Surfing in Morocco: complete guide to the best surf spots, seasons and tips
Morocco is one of the world’s most popular surfing destinations. With its sunny climate almost all year round, its regular waves from the Atlantic and its unique atmosphere blending local culture and surfing spirit, the country has a lot to offer.
Just a few hours’ flight from Europe, it’s the ideal location for a surf trip with a change of scenery. Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle, safe waves, or an experienced surfer in search of long, powerful straights, the Moroccan coastline has something for everyone.
From Taghazout to Imsouane, via Sidi Kaouki and the unmissable Anchor Point, each spot has its own character. In this guide, we present the best places to surf in Morocco, the ideal time to go and our practical tips for preparing your trip.
“I’ve been surfing in Morocco several times and I loved it. It’s a real change of scenery: here, you surf, you eat, you sleep… and you get a massage.”
In short: where to surf in Morocco for your level?
| Town | Level | Best season | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taghazout | All levels | October to April | Surf vibe, surf camps everywhere, Anchor Point for experienced surfers |
| Tamraght | Beginner to intermediate | October to April | The same waves as Taghazout, without the crowds |
| Imsouane | Beginner to intermediate | September to April | The longest right in Morocco to progress on |
| Essaouira | Beginner to intermediate | October to March (strong wind in summer) | The bay to learn, the medina and kitesurfing |
| Safi | Experienced | November to March | A hollow, powerful wave, far from the surf camps |
| Dakhla | Intermediate | October to April | Desert, lagoon and wind for kitesurfing |
Water: 17 to 18°C in winter around Agadir and in Essaouira, 18°C in Dakhla, 20 to 21°C at the end of summer. Direct flights from Europe to Agadir, Marrakech and Essaouira, and to Dakhla from Paris.
Why choose Morocco for a surf trip?
Morocco is a surfer’s paradise, and not just for the quality of its waves. Here’s why it attracts thousands of riders from all over the world every year:
- A sunny climate: over 300 days of sunshine a year, with pleasant temperatures even in winter.
- Consistent waves: thanks to Atlantic swells, the surfing season lasts almost year-round.
- Spots for all levels: whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find waves to suit you.
- A unique atmosphere: between friendly surf camps, a warm welcome from the locals and a rich Moroccan culture, the experience goes far beyond surfing.
- Affordable: accommodation, food and transport are all affordable compared to other international surf destinations.
Our partner surf camps in Morocco
A surf camp bundles accommodation, lessons, equipment and often the airport transfer. It is the easiest way to plan a first surf trip to Morocco. To compare other options, read our comparisons of surf camps in Taghazout, surf camps in Imsouane and surf camps in Essaouira.
Do you run a surf camp in Morocco?
Present your camp to readers planning their surf trip to Tamraght.
List my surf campTo choose your town and your camp, read our guide to surf camps in Morocco, with camps and weekly prices.
When to surf in Morocco? The surf season for your level
Morocco is a dream destination for surfers the world over. With its Atlantic coastline generous with swells and a variety of spots to suit all levels, the Cherifian kingdom appeals to beginners and professionals alike.
Best time to surf in Morocco
The main surfing season in Morocco runs from September to April. It’s during this period that the Atlantic swells bring regular, sometimes powerful waves, ideal for intermediate and experienced riders. To compare Morocco with other sunny destinations, see where to surf in winter, or our list of the best places to surf in December.
- Autumn (September-November): perfect conditions, still-warm water, powerful but accessible waves.
- Winter (December to February): more solid swells, spots that light up, a real playground for experienced surfers.
- Spring (March-April): still good swells, fewer people in the water, pleasant weather.
What about summer?
From June to August, the Atlantic calms down. This is the ideal period for beginners: smaller waves, warmer water, summer atmosphere in the surf camps.
Month by month, Morocco is one of our picks for surfing in November, in December, in January and in February. Water temperature ranges from 17°C in winter to 21°C at the end of summer: a 3/2 mm wetsuit around Agadir, a 4/3 mm further north (Essaouira, Safi) in winter.
Surfing calendar, Morocco (Atlantic)
3 colors: Great / Good / No.
Taghazout/Agadir = winter points (NW). Essaouira + summer = wind and colder water (upwelling). Aim early for glass.
