The ancient port city of Essaouira packs its best experiences into well-organized guided tours. After years of exploring this Moroccan gem, I’m convinced the most rewarding options include the medina electric bike tour (perfect for navigating narrow alleys while preserving energy), and the hands-on food tours where you’ll cook alongside local families. For adventurous types, the quad bike excursions into the surrounding dunes offer an exciting way to experience the Atlantic coast’s wild beauty. Multi-day Sahara tours, while requiring more time commitment, deliver unforgettable experiences with camel treks and nights under desert stars.
Let’s look at my favorite tested-and-approved Essaouira tours.
Good To Know
- The Discovery Tour Around Essaouira by Electric Motorcycle provides a comprehensive guided experience with insights into the city’s history and attractions.
- The Your Own Morocco Essaouira Walking Tour offers a private guided exploration of the historic medina and vibrant streets, including coffee, tea, and snacks.
- The Essaouira Walking Food Tour provides a guided culinary experience, featuring a full lunch with beverages for an engaging and delicious journey.
- The Big Dunes and Atlantic Coast Tour 2 HOURS offers a thrilling 2-hour quad bike adventure through stunning dune fields with a professional guide and free photos.
- The 3-Day Desert Tour from Essaouira includes pick-up, multilingual guides, and accommodation and meals, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the Sahara desert.
Discovery Tour Around Essaouira by Electric Motorcycle
The Discovery Tour Around Essaouira by Electric Motorcycle offers travelers a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the historic city.
With a 100% recommendation from 66 reviewers and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is a top pick for visitors to Essaouira. Priced from $101.53 per person, the tour accommodates up to 9 travelers and provides free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
The tour starts and ends at a convenient meeting point, where you will be provided with easy-to-manage electric motorcycles. Along the way, they’ll enjoy a knowledgeable guide, Ismael, who’ll share insights about the city’s history and attractions.
The tour also includes coffee, tea, and snacks. While most travelers can participate, the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant women, as some off-road sections can be jarring due to the stiff suspension.
Read our full review: Discovery Tour Around Essaouira by Electric Motorcycle Review
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Big Dunes and Atlantic Coast Tour 2 HOURS
While exploring the picturesque landscapes surrounding Essaouira, the Big Dunes and Atlantic Coast Tour 2 HOURS offers an exhilarating quad bike adventure.
This 2-hour tour takes travelers through the stunning dune fields overlooking the Atlantic Coast, providing a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty.
The tour includes a professional guide who’ll lead the way and capture free photos throughout the experience. Participants will be provided with all the necessary gear, including a helmet, wind jacket, neck scarf, and gloves, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride.
Plus, refreshments such as bottled water and a chocolate bar are included.
With a 5.0 rating based on 420 reviews, this tour is highly recommended by travelers.
However, it’s important to note the safety requirements, as the tour isn’t suitable for those with certain health conditions or physical limitations.
Booking is available with a free cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option, making it an accessible and flexible choice for visitors to Essaouira.
Read our full review: Big Dunes and Atlantic Coast Tour 2 HOURS Review
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Your Own Morocco Essaouira Walking Tour
Exploring Essaouira’s historic medina and vibrant streets on foot offers visitors a captivating way to enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The “Your Own Morocco Essaouira Walking Tour” provides a private, guided experience that allows travelers to discover the charming seaside town at their own pace. Priced from €150.00 per person, this tour has received excellent reviews, with 100% of travelers recommending it.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour includes coffee, tea, and snacks, ensuring a comfortable and enriching journey. With various pickup points near public transportation, the tour is conveniently accessible.
While not wheelchair-friendly, the walking tour is suitable for most travelers. Offering the opportunity to explore Essaouira’s vibrant markets, historic landmarks, and picturesque alleyways, this tour provides an intimate and immersive way to experience the city’s unique character and culture.
Read our full review: Your Own Morocco Essaouira Walking Tour Review
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Essaouira Half Day Quad Bike Excursion
Adventurous travelers can embark on a thrilling Essaouira Half Day Quad Bike Excursion, which offers the opportunity to explore the picturesque landscapes surrounding the charming coastal city.
The approximately 2-hour guided tour takes riders through dunes, forests, and fishing villages, allowing them to interact with local fishermen. An instructor provides guidance on the basics of quad biking, and protective gear like helmets, jackets, and gloves is provided.
However, the excursion isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
The tour highlights include the Portuguese Borj, Cap Sim dunes, and Diabat village, where travelers can learn about the history of dromedary camels in the region.
The tour is available in both English and French, and pickup service is available within a 20 km radius of the meeting point at Diana Quad, Essaouira.
Priced at €90 for 2 adults on a single quad, the tour offers a flexible booking and cancellation policy, making it an attractive option for adventure-seekers in Essaouira.
Read our full review: Essaouira Half Day Quad Bike Excursion Review
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Essaouira: 3-Hour Camel Tour
For those seeking a more serene and cultural experience in Essaouira, the 3-Hour Camel Tour offers a chance to take in the region’s history and natural beauty. Priced at $46.05 per person, this highly-rated tour boasts a 5.0 rating based on 18 reviews, with 100% of travelers recommending it.
The tour includes traditional costumes, bottled water, snacks, and a break by the Atlantic Ocean with cakes, homemade bread, Amlou, and mint tea.
