Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing needs two things that Egypt and Morocco have in abundance: steady wind and stretches of water where you can stand. On the Red Sea, the north wind blows almost every day over shallow lagoons; on Morocco's Atlantic coast, the trade winds push along a coastline where Dakhla, in the far south, adds a huge lagoon. The choice comes down to three questions: the water, the wind by season, and where the hotel is in relation to the spot.

Four spots, four characters

El Gouna is the main kitesurfing town in Egypt, with dozens of schools, the oldest since 2004. The wind is thermal: it rises with the heat of the day and is most regular from May to September. The Casa Cook, for guests aged 16 and over, has its centre on the beach and welcomes riders who bring their own gear.

Soma Bay is a resort estate with no town, where people come for the water. From The Breakers, a free shuttle takes eight minutes to the 7 Bft KiteHouse school, whose main spot is a flat-water lagoon; another shuttle goes to Tobia island, starting point of daily downwinders, long runs with the wind. The Robinson Club also has its own centre, for sporty families.

Dakhla is a destination for a full week. The bay, closed off by a 40 km peninsula, is big enough for every level to find its zone: at Dakhla Attitude, the lagoon in front of the bungalows is divided between lessons, independent instructors, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The tide changes everything: the riding area shrinks sharply at low tide, which is when the Speed Spot appears, a strip of flat water made for speed. Sabaro's trip idea "Kitesurfing in Dakhla, 7 days" sets the pace.

Essaouira suits those who want to combine riding with a World Heritage medina. The wind blows hard one day in two; the bay suits lessons, and the water calls for a wetsuit all year.

Two more spots complete Egypt's map: Dahab, on the Gulf of Aqaba, around its lagoon, and Ain Sokhna, about 120 km from Cairo, where the wind of the Gulf of Suez lets you add a few days of riding to a stay in Cairo.

The wind calendar

• On the Red Sea, the wind blows all year. In summer, from May to September, it is steady without being violent: the right season to learn. In winter, windy days are fewer but stronger, and the water drops to about 22 °C: bring a full wetsuit.
• In Dakhla, the kitesurfing season runs from late February to late October, and the schools stay open all year. Sabaro recommends winter for learning and keeps July and August for experienced riders. The water ranges from 17.6 °C in January to 21.8 °C in September.
• In Essaouira, July is the windiest month, with an average of 21.5 days of strong wind.

Learning and renting

Labels. Many schools are certified by IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization, an international training body) or VDWS (Verband Deutscher Wassersportschulen, the German federation of water sports schools). Both labels set a curriculum by levels, and some schools in El Gouna limit lessons to two students per instructor, with a radio helmet.

Level to rent. Without lessons, centres ask for a certified level: in Soma Bay, VDWS level 4 or IKO level 3. Bring your level card.

Budget. A two-day beginner course costs €340 per person at 7 Bft KiteHouse in Soma Bay; in Dakhla, a 2-hour lesson can be booked from €89 per person. These prices were recorded on 14 October 2026.

Children. In Dahab, kitesurfing can be learnt from age 12 and 40 kg; at Dakhla Attitude, under-15s must take private lessons.

Gear. Royal Air Maroc checks in kitesurfing equipment free of charge; for other airlines, check the sports baggage fee when booking.