Marrakech can hit 40 °C in the shade at the height of summer, and there comes a moment when the only thing that matters is diving into cool water. The good news: you don’t need to sleep in a palace to enjoy a beautiful pool. Thanks to the day pass in Marrakech system, many hotels, riads and beach clubs open their pool and sun loungers by the day, in exchange for a flat fee or a minimum spend. It’s the ideal way to cool off for a few hours, have lunch by the water and head back in the evening.
To cool down without booking a room, you have three main options: a hotel day pass (pool access + lounger, often with lunch), the beach clubs and pool clubs on the edge of town (Palmeraie, Agafay desert) that trade on atmosphere and views, and the small riad pool in the heart of the medina, more intimate. This guide explains how a day pass in Marrakech works, indicative prices, the difference between relaxed family time and a party vibe, plus all the practical tips for choosing well.
In brief: swimming in Marrakech by the day
- Hotel day pass: pool access + lounger + towel for the day, often with lunch or a minimum spend. Budget roughly 200 to 800 MAD (20 to 75 €) depending on the standard.
- Beach clubs / pool clubs: music, large pools, brunches and pool parties. Palmeraie and Agafay with Atlas views. From 400 to 1,500 MAD (37 to 140 €), sometimes more for VIP packages.
- Riad pool: a small, intimate plunge pool in the patio, ideal for cooling off in peace. Often included if you stay there; a day pass is possible at some riads.
- When: mainly from May to September. Book the day before (or several days ahead for the weekend).
- What to bring: swimsuit, sunscreen, hat. A towel is often provided with the packages, but check elsewhere.
What is a day pass in Marrakech?
A day pass is paid access, for a few hours, to a property’s leisure facilities without being a resident guest. In practice, you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, pay a fee, and enjoy the pool, a lounger and sometimes the spa, hammam or restaurant. When evening comes, you head off. It has become a very common practice in Marrakech, where many hotels and riads have a pool that sits underused during the day and are keen to fill their poolside restaurants.
The idea appeals to two types of visitor. First, travellers staying in a riad with no pool or just a small patio basin, who want a “real” day of swimming. Then Marrakech residents and expats looking for a cool spot at the weekend. A pool by the day in Marrakech thus becomes a little slice of holiday, just minutes from the medina.
What is usually included
Packages vary enormously from one place to the next, but a classic day pass most often includes: pool access, a lounger (or a Balinese daybed at the top end), a bath towel, and a two- or three-course lunch. Some venues add a welcome drink (mocktail, mint tea), access to the jacuzzi or hammam, even a gym. Always check the details when you book: “pool access only” and a “lunch pass” don’t cost the same.
The minimum spend
Many beach clubs and pool clubs don’t charge a fixed entry fee but a minimum spend: you “spend” a set amount on food and drinks at the bar or restaurant, and that spend unlocks access to the pool and lounger. For example, a minimum of 300 to 500 MAD per person during the week, higher at the weekend. The upside: your money ends up on your plate and in your glass. The downside: if you came just to swim, you’ll still pay the threshold. Ask in advance to avoid surprises on the bill.
Good to know: the day pass in Marrakech works on a booking basis. The best spots cap the number of visitors so as not to overcrowd the pool, especially in high season. A call or message the day before saves a lot of disappointment.
Hotel pools open by the day
This is the simplest option and often the most reassuring, especially with family. Many charming and boutique hotels in Marrakech offer pool access by the day, with well-tended surroundings, catering and full facilities. You enjoy a pool in Marrakech set in a lush garden, in the shade of the palm trees, without having to book a single night.
Prices span a wide range. Mid-range hotels start around 200 to 400 MAD (20 to 37 €) for pool access, sometimes with a weekday minimum spend. More upmarket addresses charge between 500 and 800 MAD (46 to 75 €) with a two-course lunch, lounger, towel and welcome drink included. At the very top, large international resorts may ask 1,000 to 1,500 MAD per person, with a minimum spend applied to dining.
The advantage of hotel pools is reliability: clear hours (often 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), trained staff, safety around the pool, on-site catering and often a family atmosphere. To choose where to spend your day, you can take inspiration from our guide on where to stay in Marrakech, since many of these hotels that open their pool by the day are featured there by neighbourhood. And if you’re looking for other ideas to fill your stay, take a look at our article on what to do in Marrakech.
Beach clubs and pool clubs (Palmeraie, Agafay)
Marrakech has no sea, but it has invented its own “beaches”: beach clubs (or pool clubs) are vast leisure complexes built around a large pool, with loungers, Balinese daybeds, cabanas, a restaurant, a bar and music. You spend the whole day there, alternating swims, cocktails, a long lunch and sunbathing. This is the heart of Marrakech’s summer scene, an unapologetic mix of relaxation and partying.
Two areas hold most of what’s on offer. The first, the Palmeraie, that huge oasis of palm trees to the north-east of the city, is home to many clubs tucked into the greenery, about twenty minutes from the centre. You’ll find both peaceful, family-friendly spots and pool clubs that come alive at the weekend. To understand this unusual district, read our dedicated guide to the Palmeraie of Marrakech.
