Surfing in Essaouira: complete guide for a surf trip to Morocco
Set on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira has long attracted travellers looking for authenticity, wind and waves. Famous for its UNESCO-listed fortified medina and its bohemian vibe, it has also become a real hub for board sports lovers.
With spots for beginners, consistent waves for experienced surfers and a relaxed atmosphere, Essaouira is a must-visit destination for surfing in Morocco.
At a glance: surfing in Essaouira
- To learn : the main beach facing the medina and Tagharte beach, sandy bottom, waves of 1 m to 1.50 m.
- To progress : Sidi Kaouki, 25 km south, with several peaks.
- For experienced surfers : Moulay Bouzerktoun (20 km north) and Cap Sim, fast and sometimes hollow waves.
- Season : October to April for swells; May to September to learn, with strong afternoon wind.
- Water : 17 to 18 °C in winter, 20 to 21 °C at the end of summer. 4/3 mm wetsuit in winter, 3/2 mm in summer.
Getting there: direct flights from several French cities, including Bordeaux, or a flight to Marrakech then 2h30 to 3 hours by road.
Why choose Essaouira for a surf trip?
Unlike Taghazout, popular with surfers from all over the world, Essaouira offers a calmer and more authentic atmosphere. No overcrowding on the main spots here, but a friendly, cosmopolitan vibe where backpackers, artists and riders meet.
The mild climate, consistent Atlantic swells and trade winds make the region an ideal playground not only for surfing, but also for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
In short: Essaouira is the right balance between sport, culture and the Moroccan way of life.
Surf lessons and surf camps in Essaouira
Surf schools are set up on the main beach, facing the medina. A 2-hour group lesson costs about €25 to €30, gear included. In the morning the wind is lighter: it is the best time for a first lesson.
You know where you want to go, now you just need to pick the right surf camp. I compared the five best places in the area: prices, levels, what is included and what makes each one different. Full comparison of surf camps in Essaouira.
Hesitating between several towns? Compare them in our guide to surf camps in Morocco : Taghazout, Imsouane, Essaouira and Dakhla, with weekly prices.
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When to go surfing in Essaouira?
The magic of Essaouira is that you can surf there almost all year round.
- Beginners : May to September is the ideal time. Waves are small, consistent and perfect to progress without stress.
- Intermediates : from October to April, winter swells bring more consistency, with powerful waves that can exceed 2 metres.
Note that the wind blows almost every day in Essaouira, which can make sessions more technical. Those who want to combine surfing and kiting get a double bonus: find kitesurfing and wing foiling in Essaouira on our website dedicated to wind sports.
Essaouira weather month by month
Average air temperatures (minimum and maximum), water temperature and number of rainy days in Essaouira.
| Month | Air | Water | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11 to 18 °C | 16.6 °C | 7 |
| February | 12 to 19 °C | 16.1 °C | 7 |
| March | 14 to 20 °C | 16.3 °C | 7 |
| April | 14 to 19 °C | 16.9 °C | 6 |
| May | 16 to 20 °C | 17.3 °C | 3 |
| June | 17 to 21 °C | 17.6 °C | 1 |
| July | 18 to 22 °C | 17.5 °C | 0 |
| August | 18 to 22 °C | 17.9 °C | 1 |
| September | 18 to 22 °C | 18.4 °C | 2 |
| October | 17 to 22 °C | 18.5 °C | 5 |
| November | 14 to 21 °C | 17.7 °C | 7 |
| December | 12 to 20 °C | 17.0 °C | 7 |
Practical information for surfing in Essaouira
Surf side
- Level : All levels, depending on the spot
- Wave type : Long and gentle (Essaouira beach), powerful and hollow (Sidi Kaouki)
- Bottom : Sand and rock
- When to go : All year round, best conditions from October to April
- Best period : October to April
- Average temperature (water) : 17 to 21 °C depending on the season
- Average temperature (land) : 18-28°C depending on the season
Before you go
- Time difference: GMT+1, same time as France in winter, one hour behind in summer
- Flight time (from Paris) : About 3h
Airports : Essaouira (20 min from the centre), Marrakech (2h30 to 3 hours by road) - Required documents : Passport valid for the whole stay (no visa for a tourist stay of less than 90 days) + travel insurance
Required vaccines : None mandatory - But recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid
On site
- Spoken languages: Arabic, Berber, French, English
Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD). Note: no ATM on site. - Cost of living: Affordable, meals around €5-15
- Safety: Good, but usual vigilance recommended
Getting around: Shared taxi, car rental
The best surf spots in Essaouira
Essaouira is not a single spot but a real surf area, suited to all levels.
