Morocco’s Atlantic coast is a paradise for surfers, offering some of the best surf spots in the world. With its consistent waves, diverse breaks, and stunning coastal scenery, Morocco has become a global surfing destination, attracting surfers of all levels—from beginners to pros. The country’s coastline stretches for over 3,500 kilometers, offering an incredible range of surf conditions, from mellow beach breaks to powerful point breaks.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, Morocco’s surf spots promise an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best surfing locations along Morocco’s coast, showcasing the waves, the culture, and the incredible surf atmosphere that make Morocco a must-visit destination for surfing enthusiasts.
Taghazout: Morocco’s Surf Capital
Taghazout, located just north of Agadir, is often referred to as the surf capital of Morocco. This small fishing village has evolved into one of the world’s most famous surf destinations, attracting surfers from all over the globe. Taghazout’s coastline is dotted with a variety of surf spots, offering something for everyone—from beginners to advanced surfers.
Popular Surf Spots in Taghazout:
Anchor Point: One of the most famous point breaks in Morocco, Anchor Point offers long rides with powerful left-hand waves that break over a rocky reef. This spot is ideal for experienced surfers looking for challenging waves.
Panorama Beach: Known for its mellow right-hand point break, Panorama is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. It offers long rides and a beautiful view of the surrounding hills.
Hash Point: This spot offers more powerful waves than the typical beginner breaks in Taghazout, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. It has both right and left-hand waves and is less crowded than Anchor Point.
Killer Point: For advanced surfers, Killer Point offers consistent and powerful waves, making it one of the best spots for a high-quality surfing experience.
Taghazout is also home to a vibrant surf community, with a variety of surf camps, schools, and shops offering rentals and lessons. The laid-back vibe, coupled with the stunning beach views and excellent surf conditions, makes Taghazout a top choice for surfers looking for the ultimate surf experience in Morocco.
Essaouira: A Windsurfing and Surfing Haven
Located on the western coast of Morocco, Essaouira is a city known for its windsurfing and kitesurfing as much as it is for its historic medina and beautiful beaches. The winds in Essaouira make it a perfect destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but it also offers some great waves for regular surfers.
Popular Surf Spots in Essaouira:
Sidi Kaouki: Located about 30 kilometers south of Essaouira, Sidi Kaouki is a laid-back surf spot that offers long, sandy beaches and consistent left and right-hand waves. The beach is less crowded than other famous Moroccan surf spots, making it perfect for surfers looking for a more relaxed experience. Sidi Kaouki is ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers but also offers fun waves for more advanced riders.
Essaouira Beach: The beach in Essaouira itself offers a range of surf conditions, from small, gentle waves for beginners to more powerful breaks for experienced surfers. The beautiful backdrop of Essaouira’s medina and historic ramparts adds to the charm of surfing here.
Essaouira is also a cultural hub with a unique blend of Berber and Portuguese influences, making it an interesting place to explore after a day of surfing. The city’s laid-back atmosphere, stunning scenery, and excellent waves make it a top surf destination on Morocco’s coast.
Imsouane: A Hidden Gem for Longboarders
Imsouane, located between Taghazout and Essaouira, is a hidden gem for surfers, particularly those who love longboarding. Known for its long, mellow rides, Imsouane is a great spot for both beginners and experienced surfers looking to enjoy some epic wave rides. The beach is relatively quieter compared to Taghazout, offering a more relaxed and intimate surf experience.
Popular Surf Spots in Imsouane:
The Bay: The Bay of Imsouane is a long, left-hand point break that offers incredibly long rides—sometimes up to 500 meters. It’s perfect for longboarders who want to enjoy long, smooth rides in an uncrowded spot.
Cathedrals: A more advanced spot, Cathedrals offers powerful waves that break over a reef. This spot is ideal for surfers looking for a challenge, offering both left and right-hand waves.
Imsouane’s secluded feel, stunning coastal views, and mellow vibe make it a fantastic destination for surfers seeking a quieter, less commercialized surf experience. Whether you’re cruising on a longboard or chasing faster waves, Imsouane has something for every surfer.
