8 Highly-Rated Shore Excursions in Agadir: Morocco Cruises
Looking for the best shore excursions in Agadir? Discover 8 incredible ways to spend your time if you’re visiting on a Morocco cruise.
Located on Morocco’s southern coastline, Agadir is a bustling beach resort and a popular destination for cruise ships. It’s considered the cultural capital of Morocco’s Amazigh people and is a city that has risen from the rubble after being devastated by an earthquake in 1960.
As my husband hails from Agadir, it’s a city I have spent a lot of time exploring!
Tourists flock here for the sun-drenched beaches, consistent surf and easy access to desert landscapes, all of which can be experienced on an Agadir shore excursion.
If you’re visiting Morocco on a cruise ship, I have you covered, with 8 of the best shore excursions in Agadir. There’s something for foodies and history buffs wanting to explore the city, as well as active adventurers in search of surfing, hiking and ATV tours.
For more inspiration, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Agadir. It details a complete list of things to do in the city to help you plan.
If you’re cruising the Moroccan coast, you’ll find additional shore excursion recommendations in Tangier and Casablanca.
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Both Viator and GetYourGuide are great resources for finding Casablanca shore excursions. Both feature star ratings and reviews from previous guests. This first-hand feedback can help you decide if a tour or day trip is right for you. Plus, you can book directly through both sites, without having to hunt down providers online.
Agadir sightseeing and medina tour
Best Agadir shore excursion for history buffs
Explore the fascinating history of Agadir on this half-day adventure, which offers an introduction to the city’s cultural heritage. It includes a guided stroll through a recreated medina, a market visit and a cable car ride to the remains of a centuries-old fortification.
From the hilltop ruins of Agadir Oufellah, soak in the stunning views of the port below. After that, make your way down to Coco Polizzi. Here you can explore a replica of Agadir’s medina, as it appeared before the 1960 earthquake.
During this Agadir shore excursion, you’ll also have the opportunity to shop at an Amazigh market. The best part? You’ll have a local guide to help you with the haggling experience.
I think this half-day Agadir shore excursion provides a wonderful overview of the city’s storied past and an insight into its reputation as a modern beach resort.
“Momo was a wonderful tour guide and very knowledgeable.” – Paige (read more reviews here)
Paradise Valley and Atlas Mountains Swimming Trip
Best Agadir shore excursion for hiking
Tucked away in the Atlas Mountains is Paradise Valley, a picturesque river gorge that city folks flock to for weekend getaways. Despite being just an hour’s drive from Agadir, this place feels like a whole different world.
This Agadir shore excursion kicks off with a convenient pick-up from the cruise ship port. From here, you’ll embark on a short drive between traditional Amazigh villages and terraced fields.
At the end of this winding road, you’ll reach the start of a trail that leads into Paradise Valley. As you descend, you’ll get your first glimpse of the ochre-hued cliffs rising dramatically on both sides of the gorge!
The valley runs alongside a shimmering river, with little waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs. Embark on a gentle hike beside the water, taking breaks to check out the interesting plants that grow in this dry environment. The hike wraps up at some natural rock pools, which are ideal for a refreshing swim.
Before heading back to Agadir, you’ll get to explore an authentic Amazigh village and discover the traditional lifestyle that’s been around in these mountains for ages.
Personally, I think Paradise Valley is a hidden gem and the perfect Agadir shore excursion destination.
“Very beautiful excursion with plenty of nature, comfortable hiking, swimming and lots of pictures.”- Alina (read more reviews here)
Two-hour surf lesson in Agadir
Best Agadir shore excursion for surfing
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to surf, Agadir is one of the best places in Morocco to do it. It boasts gentle waves and relatively warm waters.
Whether you’re a complete beginner eager to master the fundamentals or an intermediate surfer seeking to refine your technique, certified instructors are on hand to guide you every step of the way.
This intimate, small-group class (limited to just 6 participants) ensures you’ll receive ample one-on-one attention and hands-on instruction to help you progress.
From perfecting your pop-up to reading the swell, the knowledgeable coaches will provide invaluable tips and feedback to bolster your confidence in the water.
Best of all, you needn’t worry about lugging heavy boards or wetsuits. All the necessary equipment will be provided for you.
And with convenient pickup included from the cruise ship port, this surf-inspired Agadir shore excursion is designed to be as stress-free as possible.
“Friendly and patient teacher, clear and detailed instructions, I was able to ride my first wave after a few minutes.” – Luca (read more reviews here)
Sandboarding in Agadir
Best Agadir shore excursion desert experience
Hitting the Moroccan dunes for some sandboarding is an epic adventure that thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss while docked in Agadir.
