Surf and quad biking in the Timlalin dunes
Where the sand runs straight off a cliff into the Atlantic
Overview
Timlalin is a stretch of genuine dune field on the coastal road between Tamri and Imsouane, about 60 km north of Agadir. What makes it unusual is the edge: the sand does not fade into scrub, it stops at a cliff above the ocean.
Itinerary
On arrival — Briefing and bikes
Helmets, goggles and a full safety briefing before anything starts. The bikes are automatic, so there is no gear-changing to learn — if you can ride a bicycle you can ride these. A short practice loop on flat ground lets the guide see how everyone handles the throttle before we go anywhere near a dune face.
Riders must be 16 or over to drive. Younger children can ride as passengers with an adult.
The ride — Dunes, canyon and cliff
The two-hour route mixes three landscapes. Open dune, where you learn that momentum is your friend and hesitating halfway up a slope is not. A rocky canyon section, slower and more technical, cut into the limestone behind the dune field. And then the cliff.
The viewpoint is the reason to take the longer ride. The dune field runs to the edge of a drop and the Atlantic is directly below — sand and ocean in the same frame, which is a combination you will not find at Merzouga or anywhere else inland.
Guides stop regularly for photographs and to regroup. Nobody is left behind and nobody is pushed to ride faster than they want to.
Afterwards — Tea, and the sunset option
Mint tea at the ranch afterwards, which after two hours of sand in your teeth is more welcome than it sounds.
Sunset departures cost a little more and are worth it. The dunes go orange for roughly twenty minutes before the sun drops into the Atlantic, and riding through that light is the photograph everyone actually wants.
What's included
Included
- Quad bike hire for the booked duration
- Helmet, goggles and safety equipment
- Full safety briefing and practice loop
- Certified local guide who grew up in these dunes
- Cliff viewpoint on the two-hour route
- Mint tea afterwards
Not included
- Transfer from Agadir hotels unless arranged in advance
- Sandboarding session, bookable as an add-on
- Camel ride, bookable as an add-on
- Dinner at the dunes
- Tips for guides
What to bring
- Closed shoes — not sandals
- Sunglasses under the goggles
- A scarf or buff against blown sand
- Long sleeves; the sand and sun are both abrasive
- Zip-lock bag for your phone
Price & booking
You pay €6 online to secure the booking. The remaining €34 is paid directly to the operator on arrival.
FAQ
Do I need a driving licence?
Not for the dunes themselves, though you must be 16 or over to drive a quad. Bring photo ID. Under-16s can ride as passengers with an adult driver.
Is it frightening if I have never ridden one?
Most people are nervous for about five minutes. The bikes are automatic, the briefing is thorough, and the guide sets a pace that matches the slowest rider in the group rather than the fastest.
Is Timlalin the Sahara?
It is a genuine dune field, and it is not the Sahara proper. The Sahara dunes at Erg Chebbi are 700 km inland and reach 150 metres. Timlalin is a coastal dune system where sand meets ocean, which is its own rare thing — but if you have come to Morocco for the erg, take one of our multi-day desert tours instead.
Can I combine it with the camel ride?
Yes, and most people do. Quad for the adrenaline, camel for the quiet, tea between them. Ask for the combined price when you book.
