s according to your travel needs and vehicle availability.

Before visiting remote destinations or areas requiring special access, always check the route and the conditions applicable to your rental vehicle.

Explore our available vehicles and choose the right car for your stay in Dakhla.