The Dakhla "lagoon" where most kitesurfing happens is actually a small extension of the great Dakhla lagoon.
The spots in the main lagoon vary quite a bit depending on the location. It's huge, 40km long and 12km at its widest point.
The spots in the "small lagoon" are very close to each other, so I'll describe them all at once... Indeed, the lagoon is 2.5km long and between 250m and 1.3km wide depending on whether you're in the north near the Lagoon Energy and Nomad hotels, in the middle at Dakhla Evasion, Caravan, or downwind in the south at Dakhla Club, Attitude, PK25, Spirit, UCPA. These are the main ones. With the wind coming from N-NE in principle, everyone kites across the short axis of the lagoon.
Tides can have a range of 2.5m during high coefficients, and the western shore has a large tidal flat area, while the eastern shore is much smaller. Depending on your hotel, your riding area will vary quite a bit, and you might have a short walk before having enough water for foils, for example. On the other hand, it's a perfect training ground for beginners.
The wind blowing along the axis of the lagoon obviously influences the water conditions. The further south you go, the wider and choppier the water gets. In the north, it's very narrow (150m at the very top) and super flat. The further down you go, the more chop is created by all the activity upwind.
There are several small playgrounds on both sides, notably a sandbar in front of Spirit that's quite fun at low tide... A jumping challenge and a sort of tiny pool.
Dragon Island
The dragon watches over the lagoon and somewhat closes the exit to the open sea, which at low tide happens through a not-so-wide channel (especially for foils). Getting back to shore can be a bit technical, especially if you choose the wrong time. The current can be really strong, and if it's outgoing (end of the falling tide) and the channel has become very small (50m), it's quite challenging to go back up. Look at the satellite photo, you'll quickly understand!
Access by foot was possible at low tide, but it has been forbidden (as of autumn 2024 at least) due to tourists getting stranded there by the tide (See below: dangers)
Going around the island is doable, even on a foil, with a bit of walking, but it's REALLY reserved for expert adventurers. First, the south is really wind-shadowed. Then the west side is a very algae-filled area with very little water. On a foil, it will often be unpleasant (algae) and you will definitely have to walk, with the risk of injuring yourself. But it's incredibly beautiful!
Speed Spot
South of Dakhla Attitude is a wind-shadowed area, but to the east, there's a huge tidal flat, with a totally OFF spot downwind at low tide, but ultra flat and wild, even if it's quite popular. You can access it by downwind, 4x4, or on foot from Attitude. Depending on where you are, the return upwind can be quite long. On a foil, it takes about 20 minutes to get all the way back up to the top of the small lagoon. On a twin tip... 45 minutes to 1 hour?
To access it on a foil at low tide, you need to go around the tidal flat to the south, opposite Dragon Island, and then head back up. The risk of cutting across is hitting bottom and having to do the rest by body dragging... ;-) or on foot.
Further South: the White Dune
For people from the small lagoon, it's generally an opportunity for a downwind, but there are now plenty of new constructions nearby: Secret Spot, White Dune Canyon, Paradiso etc. This spot works best at high tide, as the dune then becomes an island. First, it's very, very beautiful, and second, it opens up a spot with little water to the east (Secret Spot). Impossible on a foil, but you can navigate offshore (50m out) without any issues. The dune is an incredible playground, kite-tow uphill, jumping into the pool downwind, chill...
At low tide, you can access it on foot. A great 4x4 excursion, for example on a windless day, or for companions who want to fill time outside of kitesurfing.
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