The second area, more spectacular, is the Agafay desert, about thirty minutes to the south-west. This stony, moon-like desert, with the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas as a backdrop, has filled with camps and clubs offering infinity pools, loungers facing the panorama and lunches at sunset. A beach club in Marrakech in its Agafay form is a guarantee of a breathtaking view. Typical packages there run around 450 to 750 MAD (42 to 70 €): pool pass + lunch, a sunset aperitif package, or a “sunset” pass with dinner. Discover this region in our article on the Agafay desert.
On price, a “standard” beach club often charges 400 to 600 MAD depending on the day of the week (weekends from Thursday to Sunday are pricier). The most renowned clubs and the pool parties can climb well beyond that, especially if you book a table, a Balinese daybed or a private cabana: VIP packages with a bottle sometimes start around 2,000 MAD. Bear in mind that here, the experience and the view cost as much as the swim itself.
Riad pools: small but precious
In the heart of the medina, riads — those traditional houses built around a patio — often hide a small pool. Keep your expectations in check: a riad pool is nothing like an Olympic basin. It’s most often a small rectangular pool, sometimes barely bigger than a large jacuzzi, meant for cooling off rather than swimming laps. Many are also shallow, in the shade for a good part of the day because of the high patio walls.
Yet this format has enormous charm: the intimacy, the calm, the lapping of water beneath the zellige tiles, a mint tea served on the terrace. If you stay in a riad, this pool is generally included and is more than enough to unwind after a morning in the souks. Some riads also offer a day pass including pool, spa and hammam, a lovely way to sample the atmosphere of a medina house without sleeping there. A handy practical detail: many riads heat their pool (or jacuzzi) out of season, which extends the pleasure from autumn to spring.
If you’re torn between the cool of a medina riad and the comfort of a hotel with a large pool, our guide on where to stay in Marrakech details the advantages of each option depending on your travel style.
Family swim or party vibe: aim right
Not all swimming spots are equal depending on who you come with. This is probably the most important thing to check before booking, because the atmosphere can flip completely between a peaceful hotel garden and a pool club in full pool-party mode.
For families
With children, favour the day passes at charming hotels and family riads, in the Palmeraie or on the outskirts, known for their calm atmosphere. These places often apply a reduced rate for children (frequently half price for under-12s), have shallow or heated pools, and serve lunch to the whole table. Do check one crucial point, though: some pools only allow children if accompanied by an adult in the water, and a few very “atmosphere-driven” spots are adults-only. To plan a stay suited to little ones, our guide on Marrakech with family is full of ideas.
For a party vibe
If you’re after music, DJs, cocktails and a “holiday with friends” spirit, head to the pool clubs and beach clubs that host pool parties, especially at the weekend. The atmosphere there is young, festive, sometimes loud, and the dress code more “lifestyle”. These places are clearly not designed for a nap with a baby: better to know that before paying for your pass. The smart move is to check the line-up (a day with a DJ or not) and ask whether the place is “family-friendly” or more “party”.
How much does a day pass in Marrakech cost? Indicative prices
Prices depend on the standard of the venue, the day of the week, the season and the services included (lunch, spa, Balinese daybed). Here is an indicative range to help you get your bearings. Actual prices change regularly; treat these figures as ballpark amounts, to be confirmed directly with the venue.
- Mid-range hotel pool (access only): around 200 to 400 MAD (20 to 37 €), sometimes via a minimum spend.
- Charming hotel day pass with lunch: around 500 to 800 MAD (46 to 75 €), lounger and towel included.
- Beach club / pool club (Palmeraie): around 400 to 600 MAD (37 to 56 €), more at the weekend.
- Agafay pass with a view and lunch: around 450 to 750 MAD (42 to 70 €) depending on the package (lunch, aperitif, sunset).
- Upmarket resort: around 1,000 to 1,500 MAD (93 to 140 €) per person, minimum dining spend.
- VIP package (Balinese daybed, cabana, bottle): from 2,000 MAD (185 €), or much more.
- Children: often 50% off for under-12s at family-oriented addresses.
On a tight budget, note that access options exist from 150 to 200 MAD at some hotels during the week. To balance your overall spending on the ground, check our guide on the Marrakech travel budget, which breaks down the average costs of a stay, transport and dining included.
When to go: summer, hours and booking
The Marrakech pool season runs roughly from May to September, with a logical peak in July and August, when the heat drives everyone towards the water. This is precisely when the day pass makes the most sense: rather than enduring the heatwave in a room, you turn the hottest day into a pleasure. Our guide on Marrakech in summer will help you plan a bearable stay despite the high temperatures.
As for hours, most day passes run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In summer, the most pleasant times by the pool are the morning and late afternoon; the scorching 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. slot is best spent in the shade or in the water. Bear in mind too that out of season (March-April, October), only heated pools stay genuinely comfortable.