For starters, the drive from Agadir to the Tamri area offers stunning views across the coastline. As soon as you arrive at the dunes, you’ll see why sandboarding has taken off as a favourite activity among tourists in the region.
Buckling a sandboard to your feet and gliding down the soft, golden hills is such a thrill, with dunes for every skill level. Once you hit the bottom, you can trek back up to the top and do it all again. Kids are definitely going to have a blast with this!
This active Agadir shore excursion lets you discover the beauty of the Moroccan “desert”, all while staying close to the cruise ship port.
If you want a deeper cultural experience, you can also enjoy a traditional meal with a local Amazigh family to round out the adventure.
“Definitely a highlight of our trip to Agadir.” – John (read more reviews here)
Agadir jeep safari
Best full-day Agadir shore excursion
Get ready for an epic all-day jeep trip to discover the stunning scenery around Agadir.
With a local guide at the wheel, you’ll cruise along rugged desert paths in a 4×4, checking out beautiful oases studded with palm trees. This is the perfect Agadir shore excursion if you want to leave the city behind and get a taste of rural Morocco.
As this is a private experience, you can create your own itinerary, based on what you’re interested in and the time you have available. This might include a trip to the fishing village of Taghazout (renowned for its surf) or a spot of birdwatching in a nearby wildlife refuge.
Alternatively, you can opt to visit the historic walled city of Tiznit to explore its charming old medina and bargain for handmade silver jewellery in the souks.
In summary, this Agadir jeep safari is a “choose your own adventure” away from the hustle and bustle of the beach resort.
“A great value day trip touring the area south of Agadir in a 4×4! Too many stops to mention, a few surprises too!” – Susan (read more reviews here)
ATV quad-bike tour
Best Agadir shore excursion for adventure seekers
Escape the busy streets of Agadir on this small-group ATV tour, which lets you dive into Morocco’s rural landscapes.
As you bounce along off-the-beaten-path dirt roads, you’ll explore small villages where life is slow and steady. It really does provide a peek into the everyday lives of local Amazigh families.
Throughout the adventure, you’ll explore rugged hills sprinkled with argan trees, known for their valuable oil (it’s been collected here for centuries).
Eventually, you’ll arrive at a classic earthen house where a friendly local family will greet you with hot cups of sweet mint tea and Moroccan treats.
With experienced local guides and a maximum of 12 travellers, this Agadir shore excursion is perfect for adrenaline-seeking cruisers. It’s an action-packed way to experience Morocco’s hidden rural villages and unique desert terrain.
“I loved the view of the sea and getting to stop and take pictures. The more technical riding we did on the way back was awesome.” – Kutessa (read more reviews here)
Agadir street food tour
Best Agadir shore excursion for foodies
Join a lively local guide for a gastronomic adventure through the souks and food spots of Agadir.
On this guided street food tour in Agadir, you’ll savour 12 to 14 delicious dishes. All showcase Morocco’s authentic culture, steering clear of any “tourist traps” along the way.
No matter if you’re a vegetarian, vegan or pescatarian, this Agadir shore excursion has you covered.
By the time this Agadir foodie tour wraps up, you’ll walk away with a greater apprecation for Moroccan cuisine. Additionally, you’ll get a set of recipe cards to help you whip up some of these amazing dishes back home.
“First time doing a food tour, it was an amazing experience.” – Tina (read more reviews here)
Agadir hammam and massage
Best Agadir shore excursion for relaxation
The hammam holds a special place in Moroccan culture, acting as a hub for relaxation, rejuvenation and socialisation.
When you walk into the warm, steamy atmosphere of the hammam, it’s a unique experience that really opens up your pores and soothes your muscles. Seriously, you won’t feel this clean ever again!
This hammam experience kicks off with a soothing soak to get used to the warm, steamy vibe. Next up, you’ll get a good scrub with a kessa mitt to slough off dead skin and boost circulation.
To wrap things up, you’ll be splashed with warm water for a refreshing rinse.
During the whole process, your attendant will use authentic Moroccan beauty goodies like argan oil, Beldi soap and rhassoul clay to pamper your skin and hair.
By the time you return to your cruise ship, you’ll feel totally refreshed and ready to take on the world again.
To learn more about what to expect at a traditional Moroccan hammam, check out my detailed article here.
“What an amazing experience….a very authentic hammam with very friendly people.” – Ryan (read more reviews here)
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About Me
I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.
Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.
I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.
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