- To learn : the main beach, in front of the medina.
- To progress : the long waves of Sidi Kaouki.
- For experienced surfers : the more committing sessions at Moulay Bouzerktoun.
All these spots are less than 30 minutes by road: you can vary your sessions throughout your stay.
Surf spots in Essaouira for beginners
| Spot | Where | The wave | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essaouira beach | In front of the medina | Sandy beach break, soft and consistent waves, usually 1 m to 1.50 m; lots of schools and surf shops | Depends on the swell |
Surf spots in Essaouira for intermediates
| Spot | Where | The wave | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidi Kaouki | 25 km south of Essaouira | Several peaks, powerful waves, up to 2 to 3 m in winter | Depends on the swell |
| Cap Sim | South of Essaouira, near Sidi Kaouki, via a dirt track | Fast and sometimes hollow waves, away from the crowds; come prepared (water, food) | Low and mid tide |
Surf spots in Essaouira for experienced surfers
| Spot | Where | The wave | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moulay Bouzerktoun | About twenty kilometres north of Essaouira | Technical, fast and sometimes hollow waves; a well-known windsurfing spot | Depends on the swell |
Surf spot guides around Essaouira
SURFER REVIEWS of Essaouira
Have you surfed in Essaouira? Share your experience.
Your feedback will help surfers of your level prepare their trip.
Is Essaouira suitable for intermediate surfers?
The answer is yes, and it is even one of the reasons why Essaouira is so popular. For surfers who are past the beginner stage but don’t yet feel comfortable on powerful reef breaks like in Taghazout, Essaouira offers a balanced playground.
On Essaouira’s main beach, the waves let you perfect your take-off, work on basic manoeuvres and gain confidence on sets that stay manageable. Conditions range from 80 cm to 1.50 m most of the year, which is perfect to progress without putting yourself in danger.
Going a little further, Sidi Kaouki becomes a must for intermediates. Waves are more consistent, the peaks varied, and the length of the rides helps you improve your positioning and wave reading. It is the ideal place to step up and move on to more committing sessions.
Finally, for those who want to try more technical conditions without jumping straight into big reef, Moulay Bouzerktoun is an excellent option. Its exposure to wind and Atlantic swells brings fast, powerful waves that force you to raise your game.
In short, Essaouira is perfectly suited to intermediate surfers: safe enough to keep progressing, but varied enough to challenge yourself and prepare the move to more demanding spots.
Surf trips around Essaouira
If you stay several days in Essaouira, it is worth combining your surf trip with other iconic spots on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
Two destinations stand out: Safi and Imsouane.
Surfing in Safi
About 2 hours’ drive north of Essaouira, Safi is a legendary stop for experienced surfers. Its main wave is considered one of the longest rights in Morocco, with spectacular rides when conditions line up. Even if the spot is demanding and for advanced surfers only, the detour is worth it for those looking to push their limits.
Read our complete guide: Surfing in Safi
Surfing in Imsouane
Only 1h40 by road south of Essaouira, Imsouane is a paradise for surfers looking for long, accessible waves. Its bay is world famous for one of the longest rights in Africa, ideal for intermediate surfers and motivated beginners. The village vibe, more chilled than Taghazout, also makes it a perfect stop for a few days.
Read our detailed article: Surfing in Imsouane
A must-do surf itinerary in Morocco
By combining Essaouira, Safi and Imsouane, you get a complementary trio: a bohemian, accessible vibe in Essaouira, a legendary and committing wave in Safi, and the legendary bay of Imsouane for endless rides. It is probably one of the best itineraries for a varied surf trip in Morocco.
