Morocco, a vibrant North African country, has become a sought-after destination for surfers from around the globe. With its extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco offers a diverse range of surf spots suitable for all skill levels. From beginner-friendly beach breaks to challenging point breaks, there's something for every surfer in this exotic locale.
Why Morocco is a Surfer's Paradise
Morocco's appeal as a surf destination lies in several factors:
- Consistent Swell: The country receives consistent swells from the North Atlantic, particularly during the winter months.
- Variety of Breaks: Morocco boasts a wide array of surf breaks, including point breaks, beach breaks, and reef breaks.
- Affordable Travel: Compared to other surf destinations, Morocco offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Rich Culture: Beyond surfing, Morocco offers a unique blend of Arabic, Berber, European, and African cultures, providing a truly immersive travel experience.
Best Time to Surf in Morocco
The prime time for surfing in Morocco is during the winter months, from September to March. During this period, consistent swells from the North Atlantic roll in, providing powerful and reliable waves. The winds are calmer, and the water and air temperatures remain relatively warm. Spring and autumn offer similar conditions with hotter air temperatures, less consistent swell and fewer crowds. The summer months with its flat spells and stronger winds is generally avoided by surfers.
Top Surf Spots in Morocco
Morocco's coastline is dotted with numerous surf spots, each offering its unique charm and challenges. Here are some of the most popular and highly-rated surf destinations:
Taghazout and Tamraght
Taghazout and Tamraght are the epicenter of the Moroccan surf scene. Taghazout, a handsome little Berber fishing town with paint-peeling boats next to fantastic right-left peeling waves over both sand and reef. Tamraght is right next to Taghazout and many people talk about the two as if they were the same, is a drawn out village spread across a few sandy hills about 400m back from the beachfront.
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Anchor Point: Arguably the most famous wave in Morocco. It is a long world-class righthand point break with long, mellow walls providing some of the best fast peeling barrel sections. Anchors is suitable for long and short board riders, intermediate to advanced only. Anchor Point is Morocco's most legendary wave. It's a long right point that runs along a rock shelf, with hollow sections and lots of room for high-performance surfing.
Killers: Another famous sand bottomed world class righthand point break, just north of Anchors where 250 metre rides are likely when there’s decent swell. One of the main point breaks in Taghazout and the most open to swell, Killers lies at the centre of Moroccan surfing. It is a long, powerful right point that can handle the biggest swells, and can be more challenging than Anchors' more groomed lines.
Imsouane
Imsouane is the Moroccan king of point breaks. Laying claim to one of the longest right-handers in North Africa, it has a take-off next to a headland on the south side of town and a ride that can hold up for nearly a whole kilometer as it stretches over the bay. One of the longest rights in the world, perfect for beginners, intermediates and longboarders. Can turn to world class when the swell gets big enough
Sidi Kaouki
We have a real soft spot for Sidi Kaouki. It’s not the best wave in the world, but it doesn’t pretend to be. What’s more, the setting could hardly be more atmospheric: An age-old Sufi tomb marks the headland with its arabesque design and adobe walls. Just below that is where you’ll be surfing, on a long beach that has multiple peaks. The most consistent is the reef area on the north end (close to the shrine), but you can find mushy waves and even some glassy points as you move further south.
Tafedna
We hail Tafedna as one of the best-kept secret surf towns on the Moroccan Atlantic. Your jaw will drop when you drive the corner and gaze across the 2.5-mile bay. It’s wonderfuly, beset by high cliffs, wild desert landscapes and shifting dunes. There’s a very nice right point break right by the village, plus endless peaks up and down the sandy beach for all levels. It’s never busy.
Read also: Morocco Surf Camp Guide
Other Notable Surf Spots
- Safi: The best wave in Morocco when huge swells provide 500 metre rides that feature some of the longest tuberides in the world.
- Banana Point: Mellow right-hand point that breaks over sand, long walls perfect for longboarders.
- Tamri: A friendly beach break suitable for all levels, Tamri is a swell magnet - one of Morocco’s best beach breaks. Always offshore in the mornings.