Where to surf in Morocco for your level? The best spots
Morocco’s surf spots stretch along the Atlantic coast from Casablanca to Dakhla, with the highest concentration north of Agadir, between Tamraght and Taghazout. Here are the spots sorted by level. The linked ones have their own detailed page.
Morocco surf spots for beginners
| Spot | Where | The wave |
|---|---|---|
| Tagharte beach | Essaouira | Sandy beach break, several peaks, surf schools on the beach |
| Devil’s Rock | Tamraght | Sandy beach break, lefts and rights, for learning and improving |
| Crocro Beach | Tamraght | Exposed sandy beach break, easy peaks on the inside |
| Banana Beach | Tamraght | Small sheltered wave, lefts and rights |
Morocco surf spots for intermediate surfers
| Spot | Where | The wave |
|---|---|---|
| The Bay | Imsouane | Right-hand point break over sand, rides of more than 500 m, accessible from beginner level |
| Banana Point | Tamraght | Soft right over sand that ends in beach peaks |
| Sidi Kaouki | 25 km south of Essaouira | Sandy beach break, lefts and rights, best surfed in the morning before the wind |
| La Sarga | Dakhla | Right-hand point break over sand, sometimes inconsistent |
Morocco surf spots for advanced surfers
| Spot | Where | The wave |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Point | Taghazout | Long right-hand point break over sand and rocks, for strong intermediates and experienced surfers, September to March |
| Boilers | North of Taghazout | Right over reef, with rocks and currents |
| Killer Point | Taghazout | Powerful right-hand point break, for experts only |
| Cathedral Point | Imsouane | Short, hollow right over reef, tube sections on clean days |
| Le Jardin | Safi | Fast, hollow right over rock, one of the most powerful waves in Morocco |
Surf spots in Morocco: the best towns
Taghazout: Morocco’s surf capital
A small village that has become the country’s surf reference. The spots follow one another over a few kilometres: Anchor Point for long rights, Panoramas for beginners, Hash Point and Killers for experienced surfers. It is the most established destination in Morocco: surf camps everywhere, qualified instructors, easy logistics.
The downside: lots of people in the water in high season.
Taghazout is 39 km from Agadir airport, a 45-minute to 1-hour drive depending on traffic.
Read also: our complete guide to surfing in Taghazout
Tamraght: the peaceful alternative to Taghazout
5 km south of Taghazout, Tamraght is the choice of those who want the same waves without the crowds. A preserved Amazigh village, cheaper accommodation (€20-35 a night) and an authentic atmosphere. Devil’s Rock and Crocodiles suit beginners, Banana Point and KM12 suit intermediates. 45 minutes from Agadir airport, it is also one of the most convenient bases in Morocco.
Read also: our complete guide to surfing in Tamraght
Imsouane: the longest right in Morocco
Nicknamed the village of the long ride, Imsouane is famous for its bay, which produces one of the longest rights in the world: up to two minutes standing on your board. Slow waves, accessible to beginners and to intermediates who want to work on their style without fighting a powerful swell. One of the few Moroccan spots where you can progress fast without advanced technique.
Read also: Taghazout or Imsouane: which one to choose and our comparison of surf camps in Imsouane, plus our complete guide to surfing in Imsouane.
Essaouira: surfing, kitesurfing and a UNESCO-listed medina
Essaouira combines surfing, kitesurfing and town life. The waves on the main beach are gentle and regular, ideal for beginners.
The more technical spots, Sidi Kaouki and Moulay Bouzerktoun, are 20-25 km away. Less famous than Taghazout, the town attracts surfers who want to avoid the crowds and discover Morocco beyond the surf camps.
Read also: our complete guide to surfing in Essaouira and our comparison of surf camps in Essaouira.
Safi: for experienced surfers only
Safi is the most technical spot in Morocco.
The wave is fast, hollow and tubular; some compare it to the best reef breaks in the world. Don’t go if you’ve been surfing for less than three years: conditions are serious and there are hardly any surf camps. It is a destination for experienced surfers looking for a wild spot off the tourist trail.
Read also: our guide to surfing in Safi
Dakhla: lagoon, desert and Atlantic waves
More than 1,500 km south of Casablanca, on the edge of the Sahara. Dakhla is known as a kitesurfing paradise thanks to its 40 km lagoon, but the Atlantic also offers real waves, hollow and powerful when the swell is on. A destination for surfers who want to get off the beaten track and combine sport, desert and silence.