What to do in Essaouira besides surfing?
Essaouira offers much more than surfing! Here are a few must-do activities:
Discover the medina and its ramparts
Essaouira’s medina is one of the most beautiful in Morocco, with its white and blue streets, its ramparts facing the ocean and its artistic atmosphere. Strolling through its souks, between craft workshops and galleries, is a must.
Taste the local food
Essaouira is also known for its grilled fish, served right at the harbour, and its fragrant tagines. In the evening, lively terraces and small cafés let you soak up the local atmosphere.
Nature trips
Between two sessions, you can go for a camel or horse ride along the wild beaches, explore the dunes or visit the argan forests. Lovers of authenticity will also enjoy the small surrounding villages, still untouched by mass tourism.
Good deal: surfing in Essaouira from Bordeaux
For surfers based in south-west France, Essaouira is one of the most accessible destinations in Morocco. Good news: there are direct flights Bordeaux-Essaouira, operated by easyJet, which get you to the Moroccan coast in about 2h35.
Prices are very reasonable, especially if you book early and outside school holidays. That makes it an affordable alternative to other international surf destinations, with a total change of scenery.
Once you land, Essaouira airport is 20 minutes from the city centre. So it is very easy to reach the medina, its bohemian vibe and of course… the main beach where the first waves are already waiting.
This deal lets surfers from Bordeaux plan a 4 to 5-day express surf trip, with a very reasonable overall budget (flight + accommodation + surf camp), while enjoying ideal conditions to progress.
“I went in January. I took the bus from Marrakech, which lets you enjoy the scenery. The bay is very easy for learning, and the town is nothing like Marrakech: here it is restful and really pleasant.”
Practical tips to organise your surf trip to Essaouira
Budget
Essaouira is an affordable destination compared with other international spots.
- Accommodation : between €20 a night in a hostel and €60-80 in a comfortable riad.
- Surf lessons : about €25-30 for a 2-hour session.
- Board rental: between €10 and €15 a day.
- Meals : a tagine or grilled fish costs between €5 and €10.
Transport
Essaouira has a small airport, but most travellers arrive via Marrakech (2h30 by road). Buses and shared taxis easily connect the two cities. Once there, renting a scooter or taking a taxi is handy to get to Sidi Kaouki or Moulay.
Accommodation
Surfers often choose surf camps for convenience and the social side. But Essaouira also has charming riads in the medina, backpacker hostels and small beachfront hotels.
FAQ: surfing in Essaouira
When to surf in Essaouira?
The best time to surf in Essaouira depends on your level. From May to September, waves are small and ideal for learning. From October to April, swells are more powerful, perfect for intermediate and experienced surfers.
Where to surf in Essaouira?
The main spots are Essaouira beach for beginners, Sidi Kaouki to progress and Moulay Bouzerktoun for experienced surfers. You can also explore Cap Sim or go as far as Safi to vary your sessions.
Is Essaouira suitable for beginners?
Yes, Essaouira’s main beach has soft, consistent waves perfect for learning. The sandy bottom and the many surf schools make learning safe.
Is Essaouira better than Taghazout for surfing?
Essaouira is less touristy than Taghazout and has a more authentic atmosphere. Taghazout is known for its powerful reef breaks, while Essaouira suits beginners and intermediates who want to progress without pressure.
How much does a surf trip to Essaouira cost?
A surf trip to Essaouira is very affordable: about €20-30 a night in a hostel, €25-30 for a surf lesson and €10-15 to rent a board. With meals and flights, a one-week stay can cost between €400 and €600.
How to get from Marrakech to Essaouira to surf?
Essaouira is about 2h30 by road from Marrakech. Direct buses (Supratours, CTM) connect the two cities several times a day. You can also rent a car or take a shared taxi for more flexibility. The bus has one advantage: you get to enjoy the scenery.
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, Partir.com, Cabaigne, Evaneos, Climats et voyages. Photos: Achraf Nekker / Unsplash.
