Since the 1960s, legions of wave riders have crossed the Straits of Gibraltar, escaping the European winter in search of warm waters, sunny skies and epic right-hand point breaks. Along Morocco's 2,500 kilometres of coastline, surf meccas abound and it’s rapidly establishing a reputation as one of the world’s best surf destinations.
As the towering Atlas Mountains slope to the sea, they form long sandy beaches and deep underwater trenches. This topography churns out endless waves with glassy faces and wide periods - a surf factory for every level.
Most famous are the breaks around Taghazout (including legendary Anchor Point), which draws surf enthusiasts of all levels from around the globe. Yet waves also roll through Essaouira, Safi and Mirleft for those wanting to escape the crowds.
With its alluring mix of North African culture and consistent surf, Morocco remains a must-visit destination for surfers seeking adventure.
Read on to discover the best surf spots in Morocco and the ideal time to visit for pumping waves.
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Taghazout
Though once known for its calamari and free-spirited hippies, today Taghazout has become Morocco's top surfing destination. It abounds with surf schools and yoga studios, making it the perfect place to put down roots for a week or two and just enjoy the laid-back vibe.
Of all the points dotting the coast, none is more iconic than Anchor Point. On a good day, its sand and reef bottom churns out overhead barrels, steep takeoffs and carving sections that live up to the hype. If you're choosing just one spot to experience the best Morocco has to offer advanced surfers, Anchor Point takes the crown.
Lesser known is Boilers, a legendary break named after the boiler of a sunken shipwreck that lurks just below the water's surface. While undeniably alluring, Boilers is not for the faint hearted. Strong currents and shallow reefs make for tricky - and dangerous - conditions, especially on bigger days. But for advanced surfers willing to take the risk, the reward is long, tubing barrels of epic proportion.
Mellower is Hash Point, a right-hander that got its reputation from all the surfers too relaxed from Morocco's famous crop to walk up to Anchor Point. With its fun peaks and zippy sections, this spot comes alive with playful walls perfect for intermediate surfers. La Source is another suitable spot for those with a bit of experience and offers both playful rights and elusive lefts.
On the southern edge of Taghazout is Panoramas, a right-hand point break that’s a gem of a spot for intermediate surfers looking to sharpen their skills. The atmosphere here is chill and it's surprisingly uncrowded compared to nearby breaks, despite being within walking distance of most accommodation.
This two-hour surf lesson in Taghazout is a great option for beginners taking their first steps and includes instruction, board rental, a wetsuit and transportation.
Looking for accommodation in Taghazout? This list details some of the Best Places to Stay in Taghazout for surfers and non-surfers alike.
Morocco top surfing destinations
Tamraght- Aourir
Just to the south of Taghazout lies the small village of Tamraght, which is set atop a picturesque hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Clustered with pink houses, it has a more local vibe than Taghazout, with just a handful of surf camps and hotels. Tamraght lies alongside the town of Aourir where you’ll find an ATM, a petrol station and a bustling weekly market that’s not to be missed.
The breaks around Tamraght and Aourir are more suited to beginner and intermediate surfers, with the most popular among surf camps being Cro-Cro. Whether you're learning your first pop-up or carving off the lip, the gentle peelers at Crocodiles will to the trick. The right-hand point break of Banana Point offers more of a challenge but the takeoff is smooth and once you’re up and riding, the walls offer nice open faces for doing drawn-out turns and manoeuvres.
Imsouane
With its idyllic setting on Morocco's northwest coast, Imsouane is a surfer's paradise, particularly if you’re into longboarding! This sleepy fishing village offers waves that seem to go on forever, with rides up to 2.5 minutes on the right day. Tucked between Essaouira and Agadir, Imsouane has remained relatively untouched by mass tourism, although that may be set to change with recent developments.
The main attraction is the long right-hand point break of La Baie. When the Atlantic swells meet the low tide, peeling waves emerge, rolling smoothly down the point as far as the eye can see. Surfers flock here to tick off their bucket list dream of riding one of the world's longest waves. The nearby beach break of Cathedrals offers a mellower option, with a left-hand point break on its northern end.
Best places to surf in Morocco
Essaouira
Famed for its windy conditions, Essaouira is more suitable for kitesurfers but still delivers a few options for boardriders looking to develop their skills. It’s a great destination if you want to combine a couple of surf lessons with cultural explorations in one of Morocco’s most enchanting cities. But it’s probably not the most epic surf destination in itself.
Most Essaouira surf lessons take place in the small but fun conditions of Plage Essaouira, which is the city’s main beach. For bigger waves, head to the more exposed section of the beach known as Plage Tagharte. A rocky track leads south from Essaouira to Cap Sim, a fickle wave that barrels with the right conditions.
Want to escape the crowds? I recommend this two-hour surf lesson in Essaouira, which will get you away from Plage Essaouira to a quieter spot.
Around 30 minutes’ drive south of Essaouira is the village of Sidi Kaouki, which is rapidly establishing itself as the premier surf destination on this stretch of coastline. It boasts five or six peaks that will appeal to more experienced surfers, particularly at the northern end of the bay. There’s a growing number of surf camps here offering lessons and board rentals.
To learn more about why Essaouira is one of Morocco's must-visit destinations, check out this Ultimate Guide to Essaouira. It details things to do, the best time to visit and incredible places to stay.
Top surf destinations in Morocco
Safi
A two-hour drive north of Essaouira or south of Casablanca will bring you to the charming coastal town of Safi. This unassuming seaside spot boasts world-class waves that can swell over 16 feet high and barrel for up to 500 metres. In-the-know surfers flock here to ride the hollow tubes generated by these towering waves.
Over the years, Safi has gained a reputation amongst the international surfing community as a premier big-wave destination. With its strong rips, tricky breaks and lurking rocks, this spot is tailored to advanced surfers looking to push their skills. If you want to escape the crowded lineups of Taghazout, make your way to Safi for one of Morocco’s most epic surfing experiences.
Mirleft
On Morocco's southern coast, Mirleft enjoys year-round waves for all skill levels but without the crowds of Taghazout. From September to April, swells generated in the North Atlantic deliver dream conditions to the region's breaks. But even in the summer, there are playful waves perfect for beginners.
Sidi Ifni's iconic right-hander runs over a rocky bottom but the village also boasts two lefts and a beach break for added variety. Legzira has a fun right-hander that’s suitable for intermediate wave riders while Aglou Plage is an exposed beach break that works well on small swells. The nearby village of Tifnit has a couple of reef breaks going both left and right, plus a beach break that occasionally barrels.
To learn more about visiting Mirleft, including how to get there and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Mirleft and Sidi Ifni.
Best surf spots in Morocco
When is the best time to surf in Morocco?
If you want to catch the best waves in Morocco, plan to visit between September and April. This prime surf season brings together all the elements for an epic session - consistent swell rolling in from winter storms up north, relatively warm water temperatures and pleasant air temps. While summer's flat spells and gusty winds typically deter surfers, the ocean is always full of surprises. With a little luck, a glassy summer wave may just be waiting for you.
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