The tour features a fixed pickup time and location, as well as a private experience with only your group. While not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for those with serious medical conditions, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including infants who must sit on laps.
Reviewers praise the tour’s beautiful landscapes, serene experience, professional guides, and timely pickup, with highlights including a stop at the Jimmy Hendrix café and enjoyable first-time camel rides.
Read our full review: Essaouira: 3-Hour Camel Tour Review
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Full Day Tour to Essaouira From Marrakech
Though the journey from Marrakech to Essaouira takes approximately 2.5 hours, the Full Day Tour to Essaouira offers travelers an opportunity to discover the captivating coastal town and its unique charm.
Available from November 18, 2019 to October 12, 2025, the tour operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Priced from £25.80 per person, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation and WiFi on board.
Pickup points are available, with travelers advised to confirm the time with the local provider. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, with infant seats provided. The tour can accommodate a maximum of 17 travelers.
Reviews of the tour have been mixed, with some travelers reporting issues with pickup and communication, as well as delays in departure and organization.
The Full Day Tour to Essaouira remains a popular option for those seeking to explore the picturesque seaside town from Marrakech.
Read our full review: Full Day Tour to Essaouira From Marrakech Review
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Desert Tour From Essaouira 5 Days and 4 Nights
Embarking on the Desert Tour from Essaouira, travelers embark on a 5-day, 4-night journey that promises an immersive exploration of Morocco’s breathtaking desert landscapes.
The tour departs around 8:30 AM, with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Inclusive services encompass hotel or airport pickup, English/French/German-speaking drivers, and all meals – breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Camel rides provide a quintessential desert experience, while wheelchair-accessible transportation and infant seats cater to diverse needs.
The non-refundable tour is priced from €1,250.00 per person, with a lowest price guarantee. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and pickup is available from a selected location near public transportation, starting at 9:00 AM.
With most travelers able to participate, this desert excursion offers a comprehensive and accessible way to discover the wonders of the Moroccan desert from Essaouira.
Read our full review: Desert Tour From Essaouira 5 Days and 4 Nights Review
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Essaouira Walking Food Tour
The Essaouira Walking Food Tour provides a delectable journey through the vibrant culinary scene of this coastal Moroccan city.
With a start time of 1:00 PM, the tour allows a maximum of 8 travelers to enjoy the local flavors. The menu highlights the freshest seafood from the port, including a variety of fish and shellfish. Guests can also savor traditional Moroccan dishes like fish or vegetarian tagine, stuffed sardines, and the Jewish specialty bstilla.
To end the experience on a sweet note, the tour includes a selection of Moroccan pastries. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who provides an engaging overview of Essaouira.
Priced at $70 per person, the tour includes all fees, taxes, and a full lunch with beverages. Travelers can conveniently meet at the Taros Cafe and return to the same location at the end.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, the Essaouira Walking Food Tour offers an immersive culinary adventure.
Read our full review: Essaouira Walking Food Tour Review
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3 Day Desert Tour From Essaouira
A 3-day desert tour from Essaouira, Morocco, offers travelers an immersive experience into the heart of the Sahara Desert. Departing around 8:30 am, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and includes pick-up from hotels or the airport.
Travelers will be guided by a driver fluent in English, French, and German, ensuring seamless communication.
The tour includes 2 nights of accommodation, meals, and camel rides, providing a well-rounded exploration of the desert.
Accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible transportation and stroller access, make the tour inclusive for a wide range of travelers.
With a lowest price guarantee, the 3-day desert tour from Essaouira is an affordable way to discover the stunning landscapes of the Sahara.
Travelers should note that the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds will be given for cancellations.
However, the confirmation received at booking ensures a hassle-free experience.
Read our full review: 3 Day Desert Tour From Essaouira Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Way to Get Around Essaouira?
The best way to get around Essaouira is by walking. Visitors can explore the city’s picturesque medina, seaside promenade, and surrounding areas on foot, allowing them to fully enjoy the charming atmosphere of this Moroccan coastal town.
Are Any of the Tours Suitable for Families With Children?
Yes, many of the tours in Essaouira are suitable for families with children. They offer activities like walking tours, boat rides, and camel treks that cater to all ages, providing a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for the Tours to Fit My Interests?
Many tour providers in the area allow customers to customize itineraries to fit their interests. This provides a more personalized experience and ensures the tour aligns with the family’s preferences, including activities suitable for children.
What Should I Pack for the Desert Tours From Essaouira?
When packing for desert tours from Essaouira, it’s essential to bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen, comfortable clothing that covers the skin, sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and snacks. Don’t forget to pack any necessary medications and a portable charger for your devices.
Are the Tour Guides Fluent in English or Other Languages?
Tour guides in Essaouira are generally fluent in multiple languages, including English, French, and Arabic. They’re trained to provide informative and engaging tours, ensuring visitors can fully experience and understand the local culture and attractions.
The Sum Up
Essaouira offers a variety of engaging tours for visitors. From electric motorcycle discoveries to camel treks and quad bike adventures, there’s something to suit every interest. Travelers can explore the town’s historic medina, savor the local cuisine, or venture into the nearby desert. With a range of half-day, full-day, and multi-day options, travelers can tailor their Essaouira experience to their preferences.