Mirleft: Surfing Off the Beaten Path
Located just south of Sidi Ifni, Mirleft is a charming coastal town known for its stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and a laid-back surf atmosphere. Although Mirleft isn’t as popular as some of the other Moroccan surf destinations, it offers some great waves and a quiet, relaxed environment that attracts surfers looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Popular Surf Spots in Mirleft:
Imin Turga: This spot offers both left and right-hand waves, with a mix of beach and reef breaks. It’s perfect for surfers looking for a less crowded, more challenging surf experience.
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah: A quieter beach that offers mellow waves suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Mirleft’s calm and laid-back vibe, combined with great surf conditions and less crowded beaches, makes it an ideal spot for those who want to get away from the crowds and experience a more authentic Moroccan surf experience.
Agadir: A Surf Destination for All Levels
Agadir, one of Morocco’s most famous beach destinations, is known for its golden beaches, warm weather, and relaxed atmosphere. While Agadir is more developed than other surf towns, it still offers excellent surf conditions, particularly for beginners and intermediate surfers. The city is known for its consistent waves and warm water, making it an ideal surf destination year-round.
Popular Surf Spots in Agadir:
Tamraght: Located just north of Agadir, Tamraght is home to several good surf spots, including Banana Beach and Devil’s Rock. These spots offer mellow beach breaks, making them perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers looking to improve their skills.
Agadir Beach: The main beach in Agadir itself offers a variety of wave conditions, from gentle rides for beginners to more powerful waves for advanced surfers.
Agadir’s combination of good surf conditions, vibrant city life, and warm weather make it a popular destination for both tourists and surfers looking for a convenient base to explore the surrounding surf spots.
Ras Lafaa: Safi’s Hollow Reef Break
Ras Lafaa sits just north of the coastal city of Safi, facing the full force of northwest swells. It’s famed for its heavy, barreling lefts peeling over a shallow reef—best reserved for experienced surfers chasing steep, fast waves.
Popular Waves at Ras Lafaa:
Main Left: A hollow, punchy left-hander that breaks best on a mid to high tide—expect fast sections and potential barrel rides.
Inside Beach Break: Just inside the reef, sandbars produce more forgiving lefts and rights at lower tides, offering a slightly mellower alternative when the reef is firing.
When to Go: October through March, when winter swells send consistent NW energy into the bay and morning offshore winds create clean, powerful barrels.
Dakhla: Desert Peninsula Perfection
At the edge of the Sahara, the Dakhla peninsula juts into the Atlantic, creating a unique surf playground framed by desert dunes and turquoise lagoons. Surfers here can choose between the glassy, flat-water playground of the lagoon—ideal for learners and longboarders—and world-class reef and point breaks on the ocean side that deliver powerful, barreling waves.
Popular Surf Spots in Dakhla:
Golf Beach (Lagoon): Gentle, rolling waves perfect for beginners and longboarders, set against a backdrop of kite surfers skimming over crystal-clear water.
Labrador: A reliable right-hand reef break offering long, hollow barrels; best suited for experienced surfers chasing quality, uncrowded waves.
Pirate Beach: A more secluded beach break with punchy peaks—great when the main reef spots are crowded and you’re craving a bit of solitude.
When to Go:
March through August, when steady trade winds and consistent swells converge. Morning sessions often reward you with glassy conditions, and water temperatures hover comfortably in the mid-20 °C range.
Morocco’s Atlantic coastline is a surfer’s paradise, offering a diverse range of surf spots that cater to all skill levels. From the world-class waves of Taghazout to the tranquil beach breaks of Sidi Kaouki, Morocco offers an unforgettable surfing experience, combined with stunning coastal scenery and a rich cultural backdrop.
Whether you’re looking to ride the long, mellow waves of Imsouane, chase the power of Mirleft’s reefs, or simply relax on the golden sands of Agadir, Morocco has something for every surfer. With its consistent waves, beautiful beaches, and vibrant surf culture, Morocco is undoubtedly one of the best surf destinations in the world.