Surf Morocco

Best Surf Spots in Morocco: Where to Surf

The best surf spots in Morocco are on the Atlantic coast, which stretches for more than 2,000 km: powerful right-hand points and reefs for experts, a long mellow bay for longboarders and sandy beaches for beginners. Most surf trips go to Taghazout and Imsouane.

This guide to where to surf in Morocco covers the main spots, which level each one suits, when to go and where beginners should start. It was written by the team at ChillOut Surf Camp in Taghazout Bay, so the notes come from people who surf and teach on this coast.

  • Best seasonOctober to April
  • Biggest swellDecember to February
  • BeginnersTaghazout Bay and Imsouane
  • ExpertsKiller Point, Dracula, Safi
  • CoastMore than 2,000 km of Atlantic
  • AirportAgadir Al Massira (AGA)

Surf spots in Morocco

The best surf spots in Morocco at a glance

Morocco has hundreds of waves, but a handful of spots draw most surfers. Use this table to compare them, then read the details below.

SpotAreaWaveLevelBest time
Taghazout BayNorth of AgadirMore than 20 spots: points, reefs and beach breaksAll levelsOctober to April, beginners all year
ImsouaneNorth of AgadirVery long, mellow right (the Bay) and a hollow reefBeginner to intermediate in the BayWinter swell
Anchor PointTaghazoutRight-hand point break over rockIntermediate to expertWinter swell
Killer PointTaghazoutBig right with a long tube over reefExperiencedClean swell
DraculaTaghazoutHollow, powerful rightExperiencedMay to October
SafiSafiHeavy right-hander with long tubesExperts onlyLarge winter swells
MehdiaNorth of RabatHollow beach break by an estuaryConfident surfersHigh tide, especially summer
Sidi KaoukiSouth of EssaouiraPowerful shore break with a strong currentExperiencedAsk locals before you go

Conditions change with the swell, tide and wind. Always check a live forecast and ask locals or your instructor before you paddle out.

Surf spot in Morocco

Taghazout Bay

Taghazout Bay, about 40 km north of Agadir, has more than 20 surf spots along a short stretch of coast. You find right-hand points, reefs and long sandy beaches, so it suits every level, from a first lesson to a heavy reef session.

It also has hotels, hostels and surf camps in Taghazout and Tamraght, plenty of surf schools and easy transfers from Agadir airport. Read our complete guide to surfing in Taghazout for every spot, or Tamraght vs Taghazout to choose where to stay.

  • LevelAll levels
  • Best seasonOctober to April
  • AirportAbout 30 to 45 minutes
Aerial view of the long sandy beach and coastline of Taghazout Bay, Morocco
The long sandy coastline of Taghazout Bay

Surf spot in Morocco

Imsouane

Imsouane is about 100 km north of Agadir and is a favourite with beginners, improvers and longboarders. It has two main spots. The Bay is one of the longest and most forgiving waves in Morocco: a flat, mellow wave of more than 800 metres. The Reef is hollow and powerful in winter and only for experienced surfers.

Not sure whether to base yourself here or in Taghazout? Read Imsouane vs Taghazout.

  • BayLong, mellow right
  • ReefHollow, experienced only
  • DistanceAbout 100 km north of Agadir
Lines of swell rolling into La Baie in Imsouane seen from the cliff
Lines of swell rolling into La Baie in Imsouane

Surf spots in Morocco

Anchor Point and Killer Point

Anchor Point is the most famous wave in Morocco, a right-hand point break near Taghazout. It was named after old anchors that dragged on the rocks near a fish-packing plant. The wave peels for 200 to 300 metres over rock, with a nice tube section at the start. Today it is busy, with several surf schools in the water, but it is still an amazing wave.

A little further north is Killer Point, a big right with a big tube and fewer people in the water. Both waves break over rock and need an experienced level.

  • Anchor PointIntermediate to expert
  • Killer PointExperienced
  • BottomRock and reef
Two surfers on the rocks at Anchor Point as a long right-hand wave breaks, Taghazout, Morocco
Surfers on the rocks watching Anchor Point break

Surf spots in Morocco

Dracula, Safi, Mehdia and Sidi Kaouki

These four spots are further from the usual surf-camp routes. Most are for experienced surfers, so read the notes before you go.

