This shared Essaouira day trip from Marrakech crosses the plains to the Atlantic and brings you back the same evening for 19 EUR per person, a fraction of what a private vehicle costs for the same road. You travel in an air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking driver, in a small group of up to 17, with departures every day at 8:00 AM from your Marrakech hotel or riad.
The road runs west for about 175 km through open country and argan groves, a tree that grows almost nowhere else on earth, with a stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative along the way. It ends at Essaouira, the old port the Portuguese called Mogador, where ramparts face the ocean and the whole medina is listed by UNESCO. The wind blows here almost every day of the year, which is why the town stayed cool, stayed a fishing port, and never turned into a beach resort.
What keeps the price at this level is the shared minibus. A solo traveller pays the same per-person rate as a couple, and departures run every day whatever the group size. Children pay the same 19 EUR as adults, because a child takes a full seat on the minibus and the seat is what the price covers. Two things are left to you on purpose, and they are what separates this trip from the private one: lunch is not included, so you pick your own table among the seafood grills at the port or the cafes in the medina, and the local guide in Essaouira is not included though one can be hired on the spot if you want the history explained.
If you would rather have the vehicle, the pace and the departure time to yourself, compare our private Essaouira day trip from Marrakech, or browse all our shared day trips from Marrakech.
8 AM
Morning Departure: Start your day with a comfortable drive from Marrakech to Essaouira. The scenic journey will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the picturesque Moroccan landscape along the way.
Explore Essaouira’s Medina: Upon arrival, dive into the UNESCO-listed medina, famous for its narrow, winding alleys and vibrant souks. This area is rich in history and culture, offering a glimpse into Essaouira’s past and present.
Visit the Skala de la Kasbah: After exploring the medina, head to the Skala de la Kasbah. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, while admiring the ancient cannons and fortified walls that have protected Essaouira for centuries.
Discover the Fishing Port: Continue your journey with a visit to Essaouira’s bustling fishing port. Watch the local fishermen at work and observe the traditional wooden boats that have been crafted and used for generations.
Lunch, at your own pace: Free time to eat where you like. The seafood grills beside the port serve the morning’s catch, and the medina is full of smaller cafes and terraces. Lunch is not included in the tour, so you choose both the place and the budget.
Afternoon at the Beach: After lunch, spend your afternoon relaxing at Essaouira’s expansive beach. Unwind by the water, take a camel ride along the shore, or explore the vibrant art galleries that line the beach promenade.
Note: Prices are per person and include shared minibus transport with air conditioning, an English-speaking driver, the stop at the argan oil cooperative, and pick-up and drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation. Children pay the same rate as adults because a child takes a full seat. Lunch and the optional local guide in Essaouira are paid on site.
| Price per adult: | Price per child: | Days of operation: | Number of participants: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 € | 19 € | Daily | 17 Max |
Una excursión muy recomendable. El ambiente de Essaouira es tranquilo y artístico, y disfrutamos mucho del paseo por la medina y la playa.
The trip was enjoyable and the argan cooperative added something different to the day. Essaouira itself was the highlight, especially the harbor and Skala.
A great option for a first visit to Essaouira. The old town is easy to explore on foot and there are lots of nice places for photos and seafood.
Gostei muito da viagem. Essaouira é tranquila e bonita, e tivemos tempo para caminhar pelo porto, pela medina e junto à praia.
Super journée à Essaouira. J’ai apprécié le rythme tranquille, les petites rues et la promenade près de la plage. Le transport était confortable.
