Morocco traditionally brings to mind images of bustling souks and the immense desert. Yet, a completely different reality awaits adventurous travelers: the monumental energy of its Atlantic coast! This coastline reveals a more intense and authentic side of the country’s seaside charm. Our guide is ready to dive you right into this exciting surf counter-culture—a must-do detour that is now easily accessible via Agadir airport, the perfect gateway for your Moroccan surf trip.
More than just a sport, surfing here is a cultural passport that opens doors to a little-known ocean-side Morocco. Leave the routine behind to embrace a culture where the rhythm is set by the swell; here, happiness is measured by the length of the ride!
When is the best time to surf in Morocco?
To ensure a successful surf trip, plan your journey around the size and consistency of the swells. The good news is that there are very few days overall when the waves aren’t surfable.
The high season runs from September to April. This is when large North Atlantic depressions deliver the powerful, regular waves the Moroccan coast is famous for, bringing mythical point breaks like Anchor Point and Killer Point to life. With average water temperatures between 16°C and 20°C during these months, you’ll definitely need a full 3/2 mm wetsuit, or even a 4/3 mm in the heart of winter.
The low season, from May to August, brings smaller, gentler waves, making it ideal for novices and longboarding. Water temperatures climb slightly, averaging 19°C to 22°C. Even with warmer air, it’s still smart to wear a light wetsuit (like a shorty or 3/2 mm) over your swimsuit.
Where are the best surf camps and towns in Morocco?
To make the absolute most of every second of this adventure, choosing a quality surf camp is key! These amazing places offer a whole range of services—a complete ecosystem that makes learning and exploring easy, often in an all-inclusive format. Think personalized coaching, technical lessons, equipment rentals, daily transport to the best spots, plus charming accommodation and delicious meals.
These camps frequently offer social activities with other enthusiasts in your group. It’s never hard to strike up a conversation when you already share a passion! Some surf camps take the experience even further by including yoga classes or Moroccan cooking workshops.
Most accommodations are mid-range, featuring cozy private rooms, sometimes even boasting a heated pool or a lovely rooftop terrace where you can admire the sunset every single night. It’s a spectacular daily show you won’t want to miss!
Here are a few camp options for surfing in Morocco:
- Surf Berbère (Taghazout): A local institution, perfectly positioned for watching the legendary Anchor Point break!
- Boutique Surf Camp Morocco (Tamraght): Featuring contemporary design and premium facilities, this camp offers a highly refined experience. Enjoy the large pool and stunning views right over Devil’s Rock!
- WaveGo Surf Camp (Imsouane): Warm design with traditional Moroccan touches, situated near the sea in a breathtaking desert landscape. The vibe is super friendly, centered around the pool, skate ramp, Berber tent, and ocean-view terrace—an ideal community experience for all levels!
- Mint Surf Morocco (Tamraght): Perfect for intermediate surfers looking for a peaceful environment and structured progression to boost their skills.
- Imsouane Surf Family (Imsouane): Caters to surfers of all levels, welcoming everyone to enjoy the family atmosphere and the mythical Bay wave.
- Surf & Friends (Taghazout): Excellent for solo travelers eager to meet and connect with a vibrant international community.
- Lassarga Écolodge (Dakhla): An incredible ecolodge built on stilts in a stunning desert setting, offering a truly adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Flooka Surf & Yoga (Imsouane): A modern, bright sanctuary blending the energy of surfing with the tranquility of yoga, featuring design that highlights spectacular sea views.
- Riad Ayour (Tamraght): A charming address, ideally located just a 10-minute walk from the beach. Its traditional Moroccan riad design creates a tropical cocoon atmosphere, offering surf lessons for all levels and serene morning yoga sessions on the rooftop, facing the sea.
Where are the best spots and places to surf in Morocco?
Taghazout
Taghazout, this charming, bohemian-looking village, is easily accessible within a short drive from Agadir. It boasts the highest concentration of world-class point breaks, solidifying its place among the best surf and surf towns in Morocco, featuring the legendary Anchor Point and Killer Point. A little further north is Boilers Point, a mythical surf spot in Morocco known for its consistent swell that produces a powerful right-hand wave, particularly favored by the pros during the winter. The atmosphere in Taghazout is electric, and the terraces of the numerous surf camps offer breathtaking views, providing everything you need for total immersion in this great place with a rich culture.
Tamraght
As a calmer and more relaxed alternative to Taghazout, this village is strategically positioned to access a variety of waves. Banana Point, bordering a magnificent banana plantation, offers a remarkable, rolling right-hand wave ideal for intermediate groups. Finally, Devil’s Rock, despite its evocative name, gives way to white-water beach breaks, perfect for initiating into the sport with peace of mind; excellent for beginner surfing in Morocco.
Sidi Kaouki
A short drive from Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is a bohemian and wild escape. Its wide beach features a regular, rocky beach break, perfect for beginners and intermediates looking to progress. The often-constant, stronger winds here also make it a prime playground for kitesurfing and windsurfing. For an unforgettable ride, head to Cap Sim and its legendary Grotte (Cave) spot to catch the magnificent, peeling right-hand wave. This great place offers beautiful views, often framed by the distant Atlas Mountains.
Imsouane
Located further north, Imsouane is the haunt of long-ride enthusiasts. The village charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and active fishing port. The famous Magic Bay unfurls what many consider to be the longest right-hand wave in Africa, ideal for perfecting your cross-steps, especially during the gentler summer months when it attracts fewer crowds than the winter spots.
Essaouira
Known for its historic ramparts, Essaouira is less focused on challenging point break surfing and more on accessible beach breaks and towed watersports. Sheltered by Mogador Island, the bay is an ideal starting point to learn kitesurfing or windsurfing, or to find more accessible surf spots in Morocco than its neighbors.
Safi
Safi, much further north, is home to one of the world’s fastest and most tubular point breaks. This highly demanding surf spot, often compared to Australian waves, requires a very high technical level and is strictly reserved for pros seeking pure adrenaline.
Dakhla
Located on the peninsula that borders with Western Sahara, Dakhla is the mecca of kitesurfing and windsurfing. Although ocean waves are present at the Foum Labouir point break, the almost undeveloped lagoon primarily attracts visitors for its constant winds and flat water, ideal for novices and freestylers. Note that due to the distance, you must travel here by domestic flight; tickets are generally included in the surf packages offered. It’s an extraordinary experience in one of the least-visited places on the continent!
Mirleft
To get away from the crowds of Taghazout, Mirleft offers a more relaxed atmosphere and isolated, varied beach breaks. The spots reveal themselves according to the tide and allow you to find quality waves, without the pressure of the famous line-ups.
Practical tips for a successful surf trip in Morocco
- What is the average cost for a surf camp in Morocco? An all-inclusive package (accommodation, meals, coaching, transport) averages between $650 and $1000 CAD per week, excluding airfare.
- Surf etiquette: You must respect the priority, wait your turn, and show respect to local surfers who know the spot by heart.
- Should I bring my own surfboard? All surf camps and shops rent quality equipment for approximately 80-100 MAD/day. If traveling with your gear, ensure you have travel insurance covering potential damages.
- How to get around between surf camps? Grand taxis are the fastest way to reach Taghazout and Imsouane from Agadir. Note that you must always agree on the price before getting in. On-site, surf camps generally include daily transport to the spots.
- Is it necessary to join a surf camp or can I surf independently? It is highly recommended to use local instructors and guides for your surf stay. Their knowledge of the tides, swells, and winds is invaluable, built on several years of experience. They will find the best locations based on your level and the day’s conditions, preventing you from losing valuable time searching for the right wave.
