Surfing in Taghazout, Morocco: A Comprehensive Guide

Nov 06, 2025 0

Taghazout is Morocco’s serene fishing village that has transformed into a surf haven and co-working hotspot. From our first trip in 2017, Taghazout was our favorite part of Morocco, and it is exciting to see how things have evolved!

Why Taghazout is a Surfer's Paradise

Taghazout is the ideal place to try surfing for the first time because of its consistent, beginner-friendly waves. It's a good place for ‘soft surf.’ The prime time for surfing in Taghazout runs from late September through April, when powerful Atlantic swells light up the region’s right-hand point breaks like Anchor Point and Killer Point.

Even if you are an experienced surfer, you’ll likely find the surf at Panorama Beach too mellow for your tastes. Before I went to Taghazout, I’d never surfed before and had no idea if I’d like it. For our first time surfing, we hired a surf instructor who showed us what to do.

Surfing in Taghazout is more than just waves; it’s an immersive wellness experience blending surfing, yoga, and overall health.

After gaining some surf experience in Indonesia and South Africa, I was eager to take classes again. So, I decided to head to Morocco to improve my surf skills and to escape the European cold. I stayed at the Surf Berbere surf camp in Taghazout, surfing almost every day! It was the perfect winter break.

Read also: Morocco Surf Trip

Taghazout has enjoyed legendary status for decades as a place to escape the European winter blues and surf the great pointbreaks clustered around the famous Anchor Point. Known as 'Madraba' in Arabic and called 'Ikhflout' in the local Berber tongue, Anchors (or Ankas) has the ability to hold huge waves and break down the perfectly angled headland for over a kilometre. Just to the north, past the reefs of Mysteries and La Source is another great, righthand pointbreak called Killers.

It is this concentration of quality that has attracted surfers to this mellow fishing town, which has rapidly been metamorphosing into a bustling surf hub, with ever-increasing numbers of surfers, surf camps, surf schools and even hi-end hotels. There are more waves in town like Hash Point and Panoramas, then miles of beginner and intermediate beachbreak running south past Tamrhakht to Banana Village at Aourir.

Aside from Anchor and Killer Point, these warm, green walls are powerful yet accessible to accomplished intermediates and provide a relatively safe environment to improve their pointbreak skills, at least when it's small.

How To Get To Taghazout? - Water Sports Haven

Best Time to Surf in Taghazout

It’s possible surf year-round in Taghazout, but the surf season typically runs from October to April, when the swells are at their peak. Taghazout’s year-round mild climate makes it a great destination any time of year. Outside the surf season, the climate is perfect for time on the beach and enjoying the laid-back vibe.

The village gets busy during the Christmas and New Year holidays. That said, we found the Christmas to New Year period a bit too busy for our liking. The village can feel crowded and it can be hard to get tables at restaurants. It is, however, not a big party place so expect a ‘tame’ New Year’s Eve.

Read also: Surfing in Casablanca

Taghazout Surf Spots

The Taghazout surf map is peppered with all sorts of waves. In fact, the variety of breaks here is one of the reasons the town has become such an African surf mecca in recent decades. Regular riders who love dipping frontside into barrels get a whole load - Morocco is the land of the right-hander. But there are some good lefts on the reefs to find, along with great beginner beach breaks.

Here are some of the notable surf spots in and around Taghazout:

