Travel

Oualidia, Morocco: the lagoon, the oysters and a slower pace

1 October 2026 · 3 min

Oualidia sits on a lagoon on Morocco's Atlantic coast, between Safi and El Jadida. What to do there, where to stay, how to get there and why oysters are part of the place.

Oualidia lies on Morocco's Atlantic coast, between Safi and El Jadida. The town is shaped by its lagoon, which La Sultana Oualidia describes as a protected nature area. Most people looking up Oualidia want three things: the water, the oysters and a few days in which not much needs to happen. Here is what we can vouch for.

Getting to Oualidia

The nearest major airports are Casablanca and Marrakech. According to the hotel, the drive takes around two and a half hours from Casablanca airport and around three hours from Marrakech airport. That makes Oualidia an easy addition to a stay in Marrakech, but it is a leg of its own rather than a day trip.

A brightly painted boat on the lagoon, storks on a sandbank in front. Photo: La Sultana Oualidia

The lagoon: kayaks, birds and boards

The lagoon is the reason to come. According to the hotel it is a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, and a place for birdwatching. The best way to see it is from the water: the hotel lists kayak trips, stand up paddleboarding and float tubes, as well as surfing.

On land, the hotel adds horse riding, fat bike tours, yoga and cooking classes. What is available when depends on the season and the weather, so ask when you book.

Fresh oysters with lemon, glasses of white wine beside them. Photo: La Sultana Oualidia

The oysters of Oualidia

Oysters have been farmed in the lagoon since the 1950s, according to the hotel. The address of La Sultana Oualidia says as much: Parc à huîtres N°3, oyster park number three. The hotel can arrange a visit to the oyster farms.

To taste them, stay put. La Table de La Plage serves fish, seafood and grilled dishes at lunchtime and also takes bookings from people who are not staying at the hotel. For lunch in Oualidia it is the obvious table, even without a room.

Where to stay in Oualidia

La Sultana Oualidia belongs to the La Sultana group, which, according to the hotel, added Oualidia to Marrakech in 2007. Built from local stone, the house sits between the lagoon and the Atlantic coast and has twelve rooms and suites. Every one of them has a terrace with a hot tub.

When choosing a room, think about the view. The Panorama categories look towards the garden and the countryside, other suites towards the lagoon. The hotel describes the Treehouse Suite as set in a tree, and the Ocean Suite is on the top floor. Some suites are laid out for families with children; check the exact occupancy before booking.

There is an outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool and a spa with a hammam. Vegetables come from the hotel's own garden, according to the hotel.

The Lagoon Suite, with a double bed, seating area and a window onto the lagoon. Photo: La Sultana Oualidia

A wooden jetty with a pavilion in the lagoon in the evening light. Photo: La Sultana Oualidia

Evenings in Oualidia

In the evening, La Table de La Sultana is reserved for hotel guests and serves Moroccan food with a French influence. Jan Janz pairs a bar above the lagoon with Asian influenced cooking. The hotel also mentions barbecue evenings on a jetty over the water. If you come to Oualidia mainly to rest, there is no need to plan dinner elsewhere.

Trips along the coast

After a few days on the lagoon, the coast is there to explore. The hotel suggests trips to El Jadida and Safi and a visit to a local market.

Good to know

Check restaurant times and the availability of activities with the hotel before you travel; conditions depend on the activity. If you are coming for lunch from outside, book La Table de La Plage. If you are staying, arrange excursions and lagoon trips when you book your room.

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