Beach · Sidi Kaouki
Plage de Sidi Kaouki
Sidi Kaouki beach starts at the saint’s white shrine and runs south for 2.3 km of open sand. The “Marabout” peak just below the shrine suits all levels depending on wave size. Swimming is not advised: there are currents along the sand and no published lifeguard post. Access is free.
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The shrine: a landmark, and a place of prayer
The beach begins at the shrine of Sidi Kaouki (سيدي كاوكي), a white mausoleum on the point at the edge of the village. It is named after a local saint of the late 19th century. UN Tourism picked the village as one of its Best Tourism Villages in 2021. For getting there and where to stay, our Sidi Kaouki village page has the details.
Pilgrims come to the mausoleum. We found no date published by the commune or the province for a moussem, the saint’s yearly festival, and no source saying whether visitors may go inside. Our advice: look at it from outside and leave the worshippers out of your photos. It is a shrine, not a ticketed monument.
2.3 km of sand: waves in winter, wind in summer
South of the shrine the sand runs for 2.3 km by our measurement, 2.5 km according to a surf guide. Allow half an hour on foot to the southern end, which is rockier and emptier. North of the mausoleum, the sand gives way to a reef of rock pools. That is where La Bouteille breaks, a reef wave for intermediate surfers, best at mid tide.
The peak known as “Marabout” breaks just below the shrine. It suits all levels depending on size, but rips run along the beach. Sources disagree on the season. Our surfing pages say October to April, two guides November to April and September to March. From May to August, cross-shore wind often makes the waves unsurfable and the kitesurfers take over. Our advice: come in winter to surf or watch the surfers, in summer for the kites.
Camels, horses, and what we would avoid
Stables in the village sell horse rides on the beach, by day or at sunset. An hour costs €20 to €25 on the price lists of Cheval Sidi Kaouki, Dream Riders and Ranch Berbère. Only Ranch Berbère states that its €25 is per person, with €10 more per person for fewer than four riders. Cheval Sidi Kaouki and Dream Riders also offer camels, at 200 MAD and €30 an hour.
A freely licensed photo already showed a camel at the foot of the mausoleum in 2003. Our advice: agree the price and the length of the ride before you get on, and check that the saddle is girthed under the animal. Organised rides are in our horse and camel riding section.
The sun sets at 17:40 on 21 December and at 19:47 on 21 June, Moroccan time. We advise against swimming: the beach is open, with no breakwater, and no list of lifeguarded beaches is published. To swim, choose the main beach in the bay in the morning.
In August 2025 the regional press reported a call for tenders from the Marrakech-Safi region to rework the village centre. The article details neither the works nor how long they will take. As of 17 October 2026 we have found no announcement from the commune or the province of any beach facilities, so do not count on them. For an even emptier shore, Cap Sim is 8.6 km and 28 minutes away, partly on a dirt track. Our section on the beaches around Essaouira compares them by wind.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Sidi Kaouki?
We advise against it. Rips run along the beach and no list of lifeguarded beaches is published. One guide considers swimming possible in the calmer areas: if you go in, ask a surf school where first.
Is Sidi Kaouki good for beginner surfers?
The “Marabout” peak below the shrine suits all levels depending on wave size. Start with an instructor, who will show you where to paddle out away from the rips.
When is the surf season at Sidi Kaouki?
Winter, though sources disagree on the edges. Our surf pages say October to April, two guides November to April and September to March. From May to August, cross-shore wind often spoils the waves.
Who was the saint of Sidi Kaouki?
A local saint of the late 19th century, whose white mausoleum marks the northern point of the beach. We found neither his full name nor his dates in any published source.
Are there camel rides on Sidi Kaouki beach?
Yes. Cheval Sidi Kaouki and Dream Riders, two village stables, list an hour on a camel at 200 MAD and €30 on their websites. Horse rides cost €20 to €25 an hour at three stables.
How long should you spend at Sidi Kaouki beach?
Half a day is enough: half an hour on foot to the southern end, the same back, and time to watch the water. Stay for the sunset, at 17:40 on 21 December and 19:47 on 21 June.