Morocco Surf Travel Guide
Since the 1960’s, Morocco has been an essential destination for European surfers looking to escape the cold winters and go in search of sun, warm water and epic righthand points. Separated from Europe by a mere 13kms of the Straits of Gibraltar in the North, Morocco offers a unique African culture and waves along the length of its 2500 kilometres of coastline. Taghazout in the south, with its famed Anchor Point, is a well-known surf hub, but Essaouir, Rabat, Safi and Casablanca all have waves.
Quick Facts
Sun all year round, but waves are best September through to March
Known for its righthand points, especially in the winter
Surfing opportunities for all skill levels, especially beginner and intermediate surfers
Mix of Arabic and French culture dishes up some of the best cuisine in the world
Where to surf
Surfers will find several first-class surf spots along the whole Atlantic coast, from Tangier to Agadir and further. There are rocky bottoms alternating with sandy ones and reef breaks together with beach breaks, offering surfing opportunities for all skill levels. Morocco is full of point-breaks, and the coastline around the Agadir area is packed with spots that come alive with the swells. The most famous surf spots lie just north of Agadir, around the fishing village and surfing mecca of Taghazout.
Best Surf Breaks
Safi
The best wave in Morocco when huge swells provide 500 metre rides that feature some of the longest tuberides in the world.
Anchors
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.
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.
Imsouane
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
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.
When to go
Surf season for Morocco is best in September through to March when you will find consistent swell, relatively warm water and warm air temperatures. The winter storms in the North Atlantic spin northwest swell down to the points and reefbreaks. Spring and autumn have 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.
Attractions
Hike the Atlas Mountains, visit the famous souk, or market, in Marrakesh, take a camel safari to an oasis in the Sahara Desert, walk the beat generation streets of Tangier or recreate the famous scenes from the movie Casablanca. The kite and windsurfing conditions are also world class and the Moroccan mix of Arabic and French culture dishes up some of the best cuisine in the world.
The Country
Morocco is in North African and has a coastline on both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It has borders with Western Sahara to the south, Algeria to the east and the Spanish North African territories of Ceuta and Melilla on the Mediterranean coast in the north. It has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, a rugged mountain interior and a history of independence not shared by its neighbours. Its rich culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences. A French protectorate from 1912 to 1956, it has been ruled by the Moroccan royal family ever since.
Getting There
Fly into the capital Agadir (AGA) in the South to access the waves around Taghazout or into Casablanca (CMN) for access to the North. Ferries from Spain go to either Tangier or the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
Travel Information
Time Zone
GMT +1
Currency
Dirham
Calling code
+212
Electric
220V