Environmental policy

Water management

Water comes from a borehole 500 m deep in the Sahara’s artesian groundwater. This is a naturally sulphurous hot spring. The spring has been used for years and spontaneously supplies water at a temperature of around 38°C. For warmer water, an Artesian borehole brings the water from depths above 70 metres, at which point the water becomes mesothermal (with a temperature between 34 and 39°C).

Dakhla’s thermal springs are high in sulphates (SO4). At home in Europe, water like this can be used for relaxation and well-being but also for therapeutic purposes. Sulphurous water has recognised health benefits. It is particularly good for skin problems (psoriasis, eczema), asthma, muscle recovery and more.

The water here comes from the springs 40 kilometres from Dakhla, and is stoked at the heights of the Océan Vagabond.  Aerating the sulphurous water makes it possible to evaporate the H2S (sulphur) and convert the residues into sulphate, which is odourless.
Therefore the water cools down but is heated up again by individual solar water heaters in every bungalow. 

Dry-cleaning: Please note, the water is rich in manganese and iron and can leave brownish red stains on clothes when oxidised by air, chlorine or bleach, so a dry-cleaning service for laundry is available in town. Your laundry will be delivered within 48 hours.

For bath linen:

• Your sheets will be changed once a week or with each new customer.
• Your towels will be changed on request. Please do not use bath towels as beach towels.

Electricity

The Océan Vagabond is entirely self-sufficient.
An electric generator unit is in operation from 5 am to 3 pm and from 5 pm to 3 am.
Most of the light bulbs have been replaced by LEDs, and the rest by energy-saving bulbs. No hair dryers or appliances with heating elements are allowed in the camp.