Read also: our complete guide to surfing in Dakhla
Surfing in Casablanca, Rabat and Mehdia: northern Morocco
Between Kenitra and Casablanca, the northern coast is less known to foreign surfers. It is handy if you land in Casablanca or Rabat, two airports with direct flights from Paris.
- Mehdia (Kenitra): long rights along the jetty on a north-west swell, with beginner peaks and hollower sections at low tide.
- Rabat beach: gentle waves over sand at the mouth of the Bouregreg river, between two jetties. Several clubs rent gear and give lessons: the ideal spot to learn.
- Bouznika (south of Rabat): a right over reef for intermediates, best at low tide, plus beach breaks for beginners.
- Ain Diab (Casablanca): urban beach break over sand, best for intermediates.
- Dar Bouazza (south of Casablanca): a left over reef for intermediates. Bring booties because of the rocks and sea urchins.
The best season runs from November to March. In Casablanca the water is around 17 °C in February and 23 °C in August. In summer the wind makes the waves messy, but they stay surfable for learning.
Surfing in Morocco: practical information
Surfing
- Level: All levels
- Wave types: Right, left, shorebreak
- Bottom: Beachbreak and reefbreak
- When to go: All year round
- Best period: November to May
- Average water temperature: 17 to 21°C depending on the season and area
- Average temperature (on land): 20°C
Before you leave
- How to get there : Plane
- Airports: Agadir, Marrakech, Essaouira, Casablanca and Rabat
- Documents required: Passport valid for the whole stay; no visa needed for a tourist stay of less than 90 days for EU citizens (other nationalities: check the current rules).
- Recommended documents: International driving license, International VISA/MASTERCARD
On site
- Official languages: Classical Arabic and Amazigh
- Languages spoken : Classical Arabic, French
- Vaccines required: None
- Getting around: Renting a car
Surfing in Morocco for beginners
Morocco is an ideal destination for learning to surf
Its waves are accessible, its schools numerous and its climate pleasant all year round. Spots like Imsouane, with its legendary Bay that rolls out a gentle, endless wave, offer the perfect playground for safe progress. In Taghazout, the beaches of Panorama and Devil’s Rock welcome beginners every day in a friendly atmosphere, while in Essaouira, the soft, regular waves allow you to string together take-offs without pressure.
Many surf camps offer complete packages including accommodation, lessons, equipment and meals, at a much more affordable price than in other countries. Supervised by passionate instructors, you’ll make rapid progress while enjoying the warm atmosphere of coastal villages.
Whether you’re going solo, with friends or family, Morocco combines all the right conditions to make your first waves an unforgettable experience.
Beginner surfing: where to go and how to choose your first surfing destination?
Preparing your surf trip to Morocco
A surf trip to Morocco is a unique experience combining quality waves, fascinating culture and breathtaking scenery. If you plan your trip well, you’ll make the most of the best surf spots and experience total immersion in the Moroccan surfing world.
Budget & cost of living (excluding flights)
Morocco remains an affordable destination. About :
- Surf camp: €35 to 55 per night with meals included.
- Surfing lessons: €20-30 per session.
- Local meal: 3-5 € in a snack bar, 10-15 € in a restaurant.
Transport
- From Europe: direct flights to Agadir, Marrakech and Essaouira, and to Dakhla from Paris.
- Locally: shared cabs, local buses, or car rental if you want to explore several spots.
Accommodation
Morocco is full of surf camps, inns and riads. Most are run by passionate surfers, with a family atmosphere.
SURFERS’ REVIEWS of Morocco
Have you ever surfed in Morocco? Share your feedback.
Your feedback will help surfers of your level better prepare for their trip.
Aurélie – intermediate level
Tamraght is really the perfect place to surf, easy waves to catch, perfect for all levels and the beaches are really nice! Outside the spot, the place is quite nice with a skatepark nearby.
- October 2023
- Morocco
Xavier – intermediate level
Amazing spot. Despite the very strong wind and the crowds, the bay offers great waves to learn longboarding.
- April 2019
- Imsouane, Morocco
Charlotte – intermediate
Tamraght is a great surf spot with absolutely everything you need for an amazing stay. Sunshine almost all year round, waves for every level, whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced, everyone can find what they are looking for. The atmosphere is great: people are very friendly, welcoming and always ready to share tips or just a good time after the session. The food is delicious, with lots of small restaurants where you eat really well. And right next door, in Taghazout, there is plenty to do: the skatepark with an ocean view, the small local shops, the cafés and the seafront restaurants. You never get bored! In short, Tamraght is a really excellent surf spot, perfect for combining waves, sunshine, relaxation and good vibes. 🌊☀️
- November
- Morocco, Tamraght
What to do in Morocco?
