The Bay of Imsouane is the longest wave in North Africa and one of the most accessible point breaks for beginners. A very long right that can hold for 600 metres on a set, sandy bottom, level window from beginner to advanced. If you are looking for a place to take your first surf sessions in Morocco, or simply hold one wave for a full minute, this is where you go.
Located on the Souss-Massa Atlantic coast of Morocco, halfway between Essaouira (UNESCO medina) and Agadir, Imsouane is a former Berber fishing village that became, over twenty years, one of the well-known surf destinations in North Africa. Its sheltered bay, working fishing port and laid-back atmosphere make it one of the popular stops on a Morocco surf trip. Whether you want to learn how to surf, work on your trim along long rights, or simply spend a stay away from beach-resort tourism, Imsouane covers all three.
The Bay (Imsouane) spot characteristics
Imsouane is a small fishing village between Essaouira and Agadir, on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. The Bay is the main bay, sheltered from the dominant north wind, where the swell wraps around the rocky point to form a long, very consistent right. The longest wave in Morocco and North Africa.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wave type | Point break (very long right) |
| Wave direction | Right (can hold 600 m on a set) |
| Ideal tide | Mid tide (workable on all tides) |
| Swell direction | North-west to west (8 to 15 second period) |
| Ideal wind | East, north-east (offshore in the morning) |
| Important info | Long sandy point break, long paddle to the take-off (200-300 m), easy return through the point channel. Family spot with very active surf schools. |
| Best level | Beginner to advanced |
| Wave size | 0.5 to 2.5 m (sweet spot 1 to 2 m) |
| Water temp | 17 to 22 °C depending on season |
| Crowd | High year-round |
Video: The Bay (Imsouane) in action
When to surf The Bay (Imsouane)?
The best window: October to April. Regular North Atlantic swells, water still mild (18-19 °C in winter), wind often offshore in the morning. In summer, the swell fades and the spot runs small (which works well for beginners).
The Bay surf calendar: intensity by month
Forecast and webcam The Bay (Imsouane)
Before heading down to the spot, two useful tools to check the day’s conditions:
- Surfline forecast The Bay (Imsouane) : swell, wind, tide forecast and embedded webcam where available.
- Windy weather map (30.8400, -9.8200) : graphic view of swell, wind and real-time weather conditions.
The Bay (Imsouane): which surf level is it for?
Beginners: this is where you start in Morocco
The Bay is one of the busiest learning beaches in Morocco. Sandy bottom, long forgiving wave, several surf schools running daily lessons. You can stand up on your first whitewater and ride for 30 seconds: few other spots make it that simple.
Intermediates: a long wave to work several manoeuvres
The wave’s length lets you land 5 to 6 manoeuvres on a single ride. For progressing intermediates, this is a solid playground to work on bottom turns, cutbacks and re-entries.
Advanced: full sessions on the good days
When the swell aligns, The Bay rolls out 1.5-2 m rights over 600 m, an interesting playground for advanced surfers. For something more committed in Imsouane, head up to Cathedral Point.
How to get to The Bay (Imsouane)
From Agadir: N1 northbound then the local Imsouane road (signposted). 110 km / 1h30. From Essaouira: 80 km / 1h15 along the coast. A car is recommended but buses are possible from Agadir and Essaouira (CTM).
On site: the whole village is built around surfing — guesthouses, restaurants, schools, gear rental. Several beach shacks rent the board + wetsuit pack for the half-day (~150 dirhams, ~14 €).
Spot location
GPS coordinates: 30.8400° N, -9.8200° W. Imsouane village, 80 km south of Essaouira and 110 km north of Agadir.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Which surf camp to surf The Bay (Imsouane)?
Imsouane has about a dozen surf camps, from very small (around ten rooms) to more structured. For beginners, look for outfits with their school running directly on The Bay. For a family-style atmosphere with full-board pricing, 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 The Bay (Imsouane)
The whole village is within a 5-minute walk of the spot. For the closest beds to the wave, aim for the guesthouses around the port. Higher up on the cliff, you trade direct beach access for a sea view and a 5-minute walk down.
What else to do near The Bay (Imsouane)?
Cathedral Point sits 1 km north (right point break for advanced surfers), the traditional fishing port and Berber village are right at your door, Tafedna village is 10 minutes away, Essaouira is 80 km north (UNESCO medina) and Agadir 110 km south.
The Bay (Imsouane) FAQ
Yes. Long wave on a sandy bottom, several surf schools, friendly atmosphere on the beach. Many surfers ride their first whitewater here in Morocco.
The swell wraps around the rocky point of the bay and unrolls along the sandbank. A geological setup that produces the long right of Imsouane bay, up to 600 m on the standard sets.
October to April for the real sessions. October-November is the quality peak. In summer the swell drops and the spot becomes a beginner playground. Water is between 17 and 22 °C depending on season.
By car (1h15-1h30) or CTM bus. Many surf camps offer transfers from Agadir, Essaouira and Marrakech.
3/2 mm wetsuit in winter, shorty or lycra in summer. Foam board 8’0″ to 9’0″ for beginners (included in every surf camp package). Longboard 9’0″ to make the most of the wave’s length.
The Bay for learning and enjoying the length (forgiving wave, sandy bottom). Cathedral Point for intermediate-to-advanced surfers looking for hollower sections (reef point break, more committed).
In short
The Bay of Imsouane is the long point break of the bay, accessible from beginner to advanced. Right point break, sandy bottom, beginner-to-advanced level window, atmosphere different from beach-resort tourism. This is where you head for your first surf trip in Morocco. To book, see our comparison of the best surf camps in Imsouane.