Taghazout Beach: In the village itself, is the small bay of Taghazout Beach. The beach is lined with blue fishing boats who bring their daily catches back to sell here. The waves here tend to be flatter, good for swimming and paddle boarding.
Panorama Beach: Less than a 5-minute walk out of the village is the expansive Panorama beach which literally goes for as long as the eye can see. This beach is often busy with surfers near to Taghazout. There’s a boardwalk stretching for 6km along the beach connecting Taghazout to Tamraght.
Anchor Point: A medium to large, long-period NW swell is what’s needed to light-up this world-class right. Anchor Point sits only a whisker to the west of the village. You might even be able to see it from the rooftop bars of the surf schools in Taghazout. And boy does it make good watching! The break pretty much sums up what it means to go surfing in Morocco. It’s a peeling, long-ride right that comes off a rocky headland that acts like a natural harbour wall. The take-off is right out at the end of the stone, where you can drop in on a perfectly shaped wall that gets hollow and fast. Surprisingly, the bottom is sand, so there is some room for error. Best swell heights are up to 10-12 foot here, which is regular in the winter months.
Killer Point: Just to the north of Anchor Point is another great, righthand pointbreak called Killers. The name should say it all: Killer Point - arguably the heaviest and most pitching point break in the region. The truth is, the spot is named after the resident pod of orcas that sometimes pass through. Still, the way this wave can pack a punch even on low N-NW swells is pretty impressive. Even the paddle out is a muscle-burner, taking up to 20 minutes on the biggest days. True to its Moroccan style, it’s mainly a fast right, but also has a quick left if you’re up to it.
Hash Point: Hash Point is the final right-hand point break that works on the Taghazout headland as you come into the town. It’s sort of the de facto main village break and where you’ll catch all the local groms ripping it after school. It lives up to its name - which apparently it got because it’s the place where the spliff-smoking folk went after deciding they couldn’t be bothered making the trip to Anchor Point - by being a fattish right hander with more laze about it than other points in the region. It’s not the best in Morocco by any stretch but it’s playful, semi-mellow and still has some nice sectioning on bigger days. We rate it as a great option for improvers ready to move up from the beginner spots on Taghazout Plage. Also, we could sit in the cafes overlooking Hash Point with a mint tea and a book and watch all day.
La Source: Depending on the height, the much-loved break at La Source can host all levels of rider. What typically puts the local Taghazout surf schools off is the hard rock-reef floor that rolls underfoot. But that shouldn’t deter you if you’re keen to hit a reef break, because La Source is actually relatively forgiving and fun.
Mysteries: We’ve seen both sides of Mysteries. Big NW swells get it firing like a whirlpool at the take off as the water sucks off the mixed reef-sand bottom between Anchor Point and Killer Point. When it’s like that it’s one of the most technical take-offs in the area, though the wally shoulder that follows isn’t actually that hard. Big, yes. Slabby, yes. When Mysteries gets small, the spot can be good fun for less-experienced intermediate surfers.
Panorama: Technically speaking, Panorama is the last inside section of the same point that makes Anchor Point. Don’t make the mistake of thinking these will ever connect. This isn’t the Superbank. You’ll have to head south of Taghazout onto appropriately-named Panorama Beach to get here. You can walk it from some camps but better to take a car since the wave tends to be too steep close in to the cliffs. Head down the beach a bit and you can pick off nice mellow right shoudlers that refract into the bay. The rides aren’t ever going to change you life like they might up in Anchor, but it’s fun and playful and sectiony. Watch out for head-on W swells, which will close it out.
K17: K17 is worth knowing about if you’re a complete beginner or improving intermediate looking for some cruisy beach breaks. On a long, sandy beach, this one cooks up plenty of separate peaks that offer a little punch in the middle of the winter high season and good whitewash for the summer.
Devil’s Rock: Don’t be put off by the name - Devil’s Rock is actually among the more easy-going of the points on the Taghazout surf spots map. Located on the long plage to the south of the town, it’s a sand-bottomed beach break that breaks low and slow. The direction is mostly from left to right but there are good winter A-frames to boot. Prime height is around the chest to head and you can expect rides of between 50-100m if you manage to get up and sit in the pocket.
Banana Beach: The lovely little (and yes, it probably is the littlest around) wave at Banana Beach is the beginner mecca of Tagazhout. It’s actually closer to the nearby village of Tamraght, and a mere 20 minutes’ drive from Agadir city and about 15 mins from Taghazout’s center. The accessibility of it all does tend to up the crowds. In fact, the line up at Banana is almost always packed, but there’s a healthy contingent of surf schools so novices have no call to be daunted.

Surf Camps and Lessons

Taghazout is awash with surf instructors. Many hotels in Taghazout and neighboring Tamraght run week-long surf camps, usually including daily surf lessons, accommodation and full board. They look awesome, but can be pricey during high season.

Here are some highly-rated surf camps and schools in Taghazout:

Surf Berbere
A good option for budget-conscious travelers, Surf Coast Morocco offers packages starting at €83 per night, including daily surf lessons and yoga sessions.
A favorite among solo travelers, Wave Gypsy provides personalized surf coaching and intimate yoga classes.
The Kekai Surf House offers affordable accommodations and flexible surf lessons.
Combining 3 star accommodations (if staying in a private room) with daily surf lessons and yoga sessions, Dfrost Almugar is perfect for those seeking to be right on the beach.

Accommodation in Taghazout

Dozens of surf camps operate from Taghazout to Tamraght and offer everything from budget accommodation to all-inclusive packages. Lessons and yoga are a big part of many camp deals. Long-standing operator Surf Maroc has multiple locations around Taghazout with all-inclusive packages fr $620. Their recently completed 4-Star hotel Amouage offers extremely high levels of luxury and catering with the best views of Anchor, along with the first alcohol license in town. Accommodation ranges from dorm rooms to palatial suites and prices can include your fully catered daily surf tours for all levels.

Here are a few highly-rated accommodations:

Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay: This 5-star resort sits on a hill overlooking the coast of Plage Tagazhout, combining modern design with Moroccan flair. Due to our Globalist status we were upgraded to a lovely suite with ocean views. What makes this Hyatt Place interesting is that it’s the only one worldwide considered a resort.
Fairmont Taghazout Bay: A 5-star resort with upscale amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options.
Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort & Spa: This beachfront 5-star resort and spa has stylish rooms, an infinity pool, and a prime beachfront location.
Chiwash Place Taghazout: is considered the best non party hostel near Plage Taghazout. As we mentioned above, Chiwash Place offers comprehensive surf and yoga packages as well. There are dorms or private bedrooms which have a chill atmosphere. The food is divine and is included in most of the packages.
Roof House Hostel Taghazout: This hostel offers economical accommodations in a dorm setting or a private room with easy access to the beach and surf spots.

Food and Drink

You’ll want to try the traditional Moroccan dishes, from tagines to Friday couscous. Almost every meal is served with round Moroccan bread.

