🏄‍♀️ Family Sandboarding Adventure in Essaouira: A Day of Thrills, Smiles & Mint Tea

If you’re planning a family trip to Essaouira and want to add a unique, fun, and culturally rich experience to your itinerary, look no further than sandboarding with Essaouira Sandboarding. What we expected to be a casual afternoon activity quickly became one of the most memorable moments of our Moroccan adventure — filled with laughter, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality.

🚐 A Comfortable Ride & a Hidden Gem

Our day began with a smooth pickup via tourist transfer arranged by the Essaouira Sandboarding team. After about a 30-minute drive north of Essaouira, we arrived at a peaceful spot off the beaten path — not crowded, not commercial, just raw Moroccan nature.

The adventure begins at a Berber-style camp and restaurant called “Tissa Vague”, nestled near the coastal dunes. It’s beautifully simple, built with natural materials and shaded areas that offer a welcoming escape from the sun.

🍵 Welcome Tea at Tissa Vague

Before diving into the action, we were warmly welcomed with traditional Moroccan mint tea and local pastries under a cozy tent at Tissa Vague. This little moment grounded the day in Moroccan tradition and gave the whole family a chance to relax before heading to the dunes.

We met Simo, the friendly and passionate guide who runs Essaouira Sandboarding. He instantly made us feel like part of the family — chatting with the kids, sharing stories, and making sure everyone felt safe and excited.

🏂 Time to Ride the Dunes

After tea, it was time for the main event. Just a short walk or ride from the camp, the golden dunes appeared with the Atlantic Ocean shimmering in the background — a surreal landscape that felt like something out of a dream.

Simo provided all the equipment and clear instructions. The dunes were perfect for beginners: soft, not too steep, and totally safe. Our kids (ages 8 and 11) were thrilled — sliding, laughing, and racing each other down. Even we adults joined in and quickly learned that sandboarding is a lot easier than it looks (and a lot of fun to fall in soft sand!).

🌅 Simple Joys, Lasting Memories

After countless rides and endless giggles, we returned to Tissa Vague for a bit of rest and one last tea before heading back to Essaouira. The whole experience — from the scenic drive, to the fun on the dunes, to the authentic Berber welcome — felt personal and genuine.

This wasn’t just an activity; it was a cultural moment, an adventure, and a chance to disconnect from screens and schedules and reconnect as a family.

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📌 Quick Info

• Experience: Family sandboarding adventure

• Location: Northern dunes near Essaouira

• Starting point: Tissa Vague (Berber-style camp/restaurant)

• Organizer: Essaouira Sandboarding

• Guide: Simo

• Transfer: Included (approx. 30 min from Essaouira)

• Duration: 2 hours

• Includes: Transport, tea/snack at Tissa Vague, sandboarding gear, full guidance

• Best for: Families, beginners, small groups

• What to bring: Sunscreen, water, sunglasses, closed shoes (or go barefoot!)

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💬 Final Thoughts

Essaouira is full of surprises, and this sandboarding adventure was one of the best. It gave us the thrill of something new, the warmth of local hospitality, and the joy of seeing our kids light up with excitement.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, authentic, and truly fun experience in Essaouira — this is it.