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Heliophora kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
Western Sahara
Overview
- Paddle
- Surf
- Kitesurf
- Wingfoil
- Windsurf
Heliophora is the original Dakhla pioneer camp, founded by Rachid Roussafi — the man who "discovered" Dakhla as a kite destination and created the first ever windsurf/kitesurf camp there (which became Dakhla Attitude). His second creation, Heliophora, is an eco-lodge located far south on the lagoon, on the continental side, in the El Argoub area — also known as "Playa Frances".
The spot is wild and pristine: 2.5 km² of playground facing the camp, with north wind that always pushes you back into the sheltered bay. Multiple spots nearby suitable for all levels — freeride zones and beginner-friendly shallow areas. The lagoon here is immense (250 km² of water), uncrowded, and raw — the original Dakhla spirit.
The eco-lodge is built from local Saharan earth with solar power, thick walls eliminating the need for air conditioning, dry toilets, and hot water. Bungalows with sea view or garden terrace. Restaurant overlooking the bay with spectacular views and excellent cuisine. Dolphin watching, flamingo sightings, desert 4x4 excursions, fishing trips, and downwinds to the White Dune.
Spot forecast for Heliophora
Sunrise 07:02 · Sunset 18:33
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Heliophora: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
445h
in July · 31 rideable days
The season runs from May to October, peaking in July: 30 rideable days a month and 445 hours of usable wind, at 27 °C. The low point is January, at 21 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 65% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is March, at 23 °C. The wettest month is September, with 24 mm.
Monthly averages: Heliophora
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.0 | 159 h | 25 °C | 0 mm |
| February | 24.5 | 258 h | 25 °C | 0 mm |
| March | 27.5 | 316 h | 23 °C | 1 mm |
| April | 26.5 | 353 h | 25 °C | 7 mm |
| May | 30.5 | 441 h | 25 °C | 2 mm |
| June | 30.0 | 449 h | 25 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 31.0 | 445 h | 26 °C | 0 mm |
| August | 31.0 | 410 h | 29 °C | 1 mm |
| September | 29.0 | 409 h | 28 °C | 24 mm |
| October | 30.5 | 374 h | 27 °C | 11 mm |
| November | 22.5 | 208 h | 28 °C | 6 mm |
| December | 23.5 | 175 h | 24 °C | 1 mm |
Photo gallery of Heliophora
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Heliophora spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, NNW.
Local association recommendations
Rider Camp Heliophora — founded by Rachid Roussafi, pioneer of Dakhla (created the first windsurf/kitesurf camp, now Dakhla Attitude). Former competitive windsurfer and sailor. Naish equipment. IKO certified instructors. Max 4 students per group, boat safety. Kitesurf, wingfoil (from age 8 with inflatable boards), windsurf, surf, SUP. Private, semi-private and group lessons. Rental available.
Spot functioning
Lagoon — flat to slightly choppy water depending on wind. North wind pushes into the sheltered bay = maximum safety. Shallow (standing area). Sandy bottom. 2.5 km² riding area in front of camp. Multiple spots for all levels. Kites 7-12m. Downwinds organized to the White Dune (return by 4x4).
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
Year-round. Best wind: May-September (can blow very strong). Excellent for kite all year. Winter: lighter wind but still rideable, plus ocean wave excursions. Excursions to White Dune, wave spots (Pointe de l'Or, Oum Labouir), desert safaris.
- Required level
- Beginner
On the water
Flat lagoon water, shallow with sandy bottom. Sheltered bay = calm conditions. Slight chop possible further out in stronger wind. Water 19-23°C. Wetsuit 3/2mm, shorty in summer. Dolphins and flamingos regularly spotted in the bay.
Parking
Located on the continental side, south of the lagoon, in the El Argoub area. About 1h from Dakhla airport (going around the lagoon through the desert). Airport transfers included. Bungalows directly above the beach — a few steps to the water. Centre on the beach at the foot of the bungalows. Flights: Royal Air Maroc (via Casa/Marrakech), Transavia direct Paris-Dakhla, Air Arabia, Binter (Las Palmas).
Wind specificities
Dominant N/NNE wind, constant 300+ days/year. 15-25 knots typical. Can reach 40+ knots in summer with thermal reinforcement. Wind pushes into the bay = side-onshore. Southern lagoon location — wild and exposed. Less sheltered than the narrow northern lagoon but more space.
Hazards
Very safe spot — north wind pushes back towards the sheltered bay. Shallow water with sandy bottom. Intense Saharan sun — protection mandatory. Isolated location, 1h+ from airport — always ride with supervision or company. Boat safety provided by the centre. Some shells on the bottom.
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Ogimet - Villa Cisneros (Western Sahara)10.5 km
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