Main image

Christian Pirkl CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Mogador Island

Island

Off Essaouira, Mogador Island attracts birdwatchers and boat tourists for seabird colonies and coastal views; day trips from the port reveal the island's rocky shores and offshore reefs.

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In this guide

Mogador Island essentials

Address: Île Mogador (off Essaouira), Morocco
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About Mogador Island

Mogador Island, also known as Île Mogador, is an uninhabited island off the coast of Essaouira in Morocco’s Atlantic waters. The island is notable for seabird colonies and archaeological remains.

Small masonry ruins and defensive structures are visible on the island, reflecting past human use though the island has no permanent population today. The shoreline and surrounding waters attract seabirds and marine life, making it of interest to naturalists.

Boat excursions to the island are offered from Essaouira for wildlife viewing and short visits; landing is limited and often regulated to protect nesting birds. The island lies immediately offshore from Essaouira’s harbour on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

Mogador Island sits a short distance off the town of Essaouira in Marrakesh-Safi region, forming a small offshore islet visible from the city’s waterfront.

  • Wildlife: Important nesting site for seabirds and other coastal wildlife; access is usually by small boat from Essaouira.

What to See#

  • Ruins: Remains of old masonry structures and defensive works are present on the island, vestiges of its historical use for defence and small-scale habitation.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mogador Island

Best visited in spring or autumn for calmer seas and birdwatching; local boatmen run trips from Essaouira harbour.

Spring
Mar-May · 15-22°C
Calm seas and bird migration; good for boat landings and natural-history observation.
Autumn
Sep-Nov · 20-26°C
Warm seas and fewer summer tourists; pleasant conditions for short excursions.

Weather & Climate near Mogador Island

Climate

Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 11°C to 23°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 46 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 11° - 19° 15° 53 mm mostly sunny 73% 3.8 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.2h
February Excellent 12° - 19° 15° 38 mm mostly sunny 74% 4.1 m/s 1.0 moderate 10.9h
March Excellent 13° - 20° 16° 32 mm mostly sunny 75% 4.7 m/s 1.4 high 11.9h
April Excellent 14° - 20° 17° 22 mm mostly sunny 77% 5.2 m/s 1.9 very high 12.8h
May Excellent 15° - 21° 18° 7 mm mostly sunny 78% 5.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.6h
June Excellent 17° - 22° 19° 2 mm clear 80% 4.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 14.0h
July Ideal 17° - 22° 20° 0 mm clear 81% 4.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.8h
August Ideal 18° - 23° 20° 1 mm mostly sunny 81% 4.6 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.1h
September Ideal 17° - 23° 20° 3 mm mostly sunny 81% 4.5 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 16° - 22° 19° 25 mm mostly sunny 78% 4.0 m/s 1.2 high 11.3h
November Excellent 14° - 21° 18° 37 mm mostly sunny 75% 3.5 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.4h
December Excellent 12° - 20° 16° 59 mm mostly sunny 74% 3.7 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mogador Island

Local skippers operate short excursions from Essaouira harbour; landing is occasional and sometimes restricted for conservation reasons - check with local guides.

Tips for Visiting Mogador Island

  • Small boat operators from Essaouira's port can run half-day trips to the island-book in the morning to avoid the wind that picks up midday.
  • Bring binoculars for seabird and seal watching; the island is an important nesting spot for several species.