Here are some recommended places to eat:

Red Clay Cafe: Taghazout’s best cafe by a long shot. Their Moroccan-style burritos, homemade cinnamon buns and proper coffee (flat whites and iced americanos) are not to be missed. The cafe is entirely vegan, but trust us the food is the best in town.
Surf Berbère: For the best tagine in town, head to Surf Berber. You’ll dine outdoors on the terrace, layered with patterened rugs, cushions and low tables around a fire pit.
Windy Bay: This spot is perfect for Western comfort food like granola, pizza, and omelettes. They do serve tagines, though these are on the plainer side.
Pizza Hot: A no-fuss, budget-friendly option for a quick takeaway pizza. You’ll always get a piping hot, freshly made pizza.
Sunset Restaurant: it is a good place for a simple lunch or dinner while watching the sun dip below the horizon from their patio (although the restaurant is not on the water).
Restaurant Taghazout Chez Titrite: A good option for omnivores and vegans alike.

Taghazout has a small selection of spots where you can buy alcoholic drinks:

World of Waves: World of Waves his well-known for its amazing location with al fresco seating overlooking Taghazout Bay.
Amouage by Surf Maroc: Amouage’s hip bar and outside terrace is the perfect place for a sundowner. They serve beer, wine and cocktails in a stylish setting with panoramic views over the coast. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll want to linger long after the sun goes down.
D’Frost Almugar: A chilled bar with a terrace overlooking the sea.

Other Activities in Taghazout

We happily filled our days in Taghazout with beaches, surf, walks, spas and pottering around. Taghazout’s vibe is as much about wellness as it is about surf. There are yoga classes on at lots of place but Amouage Hotel is one of the most talked about in town. The Amouage Hotel also offers massages starting at 250 MAD (~€25) for a 30-minute back massage in their small basement treatment room.

Here are some other activities to consider:

Yoga: Lots of yoga options in Taghazout! Surf Berbere offers daily sunset yoga sessions and twice a week a sunrise yoga session.
Visit Paradise Valley: A short trip inland takes you to Paradise Valley where you’ll find palm groves, natural pools and waterfalls.
Hiking: About an hour drive from Plage Taghazout is an area called Timlaline. Local operators will take you here for camel riding, sand surfing, ATV riding and visiting some local caves.
SunDesk Co-working: Taghazout’s SunDesk is a dream for digital nomads. What makes SunDesk special, perhaps unique among co-working spaces, is that it’s designed in a way that encourages authentic social engagement between travellers from many different backgrounds.

Getting to Taghazout

The nearest airport to Taghazout is Agadir Al Massira Airport, just a 50-minute drive from Taghazout. If you’re based in the UK, there are direct flights from London Gatwick and Manchester airports to Agadir, taking around 4 hours one-way.

Bus: Bus #32 runs from Agadir’s Place Salam to Taghazout and the Tamri bus #33 stops in Taghazout as well.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Here are some handy tips to make your trip to Taghazout smooth and enjoyable:

Money: Taghazout still mainly operates on cash with only a few of the higher-end hotels and restaurants accepting card. Two ATMs are now available in the village, so no need to stress about withdrawing money in advance.
What to Pack: Bring sunscreen, hand sanitiser, comfortable shoes, flip-flops, swimwear and a few layers for cooler evenings.
Clothing: Taghazout is more relaxed than other parts of Morocco, but it’s still a conservative country, so dressing modestly is a sign of respect. Swimwear and bikinis are normal on the beach, and relaxed beachwear like shorts and t-shirts are common around the village.
Haggling: Haggling is normal and warmly embraced in Morocco! Except to haggle with shop owners selling ceramics, rugs, clothing and similar, as well as with local vendors selling wares around town. A good rule of thumb is to aim for about a third of the original price quoted.
Alcohol: Morocco is a Muslim country and alcohol is not widely available in Morocco as Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol. Public drinking is considered culturally inappropriate and you should not drink on the beaches or streets. However, licensed hotels, bars and restaurants in tourist areas do serve alcohol to visitors on their premises.
Water and Food Hygiene: Tap water is not safe to drink in Morocco. You should use bottled water for drinking and for brushing your teeth. Like the rest of Morocco, food hygiene is not particularly good in Taghazout and food poisoning is common. Stick to hot, freshly cooked meals, and steer clear of salads or anything that doesn’t look freshly prepared.
Safety: Taghazout is generally safe, but keep your valuables secure, especially when out on the water or in crowded spots.

General Information

Category	Information
Tourists	12,289,000
Population	36,910,560
Currency	MAD
Exchange rate	$1 = 10 DH MAD
Dialing in	+212
Dialing out	00
Emergencies	177
Language	Arabic, French, Berber
Visas	Most passport holders do not need a visa. A free "visa waiver" is issued at customs and allows tourists to stay in Morocco for 90 days.

Taghazout is one of our favourite places in Morocco because it feels so safe and laid-back. Whilst it’s common to be followed in the medinas of Marrakech and other Moroccan cities by local men hoping to make a few dirham, this isn’t the case in Taghazout. Taghazout is the perfect blend of charm and convenience.