Essaouira Private Day Trip: Ramparts, Blue Port & Argan Coast
Tour at a glance
- Duration
- Full day
- Start
- Marrakech (pick-up at your hotel or riad)
- End
- Marrakech
- Group size
- 1 to 12 travellers
- Languages
- English, French, Arabic
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Best time
- All year; mild summers and windy afternoons.
- Vehicle
- Air-conditioned 4x4, minivan or minibus by group size
About the Essaouira day trip
Essaouira is Morocco’s favourite seaside town: a whitewashed 18th-century port with blue shutters, sea-facing ramparts and a relaxed medina listed by UNESCO. Three hours from Marrakech, it makes a refreshing day trip when the city gets hot.
On this private trip you cross the argan forest, where goats sometimes climb the trees, visit a women’s cooperative that produces argan oil, then spend the day in Essaouira: the Skala de la Ville cannons, the busy fishing port with its blue boats and seagulls, the woodworkers’ souk and a lunch of fish grilled the moment it leaves the boat.
You get far more free time than on a group tour, and your driver can take you to the beach of Sidi Kaouki or the dunes of Diabat if you prefer surf and sand.
Highlights
- UNESCO-listed medina of Essaouira
- Skala de la Ville ramparts and cannons
- Blue fishing boats in the port
- Argan oil cooperative run by women
- Fresh grilled fish lunch at the port
- Optional beach stop at Sidi Kaouki
Route map of the Essaouira day trip
- 1Marrakech
- 2Chichaoua
- 3Argan cooperative
- 4Essaouira
- ↩Back to Marrakech
A breezy fortified port town with blue fishing boats, fresh seafood, art galleries and kitesurfing. All tours in Essaouira
Itinerary for the day
-
08:00 Pick-up in Marrakech
Head west across the plains towards the Atlantic.
-
10:00 Argan forest & cooperative
Stop at a women’s cooperative to see argan oil being made and taste amlou. Photo stop in the argan trees.
-
11:00 Essaouira: port and ramparts
Walk around the fishing port and up to the Skala ramparts for views over the Atlantic and the Mogador islands.
-
13:00 Lunch and free time in the medina
Choose your fish at the port grills, then wander the medina, the thuya-wood workshops and the art galleries.
-
16:30 Return to Marrakech
Arrive at your accommodation around 19:30.
Times and driving durations are approximate and can be adapted. It is a private tour, so you can change stops with your driver-guide.
Prices for the Essaouira day trip
Your private tour, with prices per group size. All prices are in euros and include everything listed under “What’s included”.
| Travellers | Total | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | €190 | €190 |
| 2 | €190 | €95 |
| 3 | €190 | €63 |
| 4 | €190 | €48 |
| 6 | €190 | €32 |
| 8 | €190 | €24 |
The more you are, the less you pay per person. Children count as travellers when they need a bed.
What's included
Included
- Private vehicle with driver for the day
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- Bottled water
Not included
- Local guide in Essaouira (optional)
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips
Good to know before you go
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
A light layer for the evening and a scarf for visiting religious sites.
Best time for this tour
All year; mild summers and windy afternoons.
The tour runs every day of the year. Start dates are flexible.
Payment & cancellation
Pay online with PayPal or a debit or credit card. Free cancellation with full refund up to 48 hours before the start.
Read the full policyFrequently asked questions
How much does the essaouira day trip cost?
For 2 travellers the private day trip costs €95 per person (€190 in total), and for 4 travellers €48 per person. The price is for your own vehicle and driver, so it goes down as your group grows.
How long is the drive from Marrakech to Essaouira?
About 190 km, or 2 h 45 to 3 hours without stops.
Are the goats in the argan trees real?
Goats do climb argan trees to eat the fruit, mostly in late spring and summer. Some roadside spots place goats for tourists and ask for a tip; your driver will show you natural ones when possible.
Can we stay overnight in Essaouira?
Yes. Book as a 2-day tour and we will arrange a riad in the medina.
Is Essaouira windy?
Often, especially in summer afternoons. Bring a light jacket. The wind is why Essaouira is famous for kitesurfing.
How do I pay and when is my booking confirmed?
You pay online with PayPal or a debit or credit card through PayPal’s secure checkout, and you receive a receipt by email. If online payment is not available, you can send a booking request instead: we confirm it and send you a secure payment link. After booking, and Mehdi or our team contacts you on WhatsApp to arrange the pick-up. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
Are your tours private or shared?
All our tours are private: only you and your travel companions, with your own vehicle and driver-guide.
Can you build a custom itinerary?
Yes. Tell us your dates, interests and budget, and a local travel designer will plan a tailor-made route across Morocco with clear, all-inclusive prices.
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