Windsurfing Holiday in Essaouira

Trip Highlights

The ancient fortified town of Essaouira offers a unique mixture of culture and Atlantic sailing conditions. This pretty whitewashed town has been a thriving port for fifteen centuries and is steeped in history, offering an exciting and enchanting holiday destination. Essaouira has been a magnet for poets, artists and craftsmen since the eighteenth century, so the tiny streets are crammed with local pottery and handicrafts. In the evening the fisherman come back to port in their brightly painted boats, their nets bursting with sardines, and people jostle on the quays to buy the fresh fish. You won't find anything fresher for dinner! Due to the increased popularity of Essaouira there are several new properties being built and renovated, so there are a number of ongoing building works throughout the town and seafront.

Price Details

Price

From: GBP719 per person (7 Nights)

Price Includes

• Flights
• Transfers
• Accommodation

Price Excludes

• Travel Insurance

Departure Dates

All holidays are bespoke and can leave on any date (subject to availability). The price quoted above will vary dependent on departure date, hotel & selected course. Course and rental options include:

COURSES AND INSTRUCTION
6 / 10 HOUR STARTER COURSE INCLUDING EQUIPMENT £130 / £160
6 HOURS INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED INSTRUCTION EXCLUDING EQUIPMENT £119
5 / 10 DAYS UNLIMITED PREMIUM £225 / £375

RENTAL (MISTRAL/NORTH SAILS)
1 WEEK £180
2 WEEKS £300

Itinerary

THE WIND
The wind (northeasterly trade wind) blows side to side off shore from the right. In the summer months, i.e. June - August, the thermals created by the big difference in land and sea temperatures accelerates the trade wind to average bft 6 - 8, but due to the massive expanse of beach it is always safe even for the less experienced.
Autumn and winter winds can swing round and come from the left and are lighter averaging around bft 4 - 6. This is also the main wave season with easy wave sailing in the main spot at around 1-2 m but full on wave sailing in the main wave spot at the end on the main bay and in Moulay.

THE WINDSURFING
Essaouira offers windsurfers the opportunity to sail in a whole variety of conditions. In the summer months, you can count on finding a slight windchop to flat conditions in the morning, with waves building in the afternoon at the far down wind end of the bay. Wave conditions are especially good on the southern side of the bay in spring and autumn (2 -4 m) but smaller from mid-June to August (0.5 to 1 m) for novice wave sailors.
Water temperatures are generally 20°C in the summer (shortie) dropping to around 15C in the winter (full 5/3). Generally the conditions are suited to all levels in the summer and wave sailors in the winter.

Other Info

Accommodation Details

VILLA MAROC (Half Board)
Four 18th century houses have been interlinked to house 20 rooms and suites, creating an atmosphere of a large private house with several comfortable and cosy lounges where one can sit and read, have a drink or enjoy a candle-lit dinner.
The twenty rooms and suites are all decorated in an individual style. The "Oriental Spa" includes a hamman, massage and beauty parlours.

RIAD WAHED
This superb Riad is based in the heart of the old city, yet with stunning views over the bay from its roof top terrace, it is within a short stroll of many local restaurants and small bazaars.
There are a small number of studio rooms and 1 bedroom apartments, all very spacious with a truly Moroccan décor. Great thought and attention has gone into the furnishing of the rooms and public areas with the aim of creating a calm and tranquil base.

RIAD TALETA
With just 6 rooms this amazing property has spacious stylish interiors and contemporary ground floor restaurant/bar and fantastic roof terrace with panoramic views of Essaouira’s beach and harbour front.
Each room is decorated in a unique modern style to the highest standards. Four rooms have a sea view and the two suites have private terraces overlooking the bay.

RIAD AABA
This old house of Essaouira was building in 1871, and till this day has all the charm an the stylishness of this age. Recently restored it has become the place of choice of internationals artists as well as being very popular with windsurfers and kitesurf.
The hotel contains 25 rooms and 10 suites, decorated in a typically Moroccan style, very authentic, varied, refined and charming.

RIAD ITNEEN
This charming Riad is just a block away from the main square and scenic harbour, five minutes walking distance from the sandy beaches of Essaouira Bay. This Riad has a unique charm and offers a taste of Morocco and unforgettable romance.
There are 16 exclusive spacious suites all with private facilities. The hotel offers a scenic view of the Essaouira bay from its exquisite room top terrace.

WINDSURFERS BOUTIQUE
The Guest House is located 100 meters from the beach, 20 minutes walk to the Club Mistral and a short stroll to the old city. The hotel reflects the owners' (Seb and Maria) passion for central and northern Africa mixed with a contemporary modern flair.
The fourteen rooms are laid out on two floors, all individually furnished some with a view to the medina and some with a seaview. Also the superior rooms open onto their own private terraces with the view of the shore, providing the guests a spectacle of ocean and sky.


SOFITEL
The Sofitel offers the highest standard of hotel in the area conveniently located opposite the main beach, 10 minutes walk to the Club Mistral and a short stroll to the old city. This hotel is ideal for those with non-windsurfing partners or family.
There is a total of 117 luxury twin or double rooms and 8 suites. The room are very spacious with all the finesse you would expect from a 5* hotel including full room service, super quiet air-conditioning, good size balcony (most with sea or pool views).