Always book. The best addresses sell out in high season, and many cap the number of day passes to preserve comfort. A simple call or WhatsApp message the day before is enough during the week; aim for several days ahead for a weekend or a pool party. While you’re at it, confirm the exact price, what’s included, and any minimum spend.
What to bring? (towel provided or not)
Good news: in most day-pass packages and beach clubs, the bath towel is provided with the lounger. But it’s not an absolute rule, especially at small riads or low-priced “pool only” access. When in doubt, ask when you book and slip a light towel into your bag just in case.
Your ideal checklist for a successful pool day:
- Swimsuit (even two) and a sarong or dry change of clothes.
- High-protection sunscreen: the Marrakech sun is fierce, even in the water.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- A bottle of water and some cash (for the minimum spend, tips, a taxi).
- A light towel if the venue doesn’t provide one.
- Sandals, a book, and a light layer for the end of the day in the shoulder season.
- Modest clothing for the journey: keep local customs in mind outside the club grounds.
Cool alternatives: hammam and gardens
The pool isn’t the only way to escape the heat. The hammam, an essential Moroccan institution, offers another form of refreshment and relaxation: a black-soap scrub, steam, a massage and an air-conditioned rest room. Many spas offer à la carte packages, sometimes combined with a pool day pass. It’s the perfect antidote to a day walking the souks. Everything is detailed in our guide on hammam and spa in Marrakech.
Another refuge from the heatwave: the gardens. In the shade of tall trees, near pools and fountains, the temperature drops by several degrees. Marrakech’s historic and landscaped gardens make ideal cool-down breaks in the middle of the day, often for just a few dirhams. Our article on the Menara gardens gives you a fine example, with its huge pool facing the Atlas. Combining a garden in the morning and a pool in the afternoon is an excellent anti-heat strategy.
Our tips for choosing your day pass well
To avoid a misstep, ask yourself the right questions before booking. First, the atmosphere: are you coming for a quiet moment with family or to party? That single criterion already rules out half the options. Next, what’s included: clearly distinguish plain “pool access” from a full “lunch pass”, and spot any minimum spend to work out the real cost of the day.
Think too about location and travel. The Palmeraie and Agafay offer superb settings, but involve 20 to 40 minutes on the road (and a taxi to negotiate both ways). A hotel pool near the medina will save you time if you’re staying in the centre. Finally, check the size and exposure of the pool: a shaded riad pool will be cool but small, while a large sunny hotel pool is better suited to real swimming.
One last tip: read recent reviews and confirm the price by phone. Prices and packages change from one season to the next, and a direct confirmation spares you any nasty surprise on the bill. To place your pool day within a full itinerary, our guide on what to do in Marrakech will help you alternate cultural visits and moments of relaxation. Marrakech, one of Morocco’s great imperial cities, is also to be savoured by the water — you can learn more about the city on the Wikipedia page dedicated to Marrakech.
FAQ: day passes, pools and beach clubs in Marrakech
What exactly is a day pass in Marrakech?
It’s a package that gives you access, for the day, to the pool and facilities of a hotel, riad or beach club, without being a resident guest. It generally includes a lounger, a towel and often lunch. You enjoy the place for a few hours, then head off in the evening.
How much does a pool by the day in Marrakech cost?
As an indication, budget 200 to 400 MAD (20 to 37 €) for simple access at a mid-range hotel, 500 to 800 MAD (46 to 75 €) for a day pass with lunch, and 1,000 MAD or more at upmarket resorts. Beach clubs run around 400 to 600 MAD, with distinctly pricier VIP packages.
Do you need to book your day pass in advance?
Yes, it’s strongly advised, especially in summer and at the weekend. Many venues cap the number of visitors to preserve comfort by the pool. A call or WhatsApp message the day before is enough during the week; book several days ahead for a Saturday or a pool party.
Are riad pools worth it?
For cooling off in peace, yes. But keep in mind that they are often small, shallow and shaded by the patio walls. They are perfect for a refreshing dip after the souks, less so for swimming laps. For that, prefer a hotel with a large pool or a beach club.
Is a beach club in Marrakech suitable for children?
It depends on the venue and the day. Some beach clubs and Palmeraie hotels are very family-friendly, with reduced rates for children. Others, geared towards pool parties with DJs and loud music, are better suited to adults. Always ask whether the place is “family-friendly” before booking, and check for any age restrictions.
Is a towel provided with the day pass?
In most day-pass packages and beach clubs, yes, the bath towel comes with the lounger. It isn’t guaranteed, however, at small riads or low-priced “pool only” access. When in doubt, confirm when booking and bring a light towel as a precaution.
This guide is independent and is not affiliated with ONDA or with any hotel, riad or beach club; any names mentioned are given purely for information, and prices are indicative, to be verified directly with the venues.
Images under free licence via Wikimedia Commons: © Dutch Morocco Investments (CC BY-SA 4.0); © Jakub Hałun (CC BY 4.0); © Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Sources: Wikimedia Commons. Photo credits: royalty-free illustrative images (riad pool, Agafay desert, Palmeraie of Marrakech).
