Essaouira: Quad Bike Dunes & Atlantic Coast Tour with Photos

Summary

Quad biking through dunes to the atlantic edge in essaouira

You’ll feel the rush of riding a quad bike across Essaouira’s wild dunes and catch glimpses of the Atlantic coast with a small group and local guide. Expect hands-on practice time, pro gear that actually fits, refreshing breaks with water and chocolate bars, plus free photos so you don’t have to fumble your phone mid-ride. It’s more about feeling alive than ticking off sights.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of gravel under my boots as we shuffled into the agency — kind of nervous, honestly. Our guide, Youssef, grinned and handed out these surprisingly clean helmets and jackets (he joked about “Moroccan laundry magic”). There was this faint smell of salt in the air, mixed with engine oil. We spent a few minutes outside practicing on the quad bikes — I stalled mine twice. Youssef just laughed and said everyone does that at first.

Once we got going, it felt like flying low over sand. The dunes near Borj Al Baroud looked almost gold against the sky — not sure why I expected them to be paler. Sometimes you’d catch a glimpse of the Atlantic, all slate blue and restless. There were two quick stops; one for water and chocolate (which tasted way better than it should after bouncing around on a quad), and another where Youssef snapped photos of us looking way cooler than we actually are. He even caught me mid-laugh when I tried to pronounce “choukran” right — pretty sure I butchered it.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get when we stopped — just wind and distant waves. It’s weirdly peaceful out there, even with engines cooling down beside you. The ride back felt shorter, maybe because I’d finally figured out how not to stall at every turn. Still thinking about that view over the dunes toward the ocean; wish I could bottle that feeling somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quad tour with dune and ocean views

• Receive safety briefing and gear
• Practice quad bike exercises
• Ride towards Borj Al Baroud
• Navigate dune fields with ocean views
• Take photo and refreshment breaks
• Guide captures photos for you

Top questions

How long is the Essaouira quad bike tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours from start to finish.

Is safety equipment provided for the quad bike ride?

Yes, you get a helmet, wind jacket, gloves (and inner gloves), neck scarf—all cleaned after each use.

Are there breaks during the tour?

Yes, there are two breaks for water and chocolate bars plus photo stops.

Do I need experience to join this quad tour?

No experience needed—there’s a briefing and practice session before heading out.

What size are the quad bikes used?

The tour uses 125cc Yamaha Grizzly quads; contact them if you’re taller than 180cm or over 110kg for alternatives.

Are photos included in this Essaouira dune tour?

Yes, your guide takes photos throughout and sends them to you afterward for free.

Is pickup included in this quad bike tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the agency in Essaouira.

Is this suitable for people with health conditions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your two-hour adventure includes professional-grade safety gear—helmet, wind jacket, neck scarf, gloves—plus use of a 125cc Yamaha Grizzly quad bike. You’ll have guidance from a local expert throughout, enjoy two refreshing breaks with mineral water and chocolate bars along the route through Essaouira’s dunes toward Borj Al Baroud and the Atlantic coast, and receive free digital photos taken by your guide during your ride.