Getting to Sidi Kaouki: What Nobody Tells You

Sidi Kaouki is one of Morocco's most beautiful and unspoiled beaches. It sits 25 kilometres south of Essaouira, directly on the Atlantic coast, with a 5-kilometre stretch of sand, consistently surfable waves, and the quiet, authentic atmosphere that makes Morocco so special. The problem is that most visitors to Essaouira never make it there — because nobody explains how to get there.

We are Mouhssin and Yassine — twin brothers born in Sidi Kaouki, raised on that beach, and running Surf Twins surf school there since 2017. This is our complete local guide to reaching Sidi Kaouki from Essaouira, with every option, every price, and every tip we give our students.

Option 1: Taxi from Essaouira (Recommended)

The simplest and most comfortable way to get to Sidi Kaouki is by grand taxi from Essaouira. Grand taxis are the shared long-distance taxis that connect Moroccan cities and villages — they are the standard local transport for this route.

Where to find taxis: The main taxi rank for Sidi Kaouki is near the Bab Marrakech gate on the southern edge of the Essaouira medina. Ask any local — they will point you in the right direction immediately.

How it works: Grand taxis fill up before they depart. A standard grand taxi holds 6 passengers (sometimes cramped but that is the authentic experience). You can pay for a full taxi yourself to leave immediately, or wait for it to fill with other passengers going the same way.

Price: Shared taxi — approximately 15 to 25 MAD per person (€1.50 to €2.50). Full taxi (you alone or your group) — negotiate, typically 80 to 120 MAD (€8 to €12) depending on your negotiation.

Journey time: 25 to 35 minutes depending on the driver and the road conditions.

Tip: Say "Sidi Kaouki" clearly — the drivers know exactly where it is. If you want to go directly to the beach and the surf school, add "plage" (beach).

Option 2: Rent a Car in Essaouira

If you have a driving licence and want maximum flexibility, renting a car in Essaouira gives you complete freedom to explore the coast at your own pace.

The route: From Essaouira, take the road heading south (the P2220). After approximately 25 kilometres, you will see a sign for Sidi Kaouki on the right. Follow the track to the beach — the road is partially paved and partially dirt track. Ordinary cars manage it without problems in dry conditions.

GPS coordinates: 31.3825° N, 9.8289° W — this will take you directly to the beach entrance.

Journey time: 25 to 30 minutes from central Essaouira.

Car rental cost: Budget approximately €25 to €45 per day from Essaouira agencies. Book in advance in summer.

Tip: The final 3km to the beach is unpaved. Drive slowly and watch for potholes after rain. A small hatchback manages it fine.

Option 3: Book a Day Trip with Surf Twins (Most Popular)

Our surf day trip includes pickup from your accommodation in Essaouira, transport to Sidi Kaouki, a 2-hour surf lesson, all equipment, a traditional Moroccan lunch on the beach, and drop-off back in Essaouira — all for €50 per person.

This is by far the most popular option for first-time visitors. You do not need to navigate taxis, you go directly to the best surf spot of the day (which we choose based on swell direction and conditions), and you have local guides who were born on this beach.

See full details of our surf day trip here.

Option 4: Hire a Private Driver in Essaouira

Many riads and guesthouses in Essaouira can arrange a private driver for the day. This is more expensive than a grand taxi but more comfortable and flexible — particularly good if you have a family with young children or luggage.

Price: Approximately 200 to 350 MAD (€20 to €35) for a return journey including waiting time at the beach. Negotiate the return pickup time before you set off.

What to Expect When You Arrive at Sidi Kaouki

Sidi Kaouki is a small village — do not expect the facilities of a major resort. This is part of its charm. Here is what you will find:

The beach: A wide, open 5km stretch of Atlantic sand. Completely unspoiled. Often only a handful of people. Camels sometimes wander along the shore.

Restaurants: A small number of simple beach cafes and restaurants. The food is excellent — fresh fish, tagine, Moroccan salads. Prices are very reasonable (a full lunch for €8 to €12).

Surf school: Surf Twins is based here. You can book lessons directly on arrival, but we recommend booking in advance via WhatsApp especially in summer.

Accommodation: A handful of small guesthouses and surf camps if you want to stay overnight. Highly recommended for a longer surf trip.

ATM: There is no ATM in Sidi Kaouki. Bring enough cash from Essaouira. We accept card payment at Surf Twins, but local restaurants and taxis are cash only.

Getting Back to Essaouira from Sidi Kaouki

Taxis run in both directions but less frequently in the afternoon. The most reliable options:

Ask your restaurant or surf school to call a taxi for you — this works well and takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you came by taxi, agree a return pickup time before the driver leaves. Many will wait at the village for a return fare.

If you book a surf lesson or day trip with us, your return to Essaouira is always included.

Distance and Driving Time Summary

Essaouira to Sidi Kaouki: 25km — 25 to 35 minutes by car or taxi

Marrakech to Sidi Kaouki: 185km — approximately 2.5 to 3 hours

Agadir to Sidi Kaouki: 170km — approximately 2 hours

Casablanca to Sidi Kaouki: 360km — approximately 4 hours

One Final Piece of Advice

Sidi Kaouki is best experienced when you are not in a rush. Come for a full day. Surf in the morning when the conditions are best. Eat lunch at a beach cafe overlooking the Atlantic. Watch the sunset over the dunes. The beach changes colour as the light changes and every hour brings something new. Give it the time it deserves.

Book your surf lesson or day trip in Sidi Kaouki here. We pick you up from your Essaouira accommodation — no taxi needed.