- Boilers: Fast, long righthand point break with a great inside barrel section. This is one of the most consistent breaks and is recommended for intermediate to advance due to the currents and rocks. Offshore most of the time.
- Mysteries and the Source: Beautiful right-hand reef with sand channels. Steep and hollow take off then mellows into a fun and very rippable right hand wall.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the best surf breaks in Morocco:
| Surf Spot | Wave Type | Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor Point | Right-hand point break | Intermediate to Advanced | Long, world-class wave with mellow walls and barrel sections. |
| Killers | Right-hand point break | Intermediate to Advanced | Powerful wave that can handle big swells. |
| Imsouane | Right-hand point break | Beginner to Intermediate | One of the longest waves in Africa, perfect for longboarders. |
| Tamri | Beach break | All Levels | Friendly wave, great for beginners. |
| Boilers | Right-hand point break | Intermediate to Advanced | Fast wave with a great barrel section. |
| Safi | Point break | Advanced | Longest tuberides in the world. |
Where to Stay in Morocco
The key to picking a place to stay for any Moroccan surf holiday is to pick somewhere near the beach. Towns like Taghazout and Imsouane have plenty of options.
- Amouage (Anchor Point): A new hotel that opened up four months ago or so at the bottom of Anchor Point. It’s right on the water with an infinity pool that spills out into the ocean.
- Ocean Surf House (Tamraght): A chilled pad with a rooftop hammock area for chilling post surf. Nice design.
- Tasguayan Maison de Charme (Tafedna): A proper Berber adobe hotel with chic cottages and rooftop tea areas overlooking the sand.
- Ifni Surf (Sidi Ifni): Lead the way here.
- GOLVEN: A very cool, all-new surf camp that’s doing everything just about right, GOLVEN isn’t too big and isn’t too corporate.
- Blue Kaouki: Arguably the best couples’ surf hotel in the country, this is part boutique pad, part surf camp.
Surf Camps in Morocco
Morocco is the surf-camp capital of Africa. Relatively easy access for Europeans looking to escape the icy North Atlantic in the winter plus a low cost of living have helped it get there. Here are some popular surf camps in Morocco:
- 8 Day Unique All-Inclusive Surf Camp in Tamraght: One of the highest-rated surf camps in Morocco that exists.
- 5 Day Epic Surf Camp in Tamraght with All Ride: A shorter package that includes four lessons and transport to and from all breaks
Getting Around Morocco
Buses are okay in Morocco. They can ferry you from town to town, so long as you don’t mind being cramped up for long journeys. Those with surfboards in tow typically hold out for private transfers or organise arrivals with their surf camp.
Car rental: Any car would work just fine, there are little dirt roads you have to go down, but you don’t necessarily need a 4×4. A truck is probably preferred, though.
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Other Activities in Morocco
Beyond surfing, Morocco offers a wealth of cultural and recreational activities:
- Explore Marrakesh: Visit the bustling markets, sample local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
- Hike the Atlas Mountains: Embark on a trek through the stunning Atlas Mountains, experiencing the region's natural beauty and Berber culture.
- Visit Essaouira: Explore the historic town of Essaouira, known for its wind-lashed beaches and charming medina.
- Camel Safari in the Sahara Desert: Take a camel safari to an oasis in the Sahara Desert
- Walk the beat generation streets of Tangier
- Recreate the famous scenes from the movie Casablanca
Tips for Surfing in Morocco
- Respect the Locals: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and show respect to the local surfers in the lineup.
- Bring Appropriate Gear: Pack a versatile quiver of boards to suit the different wave conditions, as well as a good wetsuit for the winter months.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.
- Be Aware of the Environment: Help keep the beaches clean and protect the marine environment.
- Learn Some Basic Arabic Phrases: Knowing a few basic Arabic phrases can go a long way in enhancing your interactions with locals.
With its consistent waves, diverse surf spots, and rich culture, Morocco offers an unforgettable surf trip experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you're sure to find your slice of surfing paradise in this captivating North African nation.
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