Essaouira Full-Day Excursion from Marrakech
Description
Escape to the windswept charm of Essaouira on this full-day coastal adventure. Travel in comfort through western Morocco's dramatic landscapes, with a coffee break in Chichaoua along the way. After a scenic 2-hour drive, you'll arrive at this historic port city, famous for its 10-kilometer stretch of golden sand and Atlantic breezes that draw surfers year-round. Spend your day wandering at your own pace, explore the medina's winding alleys filled with Gnaoua rhythms, watch skilled craftsmen shape thuya wood, and admire the Portuguese fortifications at Skala du Port. Visit the bustling fishing harbor where boats unload their daily catch, then enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch by the water. Stroll the beach before heading back to Marrakech, stopping at a cooperative where local women demonstrate the traditional extraction of prized argan oil.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Explore the medina of Essaouira at your own pace, discovering its narrow streets, artisan shops, and traditional atmosphere. self guided to the Skala du Port and bastion southeast of the medina.
Watch local fishermen selling their fresh catch and experience the traditional harbor life
Relax or walk along the long Atlantic beach, known for its strong winds and surfing atmosphere
Stop to visit a traditional argan oil cooperative and learn how “liquid gold” is produced by Berber women
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup will be arranged directly from your hotel or riad. If the location isn’t reachable by vehicle, a convenient nearby meeting point will be provided instead.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If you wish to hire a local guide in Essaouira, your English-speaking driver will be happy to recommend one
Reviews(81)
We had a great day in Essaouira. And our driver Houssain was super nice. And punctual! :)
Chère Allison, Merci pour votre joli retour ! Ravi que vous ayez passé une excellente journée à Essaouira. Houssain sera heureux d'apprendre vos gentils mots. À bientôt !
Noureddine was our tour guide. We are very thankful that he was our tour guide. He is such a warm personality and highly motivated guide! My husband and I truly enjoyed walking the area with him. The atmosphere is so special that it really felt like home to all of us. A true sample of excellent tour guide!" The "Above & Beyond" Guide: "We really felt we were with a family and not atour guide. His commitment to assist regardless if it was outside his tour guiding responsibilities was much appreciated, ensuring we really enjoyed Essaouira and he referred to us the best restaurant. He is the best and has the greatest sense of humor. He made us laugh a lot and we felt very safe and had an excellent day. Thank you so much .
Dear Savita, Thank you for this beautiful review! We're so deeply touched by your words about Noureddine, his warmth, humor, and care made you feel like family. That is the highest compliment. We're so glad you had an excellent day in Essaouira. Hope to welcome you again!
As adviced by Viator, we wrote a message to Ando Travel the day before our trip to agree on where and when to meet. We got no response but decided to turn up outside our hotel at 8 o’clock as the app said. After 30 minutes of waiting uncertain if we had a deal, we contacted Viator, who succeeded in reaching Ando. Ando wrote us and 30 minutes later (at 9 o’clock) a driver turned up. We would have liked if Ando had answered our message the night before to avoid our doubts as to an agreement or not. THE DRIVER WAS VERY POLITE, KIND, AND FLEXIBLE. HE SAVED OUR DAY!
Dear Mette, Thank you for your honest review. We're truly sorry for the lack of communication before the trip, that must have been stressful. We're very glad your driver was polite, kind, and flexible, and that he saved your day. We will improve our response process. Thank you for letting us know.
Not bad — you pay for what you get. Two stops on the way to Essaouira, 1 stop on the way back. Time spent in the van ~8hrs then 4hrs in Essaouira. Its convenient that they pick you up from your hotel however it’s quite a bit of time to spend in a car.
This was a fantastic way to spend a day outside Marakech. It’s wonderful to sit back and enjoy the view. Enroute we stopped by the Argen oil co-op for an informative intro and large shop with many products. The beach town if Essaouira is not to be missed! Fabulous fresh seafood for lunch. And our driver, Mohammad, was exceptional. He arrived on time and communicated effectively advising us his eta. He a charming, professional driver. Book it!
A long drive made easy by driver Abdelaali. He had endless patience with the Italian students we shared the tour with. His planned stops were well spaced. The return leg passed quickly and he navigated the busy city traffic with ease. A good day out in an intersting place.
Amazing experience with wonderful driver we highly recommend yassin to any one he want to visit esaaouira amazing city wonderful weather everywhere in this city was perfect the sea and the food we loved this place we come back soon to stay her many days in one day we didn't see all the places We love it
We had a fantastic experience touring with Mohmed. He was punctual, friendly, and made sure we felt comfortable throughout the journey. I highly recommend booking with him and look forward to future experiences. Thank you both for such a wonderful day!
Said is a very good and knowledgeable guide/driver i will recommended to all. He was the best driver we can find in Morroco.
The trip was amazing . Houssien is a good and steady driver and guide. He made sure we were comfortable all the way . We had some stops along the way for some sight seeing. Xx’s I would choose Ando travel all over again .
