Private Day Trip Marrakech to Essaouira | UNESCO Coastal CityTour
Description
Your private day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech will begin with a drive along the Haouz planes to Chichaoua village where you will stop for a cup of coffee before you continue to Sidi Mokhtar. On your way, you will cross the Argan trees forest, where you will spot some goats climbing the trees. Stop and take some photos before you carry on to Essaouira. To watch how the Argan oil (also called the liquid gold, or Moroccan oil) is extracted. You will visit a local ladies' cooperative named Cooperative Marjana and learn how some fine cosmetic products are locally made out of rich Argan oil. Exploring Essaouira is easy on your own: Locals are very friendly, the Medina is pretty small, and its streets are in order. You do not need a guide for the tour of the city. First, you can visit the harbor with its fishing port and old Portuguese fortifications. You can still see medieval war cannons aligned to overlook the Atlantic Ocean.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the magical Atlantic port city of Essaouira — one of Morocco's most enchanting destinations. Just 2.5 hours from Marrakech, it feels like a completely different world: cool Atlantic breezes, whitewashed walls, the sound of waves and Gnawa music drifting through blue-painted alleyways. On the drive, you'll pass through the Argan forest — the only place in the world where Argan trees grow wild, home to the famous tree-climbing goats that balance in the branches. In Essaouira, your guide walks you along the magnificent 18th-century sea ramparts with their Portuguese cannons still aimed at the Atlantic. You'll explore the UNESCO-listed medina — far smaller and more relaxed than Marrakech — discovering the vibrant artist galleries, unique Thuya woodworking craftsmen and the famous blue fishing boats in the ancient port. Lunch at the port fish grills is unmissable — choose your fresh fish from the display and watch it grilled over charcoal.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup from your Marrakech hotel at 8:00–8:30 AM. Return drop-off to your hotel approximately 7:00–8:00 PM. Please provide hotel name and address at time of booking.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(7)
Hakim happened to be our driver from the airport and that is how we were introduced to this company - and as luck would have it Hakim would be our guide for two trips that we did afterwards. One of them was a day trip to Essaouira; I’ve been before as a separate tour but this time it was a private trip with just Hakim and my family. I say that but throughout the trip Hakim felt like family - he was a super guide, informative, welcoming, caring and flexible. I’d have absolutely no doubt in my mind, in booking again and for anyone wishing to visit Essaouira - do it! It’s such a lovely place and so much calmer than Marrakesh with equally wonderful stalls, artwork and great food - plus the beach, and lots of water sports too. The private trip is ideal as you have so much longer there to enjoy and isn’t rushed like many other tours.
Great experience with Hakim as our private driver. What a sweet soul that man has. Talked all the way about life and about Morocco. A lot of laughter. Friendliest person of Morocco is 100% Hakim. Always up for a joke and a good conversation during the ride. He'll get you where you need to be without any problems. Always helps with the heavy suitcases. He thinks very much solution-oriented. Thank you so much for your good care. Lovely greetings!
Hello, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re truly happy you enjoyed your experience with us. It was a pleasure taking care of you, and we hope to welcome you again very soon in Marrakech!
Excellent private tour, and we highly recommend Hakim as a guide/driver. Hakim met us at an agreed convenient time right by our hotel. He was extremely welcoming. On the way we stopped for breakfast/coffee, he was always more than open to short stops for snacks/coffee, toilet breaks, or taking photos. Hakim was always there to offer help if we needed translation in restaurants or suggestions. We also stopped off at an Argan oil collective, where they gave us a tour of how Argan oil is made. Once we arrived in Essaouira he gave us a list of suggested sites and routes to take. We had more than enough time in the city and at no point felt rushed. The journey back was pleasant, with breaks as needed. Hakim was an exceptional host. We enjoyed long varied conversations about Morocco, work, life, travel, history, religion and anything in between! We enjoyed his company so much that we booked another tour with him to Ouzoud Waterfalls later that week. That trip was just as great and the waterfalls were a highlight of our entire Morocco trip. This was a private tour with just us (2 people). The car was spacious, with water and air conditioning.
Agency reported by a friend: excellent availability of Kamal and his collaborators, impeccable airport service both on arrival and departure Maximum availability of Hisham during the day trip to Essaouira upon returning he was worried about finding someone to take us to the Riad because he couldn't access the square by car. I recommend them for their professionalism and concern in guaranteeing every request
Ciao Claudia, Vedere che hai avuto un'esperienza a 5 stelle è la cosa migliore che potessimo sperare! La tua opinione è molto importante per noi. Grazie per aver scelto ToDiscoverMarrakech. Non vediamo l'ora di servirvi per molti anni a venire.
The trip was very interesting. Hakim was very kind and polite. We learnt many things about the culture during the trip. He made our experience so inmersive. Essaouira is a beautiful village. A must to visit place. We felt very confortable. We would and probably we will repeat, very recomendable. Thank you Hakim :).
Dear 470_lvarog, Thank you so much for this review. We really appreciate you being a customer. We’re here for you anytime.
Really nice trip, I liked the driver. The trip was really good and fun. I would go another time. It was also nice planned. Really good
Dear 700oguzhany, We are incredibly grateful that you took the time out to leave us a 5-Star review! We take pride in knowing our customers are happy with their experience in spite of the situation. Thanks for your support, we really appreciate it.
A magnificent day with a complete tour thanks to our guide Hakim. An unforgettable place with a very calm and relaxing sea. The restaurant chosen by our guide was a real delight. Thank you for this beautiful day well anchored in our memories.