Dracula

A less crowded spot just outside Taghazout. It takes its name from the tooth-shaped rocks under the water, and sea urchins live there too. It is a hollow, powerful right of great beauty, but it is dangerous and needs a confirmed level.

  • LevelExperienced
  • Best timeMay to October

Safi

The Moroccan wave that surfers dream about. A long, heavy right at the bottom of a cliff that only works on large swells and gives tubes that can last more than 15 seconds. There can be strong currents at ebb tide.

  • LevelExperts in good shape
  • Best timeLarge winter swells

Mehdia

A beach break about 30 km north of Rabat, on the edge of an estuary. The wave is hollow and quite intense at high tide, especially in summer. It tubes on the right, with openings on the left.

  • LevelConfident surfers
  • Best timeHigh tide, summer

Sidi Kaouki

A small village south of Essaouira. The main beach has a powerful shore break and a strong current, so it is not a good choice for beginners. Better waves are a few hundred metres to the north, but they are harder to reach.

  • LevelExperienced
  • WavePowerful shore break

Plan your trip

Which Morocco surf spot for which level

Pick a spot that matches your skills and the conditions of the day.

Beginner

You are learning to stand up or you ride whitewater. Choose a sandy beach, surf with an instructor on a soft-top board and pick small days.

Good spots: Taghazout Bay beaches, Imsouane Bay

Intermediate

You catch green waves, turn both ways and can paddle back out through the break. Choose your tide and swell carefully and avoid the busiest peaks.

Good spots: Imsouane Bay, Anchor Point on moderate days

Advanced and expert

You are comfortable on rock, in current and in powerful surf. Go in winter, check the forecast daily and never surf the big spots alone.

Good spots: Killer Point, Dracula, Safi, Imsouane Reef

Travel info

Morocco surf season

Beginners and improving surfers find waves all year round, almost anywhere on the west coast. The high season for good surfers is October to April. December, January and February are the peak of the swell, and the Atlantic can send waves up to 5 metres.

The north-west facing coast around Casablanca and Rabat gets more swell than the south-west facing points around Agadir. Summer is smaller and gentler, which suits beginners and longboarders.

Surf student riding a wave during a lesson in Taghazout Bay, Morocco
A student riding a wave during a surf lesson in Taghazout Bay
PeriodSwellCrowdsWater
October to NovemberBuilding, consistent groundswellModerateAbout 20 to 22 degrees
December to FebruaryPeak size and consistencyBusiestAbout 17 to 19 degrees
March to AprilStill reliable, tapering offModerateAbout 18 to 20 degrees
May to SeptemberSmaller and less consistentQuietestAbout 19 to 22 degrees

New to surfing?

Where beginners should learn in Morocco

For a first surf trip, Taghazout is the easiest choice. It has beginner-friendly beaches, instructors for every level, and good food and places to stay. Don't paddle out alone: a qualified instructor chooses the right spot for the day.

At ChillOut Surf Camp in Taghazout, lessons are in small groups of 6 students per instructor, 2 hours a day, and all levels are welcome. See our surf lessons in Taghazout, the surf camp packages, or read how to get to Taghazout.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to surf in Morocco?

Taghazout Bay has the most variety, from beginner beaches to famous points like Anchor Point. Imsouane is known for one of the longest and most forgiving waves in Morocco, and Safi is the choice for experts who want heavy tubes.

When is the best time to surf in Morocco?

The high season is October to April, with the biggest swell from December to February. Beginners find small, friendly waves all year, and summer is the quietest time.

Is Morocco good for beginner surfers?

Yes. The sandy beaches around Taghazout Bay and the Bay at Imsouane have gentle waves, and there are many surf schools. A lesson with a qualified instructor is the safest way to start.

Which Moroccan surf spots are for experts only?

Killer Point, Dracula, Safi and the Reef at Imsouane break over rock and can be powerful and dangerous. They need experience and a good level of fitness.

What wetsuit do I need to surf in Morocco?

A 3/2 mm wetsuit covers most of the season. Add a 4/3 mm or a hooded vest for December to February. Most camps rent boards and wetsuits.

Ready to surf in Morocco?

Pick a package with lessons, meals and accommodation, or send us your dates and questions and we will help you choose.

View surf camp packages Ask us a question