Morocco is a land of contrasts, where every traveler will find something to his or her liking.
Whether it’s discovering its bustling medinas, a desert adventure, a mountain hike, a gourmet break or a relaxing moment in a hammam, this country offers a multitude of memorable experiences.
Beyond surfing, Morocco is a destination that can be fully experienced through its traditions, landscapes and unique hospitality.
Discover the local culture
Between two sessions, lose yourself in the lively medinas, stroll through the souks and let yourself be carried away by the colors and scents. Essaouira seduces with its bohemian atmosphere, while Marrakech and Agadir allow you to immerse yourself in the Moroccan effervescence.
A taste of gastronomy
A couscous shared after surfing, a tajine with sweet and savory flavors, or simply fish grilled in the harbor… Moroccan cuisine is part of the experience. Add to this the ritual of mint tea, and your trip takes on an authentic dimension.
Explore the landscape
Just a few hours from the coast, the Atlas mountains and Sahara dunes offer memorable getaways. Hiking, bivouacs and desert sunsets are the perfect complement to a week of surfing.
Experience the surf & wellness atmosphere
Many surf camps now combine yoga, meditation and a chill lifestyle. Rooftops facing the ocean, sunsets and a friendly atmosphere balance out the days of intense sessions.
FAQ: all you need to know about surfing in Morocco
When is the best time to surf in Morocco?
From October to April for regular swells, ideal for intermediate and experienced surfers. From May to September, the waves are smaller: it’s the right time to learn, with more wind in the afternoon.
Where to surf in Morocco as a beginner?
In Taghazout and Tamraght (Panoramas, Crocro Beach, Devil’s Rock), in the bay of Imsouane and in the bay of Essaouira. Surf camps there run lessons every day. To choose, read our comparison Taghazout or Imsouane.
Which town to choose for a surf trip to Morocco?
Taghazout for the vibe and the choice of surf camps, Tamraght for peace and quiet, Imsouane for long rights, Essaouira for the town and kitesurfing, Dakhla for the desert. Safi is for experienced surfers only.
Which wetsuit to bring for surfing in Morocco?
A 3/2 mm from October to April around Agadir, a 4/3 mm in winter in Essaouira and Safi. In summer, a shorty or a 3/2 mm is enough.
How much does a surf trip to Morocco cost?
Excluding flights, count €35 to €55 a night in a surf camp with meals, €20 to €30 per lesson and €3 to €5 for a local meal. A week in a surf camp with lessons usually costs €400 to €700.
Information may change. This guide is for general guidance only: surf conditions, temperatures, access, opening hours and prices can change. Before your trip and every session, check the forecast, local conditions and information from local providers. A spot description and its suggested level are no guarantee of safety: always match your session to your level and the conditions on the day. Learn more
Updated: October 2026
Sources: Bordeaux Airport (easyJet direct flight Bordeaux-Essaouira), Partir.com (direct flights Paris-Dakhla: Royal Air Maroc, Transavia), Cabaigne.net, Agadir (sea temperature month by month), Cabaigne.net, Essaouira (sea temperature month by month), Cabaigne.net, Dakhla (sea temperature month by month), Evaneos (entry requirements for Morocco: passport, 90 days without a visa), Airport Transfer Portal (Agadir airport to Taghazout distance), The Surf Atlas, Taghazout (Anchor Point, Boilers, Killer Point, Banana Point), The Surf Atlas, Tamraght (Devil’s Rock, Crocro, Banana Beach), Mondo.surf (Anchor Point: level and season), Surf-forecast (Boilers), Surfnerd, Safi (Safi right-hander), Surfnerd, La Sarga (Dakhla), The Surf Atlas, Rabat (Rabat, Mehdia, Bouznika, season in the north), Surfnerd, Ain Diab (Casablanca), Surfnerd, Dar Bouazza (Casablanca), Cabaigne.net, Casablanca (sea temperature month by month), Partir.com, Paris-Rabat (direct flights), Partir.com, Paris-Casablanca (direct flights), Unsplash (Casablanca photo: Gabriel Chen).
