Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech: Goats, Argan & Seaside

Summary

Essaouira’s white walls, goats in trees and slow Atlantic rhythms

You’ll ride out from Marrakech with a local guide, stopping to see goats perched in argan trees and visiting a women’s cooperative before reaching Essaouira’s breezy port. Explore white-walled streets at your own pace, taste fresh seafood or vegetarian dishes for lunch, and feel that slow coastal rhythm before heading back—maybe with sand still clinging to your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

“You see them? They really do climb,” our driver Khalid grinned, pointing out the window as we slowed on the road from Marrakech to Essaouira. I squinted — and yeah, there they were: goats balanced up in the argan branches like it was nothing. The van smelled faintly of mint tea (Khalid poured us some earlier), and outside it was all sun and dry wind. We stopped for a quick photo — I tried to say “thank you” in Arabic and got a big laugh from one of the women at the argan oil cooperative. She showed us how they grind the nuts by hand; her palms looked strong but gentle.

The drive itself took about three hours but didn’t drag. There was WiFi in the van so I could send photos home right away. Once we rolled into Essaouira, everything felt lighter — salty air, seagulls everywhere, blue boats bobbing at the port. Our guide gave us a few tips (“Try Moulay El Hassan square for lunch — ask for grilled sardines”), then let us wander. The medina wasn’t crowded like Marrakech; shopkeepers waved but didn’t hassle much. I got lost down an alley with peeling turquoise doors and ended up watching old men play cards under a fig tree.

I ordered seafood at a tiny place near the ramparts — grilled fish, bread that tasted smoky from the fire. The waiter joked about my French (I should probably practice more). After lunch I just sat on the wall above the beach for a while, letting the wind tangle my hair and listening to kids shout below. Leaving around five felt too soon somehow; I still think about that view over the ocean as we drove back toward Marrakech with sand stuck to my shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Essaouira day trip from Marrakech

• Meet outside Café Argana at 8:00 am
• Travel 3 hours to Essaouira
• Photograph goats on Argan trees
• Visit local women's cooperative
• Explore Essaouira city and beach
• Enjoy lunch in local restaurant
• Depart Essaouira at 17:00
• Arrive back in Marrakech at 19:30

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Essaouira?

The drive takes about 3 hours each way between Marrakech and Essaouira.

Are hotel pickups included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel or riad pickup is included in Marrakech for this tour.

Will I see goats in argan trees on this trip?

Yes, there is a stop along the way where you can photograph goats climbing argan trees.

Is there time to explore Essaouira independently?

Yes, you have free time to explore Essaouira at your own pace after arrival.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, but you’ll have time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant of your choice.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout this day trip.

What’s included during transport?

You’ll have air-conditioned transport with WiFi and an English-speaking guide while in the van.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or specialized seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech, air-conditioned transportation with WiFi onboard, mint tea served by your guide during the journey, stops to see goats climbing argan trees and visit a local women’s cooperative producing argan oil products. You’ll also have plenty of free time to explore Essaouira before returning in the evening.