A Guide to Surfing in Morocco: Taghazout and Beyond
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| Main surf hub | Taghazout and surrounding coast (Agadir region) |
|---|---|
| Best season | September to April for consistent swells |
| Water temperature | 16 to 22 degrees depending on season (wetsuit needed October to May) |
| Surf lesson cost | 300 to 500 MAD for a half-day group lesson |
| Surf camp cost | 3,000 to 7,000 MAD per week including accommodation, lessons, and some meals |
| Other surf spots | Imsouane, Sidi Kaouki, Essaouira, Mehdia (near Rabat) |
Morocco’s Atlantic coast produces some of the most consistent surf in the Northern Hemisphere. Point breaks, reef breaks, and beach breaks stretch from Tangier all the way south to Dakhla, with the concentrated hub around Taghazout, roughly 20 kilometres north of Agadir, drawing surfers from around the world between September and April.
Taghazout: The Main Event
Taghazout is a former fishing village that has been transformed by surf tourism. The main breaks, Anchor Point (a long right-hand point break), Killer Point (a powerful reef break), and Hash Point (a mellow right-hander), are all within walking distance of the village. The wave quality at Anchor Point on a good day rivals anything in Europe. The village itself has a laid-back atmosphere with cafes, yoga studios, and surf shops lining the main road.
Surf camps are the most popular accommodation option. A week-long package including accommodation, daily lessons or guided sessions, equipment rental, and some meals costs 3,000 to 7,000 MAD depending on the quality of the camp. Surf Maroc, Amouage, and HashPoint Surf Camp are among the better-known operators.
Other Spots
Imsouane, 90 minutes north of Agadir, has one of the longest right-hand point breaks in Africa. The wave is mellow and long, making it ideal for longboarders and intermediates. The village is smaller and less developed than Taghazout. Sidi Kaouki, south of Essaouira, has a wide beach break whose suitability depends on swell, tide and currents and a growing scene of small guesthouses and surf schools. Essaouira itself has a city beach that works for windsurfing and kitesurfing more than surfing, though waves do arrive.
Practical Information
Wetsuits are needed from October through May. Water temperature drops to 16 degrees in winter. Spring suits (3/2mm) suffice from September to November and April to May. Full suits (4/3mm) are recommended December through March. Most surf camps provide wetsuit rental. Board rental from shops in Taghazout starts from around 100 MAD per day, depending on the board and the shop. Agadir is the nearest major airport. Check transfer time from your actual starting point; buses and taxis take different amounts of time, and airport travel is longer than the drive from northern Agadir. Confirm instruction, rescue arrangements and insurance for surfing; official advice highlights variable activity safety standards and strong coastal currents.
Where to stay: Taghazout or Agadir?
Your surf plans may point towards Taghazout, but a city base can work better for other parts of a holiday. See Agadir vs Taghazout before booking accommodation, particularly if you are travelling with non-surfers or without a car.
Practical Tips
- Beginners: book instruction and let the school choose a suitable beach for the day's swell, tide and currents. Sand underfoot does not make a break safe.
- Bring reef booties for Anchor Point and Killer Point. The rocks are sharp.
- The Taghazout morning surf session starts at sunrise. Be on the point by 7am for the best conditions before the wind picks up.
- Non-surfing partners have options: yoga classes, argan oil cooperatives, hikes, and the Agadir beach are all nearby.
- Respect the lineup. Taghazout locals surf here every day. Do not drop in on someone else's wave.