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 completely devastated by an earthquake in 1960. Tourists flock here for the sun-drenched beaches, consistent surf and easy access to desert landscapes that offer a taste of the Sahara.
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 some of the most highly-rated Agadir shore excursions on Viator.
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Best Agadir shore excursion for history buffs
Explore the rich history of Agadir on this half-day adventure, which offers an introduction to the city's cultural heritage. During this Agadir shore excursion, you’ll enjoy a guided stroll through the city’s kasbah, check out its recreated medina and take a scenic ride on a cable car to a collection of clifftop ruins.
After driving past the city’s modern medina, your guide will take you on a journey through the kasbah, sharing stories about how this 16th-century fortress served as the residence for the Saadian dynasty. Take a moment to admire the weathered clay architecture and picture what life was like inside those walls centuries ago.
Then, head up to the hilltop ruins of Agadir Oufellah and soak in the stunning views of the port below. After that, make your way down to Coco Polizzi, where you can explore a replica of Agadir's medina, as it appeared before the 1960 earthquake. This half-day Agadir shore excursion gives you a taste 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)
Best Agadir shore excursion for hiking
Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains is Paradise Valley, a picturesque river gorge that city folks flock to for weekend getaways. Just an hour's drive from Agadir, this place feels like a whole different world with its untouched nature and peaceful mountain vibes.
This Agadir shore excursion kicks off with a convenient pick-up from the cruise ship port, after which you’ll drive between traditional Amazigh villages and terraced fields along a winding road. Once you reach Paradise Valley, get ready to be amazed by the stunning reddish cliffs that rise hundreds of feet on both sides of the gorge!
The valley runs alongside a shimmering river, with little waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs. With a local guide, you’ll enjoy a relaxing 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, ideal for a refreshing swim.
Before heading back to Agadir, you'll get to explore a real Amazigh village and check out the traditional lifestyle that's been around in these mountains for ages.
“Very beautiful excursion with plenty of nature, comfortable hiking, swimming and lots of pictures.”- Alina (read more reviews here)
Best shore excursions 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, with 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 will be 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 rapidly.
From perfecting your pop-up to reading the swell, the knowledgeable coaches will impart their expertise, providing invaluable tips and feedback to bolster your confidence in the water. Best of all, you needn't worry about lugging heavy boards or wetsuits, as 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)
Best Agadir shore excursion desert experience
Hitting the Moroccan dunes for some sandboarding is an epic adventure that thrill-seekers can't miss while docked in Agadir. The ride from Agadir to the Tamri area offers stunning views and 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 exciting Agadir shore excursion lets you discover the beauty of the Moroccan desert, all while staying close to the cruise ship port. If you want to soak up more culture, you can also enjoy a traditional meal with a local family and discover the Amazigh traditions that have been around for ages.
“Definitely a highlight of our trip to Agadir.” - John (read more reviews here)
Best Agadir shore excursions
Best full-day Agadir shore excursion
Get ready for an epic all-day jeep trip to discover the stunning scenery around Agadir. With a savvy local guide at the wheel, you'll cruise along rugged desert paths in a 4x4, 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.
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 vibrant fishing village of Taghazout (renowned for its surf) or a spot of birdwatching in a nearby wildlife refuge. You can also opt to visit the historic walled city of Tiznit, where you can explore the charming old medina and bargain for handmade silver jewellery in the lively souk.
“A great value day trip touring the area south of Agadir in a 4x4! Too many stops to mention, a few surprises too!” - Susan (read more reviews here)
Best Agadir shore excursion for adventure seekers
Escape the busy streets of Agadir with this small-group ATV tour that lets you dive into Morocco's rural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. As you bounce along off-the-beaten-path dirt roads, you'll cruise through quaint villages where life is slow and steady, giving you 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 that'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 a variety of Moroccan treats. With experienced local guides and a small group of only 12 travellers, this Agadir shore excursion offers a close-up experience of Morocco's hidden rural villages and 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)
Best Agadir shore excursions
Best Agadir shore excursion for foodies
Join a lively local guide for an exciting tour through the souks and food spots of Agadir, where you'll discover the gastronomic essence of Morocco. On this guided street food tour in Agadir, you’ll savour 12 to 14 delicious dishes that showcase the 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, with options that reveal authentic Moroccan flavours. By the time this Agadir foodie tour wraps up, you’ll walk away with a set of recipe cards to help you whip up some of these amazing dishes in your own kitchen.
“First time doing a food tour, it was an amazing experience.” - Tina (read more reviews here)
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 fresh 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 the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.