Nature
Paradise Valley from Agadir: Palm Gorges, Cold Rock Pools and a Walk Down
Forty minutes inland from Agadir the road climbs into the foothills and stops above a gorge lined with palms, where mountain water sits in rock pools cold enough to sting in August. A guide walks you down, then leaves you to swim.
- Duration
- Approx. 5 hours
- Languages
- English / French
- Getting there
- Hotel pickup
- Group size
- Up to 30 people
The experience
About this trip
Paradise Valley is a palm-lined gorge in the foothills about forty minutes inland from Agadir. The water in the pools comes down off the mountains rather than in from the sea, which is why it stays cold right through the summer and why people keep coming back to it in July and August.
The drive out runs through argan forest and past Berber villages, with a stop at a botanical garden where you can see the plants that survive in this dry country. From the car park your guide takes you down into the canyon on foot, over rock and loose stone, to the pools at the bottom.
Once you are down there you get free time at the water. Swim, lie out on the warm rock, or sit in the shade of the palms. Nothing is rushed and there is no set order to the afternoon. We collect you from your hotel in Agadir, Taghazout or Tamraght and bring you back the same day.
Why this one
Highlights
- Walk down into a palm-lined gorge with natural rock pools
- Swim in water that comes off the mountains and stays cold in summer
- Drive the argan road through Berber villages in the foothills
- Stop at a botanical garden on the way out
- A local guide leads the descent and knows the safe pools
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Agadir, Taghazout or Tamraght
Your day
How the day runs
Hotel pick-up (08:30)
We collect you from your hotel in Agadir, Taghazout, Tamraght or Aourir and head north out of the city.
Argan cooperative and Berber villages (09:30)
A short stop at a women's argan cooperative, then the road climbs into the foothills past small villages.
Foothill viewpoint (10:00)
A pull-in on the mountain road with a wide view back over the plain toward the coast.
The walk into the gorge (10:30)
Your guide leads the trail down from the car park into the canyon, over rock and loose stone, to the water.
Free time at the pools (11:00)
Swim, sunbathe on the flat rock or find shade under the palms. Your guide stays with the group.
The drive back (12:45)
Meet the driver at the car park and climb back out of the valley for the return run.
Hotel drop-off (13:45)
Back at your hotel in Agadir, Taghazout or Tamraght.
What is included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Agadir, Taghazout & Tamraght)
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Local guide for the day
- Botanical garden entrance
- The scenic drive through the Atlas foothills
- Free time at the rock pools
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Swimwear and towels
- Tips for the guide
What to bring
- Trainers or hiking sandals with grip
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sun cream, sunglasses and a hat
- Water and a few snacks
Know before you go
- The walk down to the pools is on uneven rock and takes some care
- Pool levels change with the season and can run low in late summer
- The water is cold even in the middle of summer
- Wear shoes you can walk in rather than flip-flops
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Paradise Valley from Agadir?
About forty minutes by road, heading north through the foothills.
Is the water cold?
Yes. It comes down off the mountains rather than in from the sea, so it stays cold through the summer months.
How much walking is there?
A short descent into the canyon on uneven rock, and the same climb back out. Most people manage it in trainers.
Can I swim?
Yes. There is free time at the pools and the guide will point out the deeper, safer ones. Levels drop in late summer.
Do you pick up from Taghazout and Tamraght?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Agadir, Taghazout and Tamraght.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, with a hand on the rocks. Keep children away from the edge of the pools and put them in shoes with grip.
Ready when you are
Book Paradise Valley from Agadir: Palm Gorges, Cold Rock Pools and a Walk Down
Pick your date above and we will confirm by email. Free cancellation, pay at pickup, instant confirmation.