Essaouira's compact fishing port is the country's third largest (after Agadir and Safi) and is a very photogenic, atmospheric, and aromatic place to wander around. Most of the day, you'll find fishermen tending to their nets, wood fishing vessels being repaired or constructed, and the daily catches, usually around 9am and 5:30pm, being brought in. Also here is another of the town's bastions, Skala du Port, which can be climbed for a view of both the ocean and the medina. From the port you can sometimes catch a boat ride around the uninhabited islands, Iles Purpuraires (Purple Isles), out in the bay of Essaouira. The largest island, Ile de Mogador, has some rusting, crumbling reminders of its history as both a bastion protecting the port and a 19th-century prison. Today the islands are a nature reserve, primarily to protect the endangered Eleanora's falcons, a migrant breeder that resides here from late April to the end of October. During this time you won't be allowed near the island, but at other times it's a pleasant outing if the weather is nice. Although the only company offering regular boat rides appears to have closed down, it is still worth asking around at the port or at your accommodations if you are keen to get out to the islands.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
