Dakhla Desert: Imlili Pools, White Dune & Oyster Farm Day Trip

Summary

From Imlili pools to the wild Atlantic dunes and oysters by the sea

You’ll ride out from Dakhla across open desert to find Imlili’s hidden pools, swim at Puerto Rico beach, climb the shifting White Dune, soak your hands at Assmae spring, and end with oysters straight from the ocean. Expect laughter with locals, salty air on your lips, and stories you’ll want to tell later.

What’s the experience like?

It’s weird how quiet it gets out here. One minute you’re rattling along in a 4x4 just outside Dakhla, then suddenly there’s this hush — just wind brushing over sand and that endless blue sky. Our guide, Youssef, handed us turbans (I fumbled with mine) before we headed towards Imlili. The pools looked almost fake at first — little pockets of water in all that dry land, with tiny fish darting around. He said Sahrawi nomads still stop here sometimes. There was a salty tang in the air, mixed with something earthy I couldn’t name.

I didn’t expect Puerto Rico beach to feel so wild — no umbrellas or anything, just waves crashing and gulls arguing overhead. We kicked off our shoes and waded in; cold at first but you get used to it fast. Some local kids were splashing each other nearby and laughing at us for being so careful on the rocks (fair enough). After that came the White Dune — which really does look like someone dropped a scoop of sugar right between desert and ocean. Wind whipped sand into our shoes while Youssef pointed out how the shape shifts every season.

Last stop was Assmae spring — sulfurous water bubbling up with this eggy smell (not my favorite but apparently good for your skin). And then, honestly my favorite part: sitting down at Talha Mar oyster farm with plates of oysters so fresh they tasted like a gulp of sea air. The owner grinned when I tried to say “shukran” with my mouth full. If you’re staying in Dakhla city, they’ll take you right back after lunch — sleepy and sandy and probably still thinking about that light over the dunes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Dakhla desert and coastal sites

• Visit Imili desert pools
• Swim at Puerto Rico beach
• Explore White Dune
• Visit Assmae spring
• Taste oysters at Talha Mar farm

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Dakhla to Imlili?

The total transport time is about two and a half hours each way.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Pickup is included for hotels in Dakhla city only.

Can I swim during this tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim at Puerto Rico beach during the trip.

Are meals or drinks included?

Bottled water is included; fresh oysters are served if you visit Talha Mar oyster farm (for guests from Dakhla city hotels).

What languages do guides speak?

Drivers may speak some English, Spanish or French if available.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can join using prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

What should I bring on this day trip?

Sunscreen, comfortable shoes for sand and rocks, swimsuit if you want to swim.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup within Dakhla city, all entry fees and taxes covered, bottled water along the way, an air-conditioned vehicle for comfort in the desert heat, plus turbans provided by your driver so you don’t have to worry about sun or sand getting everywhere. If you’re staying in town you’ll finish with fresh oysters at Talha Mar before heading back homeward.