Cathedral Point is the intermediate-to-advanced wave of Imsouane, the more committed counterpart of The Bay. A short but hollow right point break on a reef, 1 km north of the village. Faster, more powerful, sometimes tubular on aligned days — this is where you go if you have already passed the intermediate stage and want something more demanding. If you are looking for where to surf in this area, our Imsouane guide is still the base for planning your season.
Cathedral Point, sometimes called “the Cathedral” by the English-speaking surf community, is the intermediate-to-advanced counterpart of The Bay in Imsouane bay. Cathedral Point is one of the spots that helped reinforce the surf reputation of Imsouane in recent years. Shorter but hollower than its neighbour, it offers sections where you can land a floater or pull your first tube — a more committed setup on the Moroccan Atlantic coast, which is generally dominated by long, rolling point breaks like those of Taghazout.
Cathedral Point (Imsouane) spot characteristics
Cathedral Point sits 1 km north of Imsouane port, accessible on foot via the rocks (15 minutes) or by car along the upper track. A right point break on a rocky reef, committed take-off on the point then a hollow section of 100-150 m. Waves are faster and more powerful than at The Bay.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wave type | Point break / reef (hollow right) |
| Wave direction | Short but hollow right |
| Ideal tide | Mid tide (reef less exposed) |
| Swell direction | North-west to west (10 to 15 second period) |
| Ideal wind | East, south-east (offshore in the morning) |
| Important info | Reef close to the surface on the inside, watch your take-off and exit. Moderate localism, structured line-up. No surf school on the spot, autonomous surfers only. |
| Best level | Intermediate to advanced |
| Wave size | 0.5 to 3 m (sweet spot 1.5 to 2.5 m) |
| Water temp | 17 to 22 °C depending on season |
| Crowd | Moderate, calmer than The Bay |
Video: Cathedral Point (Imsouane) in action
When to surf Cathedral Point (Imsouane)?
The best window: October to April. The spot needs a north-west swell with a minimum 10-15 second period to align on the reef. October-November is the quality peak (size, wind, still mild water). In summer, the spot barely works.
Cathedral Point surf calendar: intensity by month
Forecast and webcam Cathedral Point (Imsouane)
Before heading down to the spot, two useful tools to check the day’s conditions:
- Surfline forecast Cathedral Point : swell, wind, tide forecast and embedded webcam where available.
- Windy weather map (30.8475, -9.8240) : graphic view of swell, wind and real-time weather conditions.
Cathedral Point: which surf level is it for?
Beginners: not the right spot, head to The Bay
Shallow reef, committed take-off, no surf school on the spot. To learn in Imsouane, head to The Bay, which is built for that.
Intermediates: only if your take-off is committed enough
For solid intermediates who can handle a committed take-off on a reef, Cathedral Point is a good place to step up. Wave is readable but faster than The Bay, hollower sections, demanding exit through the rocks.
For Medhi, founder of The Little Kasbah in Imsouane: “Cathedral Point is the most powerful spot in Imsouane, known for its long fast rights and technical sections that suit intermediate and advanced surfers.”
Advanced: the hollower session of the bay
When the swell aligns, Cathedral Point is a fast wave with tubular sections. Lets you work on barrels, floaters and quick manoeuvres. A solid complement to The Bay for an Imsouane trip that covers all profiles.
Medhi also confirms the potential when the swell aligns: “When conditions line up, Cathedral delivers some of the best waves in Morocco, with long, hollow and very consistent walls facing Imsouane’s wild cliffs.”
“Cathedral Point is the most powerful spot in Imsouane, known for its long fast rights and technical sections that suit intermediate and advanced surfers.”
“When conditions line up, Cathedral delivers some of the best waves in Morocco, with long, hollow and very consistent walls facing Imsouane’s wild cliffs.”
— Medhi, founder of The Little Kasbah in Imsouane
How to get to Cathedral Point (Imsouane)
From Imsouane village, walk up the north cliff (rocky path, 15 minutes) or take the upper track in 4×4 (5 minutes). No dedicated parking, leave your vehicle up top and walk down.
On site: no facilities, no shower, no restaurant. Bring everything from the village (5 minutes). No board rental on the spot, come with your own shortboard.
Spot location
GPS coordinates: 30.8475° N, -9.8240° W. 1 km north of Imsouane village.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Which surf camp to surf Cathedral Point (Imsouane)?
Most Imsouane surf camps run Cathedral Point sessions for their intermediate students alongside The Bay depending on conditions. For small family-style outfits in full board, The Little Kasbah is a solid option at the entrance of the village. Our Imsouane surf camp comparison lists the other places we recommend.
Where to stay near Cathedral Point (Imsouane)
The whole village is within 5 to 15 minutes of the spot (depending on your location). For the closest beds, aim for the north cliff guesthouses.
What else to do near Cathedral Point (Imsouane)?
The Bay sits 1 km south (long right point break for all levels), the traditional fishing port and Berber village are right at your door, Tafedna village is 10 minutes away, Essaouira is 80 km north, Agadir 110 km south.
Cathedral Point (Imsouane) FAQ
No. Shallow reef, committed take-off, no surf school on the spot. To learn in Imsouane, go to The Bay, which is built for learning.
October to April for the real sessions. October-November is the quality peak (size, wind, water). In summer the spot barely works (lack of swell).
Shallow reef, possible current on the inside, tricky exit through the rocks. Always surf with someone, watch the line-up before paddling out. Not a spot to surf alone.
From Imsouane village, rocky path 15 minutes on foot via the north cliff, or upper track in 4×4 (5 minutes). No dedicated parking.
3/2 mm wetsuit in winter, shorty or lycra in summer. Shortboard 5’10” to 6’4″ for intermediate to advanced surfers. Avoid long boards which catch the wind and slow the exit.
The Bay for beginners or for long forgiving rides (up to 600 m on a set). Cathedral Point for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for something hollower, faster and potentially tubular.
In short
Cathedral Point is the intermediate-to-advanced version of The Bay in Imsouane. Right hollow point break on a reef, season window October to April, fast and committed waves with potential tubes on aligned days. A good complement to The Bay for a complete Imsouane trip. To book, see our comparison of the best surf camps in Imsouane.