Tour Details
Key Takeaways
- • Fortified Atlantic coastal city, famous for its fishing port, beaches, and historic medina.
- • The tour includes the harbor, city walls (Skala of the Kasbah), Jewish quarter, souks, and art galleries.
- • Fresh seafood lunch options at the port.
- • Private hotel transfer and ample free time for exploring.
- • Ideal escape from Marrakech heat, offering both relaxation and cultural discovery.
Overview of the Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech:
Experience a refreshing full-day private tour from Marrakech to Essaouira, a UNESCO-listed fortified coastal city located about 2.5 hours west along the Atlantic Ocean. This tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and seaside relaxation with visits to the vibrant fishing port, sandy beaches, and the medina’s historic sites, including the Skala of the Kasbah and the Jewish quarter. Along the way, stop at a women-run argan oil cooperative and enjoy the cool ocean breeze and art galleries within the whitewashed medina.
Day Trip to Essaouira Itinerary:
Departure from Marrakech
Pickup from your hotel/riad in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic 2.5-hour drive west through argan groves.
Morning – Visit Argan Oil Cooperative
Stop at a women-run cooperative to learn about and taste traditional argan oil, with chances to see tree-climbing goats nearby.
Late Morning – Arrival in Essaouira
Explore Essaouira’s UNESCO medina, including its blue-and-white streets, shops, art galleries, and the Jewish quarter (Mellah).
Afternoon – Lunch & Free Time
Enjoy fresh seafood (own expense) surrounded by busy fishermen and the scenic harbor.
Free Time & Scenic Walks
Visit the Skala of the Kasbah ramparts for panoramic ocean views, then relax on the beach or opt for camel or horse rides.
Return to Marrakech
Drive back through scenic landscapes, arriving in Marrakech by early evening for hotel drop-off.
Highlights of the Day Trip to Essaouira
- Fresh seafood in a working port.
- Walk the scenic city walls.
- Stroll the UNESCO medina and browse souks.
- View goats in argan trees, support women’s cooperatives.
- Optional camel or horse rides on the beach.
What's included & excluded?
Price Includes
- Private transport with A/C
- English/French-speaking driver
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off
- Fuel & tolls
Price Excludes
- Lunch & drinks
- Entrance fees (optional)
- Tips for drivers or guidess (optional)
Good to Know
Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers to protect against coastal winds. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and some cash for meals or souvenirs.
Map of the tour
Booking Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. 50% charge for cancellations within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Essaouira Day Trip From Marrakech
Reviews & testimonials
Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech—A Wonderful Experience!
Our day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech was absolutely amazing! The drive was comfortable, and our guide, Hassan, was friendly, knowledgeable... We also stopped along the way to see the famous argan oil cooperatives.
Perfect day in Essaouira with a friendly guide
who tries to do an interesting trip. I would repeat with Hassan... Very worthy trip. The staff (the driver and guide were excellent), and my wife and I had a fantastic day.
Idir was our guide, and he was outstanding!
Was really entertaining on the way to Essaouira, which made the three-hour drive fly by. On the way, he also gave some great suggestions on what to do during our day trip, which was so helpful.