Snorkeling in Dakhla: Scuba & Beach at Portito

Dive and snorkel Dakhla's untouched Atlantic waters in one morning

Snorkeling and scuba diving combined in a single four-hour activity in Dakhla, Morocco, with certified instructor, hotel pickup, and all equipment provided. The experience pairs beginner-friendly scuba instruction in calm, clear water with time to snorkel or swim at Portito Beach or Boutalha Beach, roughly 80 km from town. A guide fluent in French or Arabic leads the activity. Minimum age is 12.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Dakhla and a drive to Portito Beach or Boutalha Beach, where you meet your certified diving instructor. If you've never dived before, you get a safety briefing and basic instruction in the calm, clear water before your first scuba experience. Certified divers move straight into guided dives to explore the Atlantic's marine life and underwater rock formations. The instructor adapts the depth and pace to your level, so beginners and experienced divers work through the same activity without either group waiting or rushing.

After the scuba portion, you have time to snorkel, swim, or rest on the beach while the instructor supervises. All equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit, tank, regulator) is provided and checked before you enter the water. The waters here stay calm and clear year-round, which is why the operator emphasizes them as an alternative to crowded diving destinations where visibility drops or conditions shift. You're working with professionals throughout, so safety checks happen before and after every water entry.

The return transfer to your hotel in Dakhla wraps up the four-hour outing. Bring a towel and sunscreen. Meals and drinks are not included, so eat before pickup or bring snacks if the timing matters to your day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dakhla in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• full scuba diving equipment including mask, fins, wetsuit, tank and regulator.
• snorkeling equipment.
• professional certified diving instructor.
• safety briefing and personalized guidance adapted to your level.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

Live guideFrench and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dakhla Mayorca Diving

Is this one for you?Choose this activity if you want to try scuba diving for the first time in beginner-friendly conditions, or if you're certified and want guided dives in calm Atlantic waters without the crowds of popular diving destinations. The four-hour format fits a morning or afternoon slot in your Dakhla itinerary, with the long beach drive built into the schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.90★★★★★★★★★★

10 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in French and Arabic.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like for snorkeling and diving in Dakhla?

The Atlantic waters around Portito and Boutalha stay calm and clear, with good visibility for spotting marine life and underwater rock formations. Conditions are stable enough that beginners can complete their first scuba dive safely, and experienced divers can navigate guided dives to deeper sites.

Do I need diving certification to join this activity?

No. Beginners receive instruction and a safety briefing before their first dive in shallow water. Certified divers can join guided dives at greater depths. Both groups work with the same instructor and complete the activity together.

What's included in the four hours?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dakhla, the drive to Portito or Boutalha Beach, scuba instruction or guided dives, snorkeling time, all diving and snorkeling equipment, and supervision by a certified instructor. Meals and drinks are not included.

How far is Portito Beach from Dakhla town?

Portito Beach is approximately 80 km from Dakhla, reached by air-conditioned vehicle during the morning drive. The return journey follows the same route after the activity ends.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Minimum age is 12.