Surfing first hit Morocco in the late 60s courtesy of European surfers, draft-dodging Aussies and American military types who’d figured out how to swap desk duty for leg-burning righthanders.
They rolled into coastal villages like Taghazout with beat-up vans, dusty feet and images of empty, perfectly peeling pointbreaks.
That said, it didn’t take long for the locals to grab boards, wax up and start dominating the lineups. Fast-forward to now and Morocco offers one of the most diverse, consistent and coolest surf destinations on the planet.
Here’s everything you need to know about your next surf trip to this African surfing paradise.
Why surf Morocco?
World-class waves and righthand point breaks galore!
Morocco is a land of dreamy right hand point breaks. You know? The kind of waves you ride once and talk about forever.
Legendary spots like Anchor Point, Killer Point, Boilers and Draculas serve up long, fast rides that wrap around rocky headlands with mechanical precision.
If you're a regular footer it's a surfer's paradise, but backhand-loving goofy footers will also enjoy their time here.
Reliable swell on the Atlantic coast
Morocco sits perfectly exposed to the North Atlantic, soaking up swell year-round.
The prime surf season runs from October to March, when winter storms light up the coastline. But the summer months can also deliver waves, albeit smaller ones with stronger winds.
Either way, you can almost always find a surfable wave somewhere in Morocco.
It’s affordable and close to Europe
Just a short flight from Europe, Morocco blends surf and travel like nowhere else.
Think slow yoga mornings, tagine dinners and mint tea in the carpark post-session.
Your bank account won't take too much of a hit here either. There are cheap flights from Europe and once you arrive, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how far €20 gets you in one day… especially when combined with an all-inclusive surf retreat or surf trip package.
Main surfing zones in Morocco
Taghazout and Tamraght... the original hippie towns
This is where the surf scene took off.
Taghazout is now packed with surf shops, camps and almost every kind of board you can rent or buy. It can get busy, but that's no surprise given that some of the best waves in the country (and arguably the planet) are right here:
- Anchor Point: The best spot when it’s firing. Long, powerful and ultra-consistent
- Killer Point: Named after the killer whales occasionally spotted offshore. More remote and slightly wilder
- Hash Point: A mellow right near the town centre. Perfect for a cruisy morning
- La Source: Short, punchy right-hander with a reefy setup. Super fun
- Banana Beach: Great for surf lessons and longboard-friendly peelers
Keen for a Moroccan road trip? Check out our upcoming trips.
The (almost) endless rides of Imsouane
Imsouane is a quiet coastal village known for the longest wave in the country.
The bay delivers rides that can last hundreds of meters, making it an ideal surf spot for all levels. Expect soft sand, mellow walls and longboarding bliss.
There’s also a faster and consistent beach break across the headland, call Cathedral.
The laidback surf zone of Sidi Kaouki and Essaouira
Essaouira boasts one of the coolest bays in Morocco. And just south is the laidback village of Sidi Kaouki where you'll find a wide beach and fun waves.
This part of Morocco is more exposed to wind, but that means fewer surfers and lots of open space to catch waves. The surf here is mellow, ideal for beginners and intermediates. And there’s a growing number of surf schools and camps in the area.
- Sidi Kaouki Beach: Long, sandy beach break with multiple peaks. Best on a mid to high tide
- La Grotte: A lesser-known reef break near the cliffs. Can work well on a clean swell
- Essaouira: Great for beginners and kite surfers
- Cap Sim: A more exposed, remote beach that picks up more swell. Needs the right conditions
Desert adventures in the south (Mirleft to Western Sahara)
For those craving empty waves and adventure, head south past the Atlas Mountains and into the desert.
The stretch from Mirleft to Dakhla in Western Sahara is dotted with unexplored reefs, point breaks and sand-bottom setups.
It’s remote, so you’ll need a car, but the payoff is there for those who make the effort.
Learn more about surfing in southern Morocco.
When to surf in Morocco
We run year-round surf trips to Morocco. Here’s what you can expect from each season.
- Winter (Oct–Mar): Peak surf season. Big swells, clean conditions and the best waves of the year
- Spring/Fall: Shoulder seasons can be fantastic with fun-size swells and fewer crowds
- Summer (Jun–Sep): Smaller surf, stronger winds. Still great for beginners and longboarders
Who is it for?
- Beginners: Tons of surf schools and beach breaks for those just starting out. Banana Beach, Panoramas and Imsouane Bay are great waves for learning to surf.
- Intermediates: Morocco is ideal for building confidence, learning to read point breaks and dialling in turns.
- Advanced surfers: When the swell hits, Morocco turns on. Anchor Point, Killers and Safi are as serious as it gets.
- Solo travellers: Surf experience providers (like us!) make it easy to plug in, make new friends and surf great waves without having to stress about where to go
What to watch out for
- Crowds and etiquette: Some of the main surfing spots get busy... especially in peak season. Respect the locals. Don't just paddle out and take the first wave that comes your way. Ease into the lineup and wait your turn. Check out our documentary Arakmaja for more insights into the local surf culture
- Rocks and tricky entries: Many breaks involve reef or rock entries. Booties aren’t a bad idea, especially at low tide, but not essential. Morocco is definitely a good place to hone your paddle-out skills
- Tap water and tummy troubles: Stick to bottled water and skip the street meat unless you’ve got a cast-iron stomach. Bring probiotics or gastro meds. Better to be safe than sorry
- Warm days... but chilly evenings and mornings: Days can be sunny, but winter mornings and evenings are cool. Pack some warm clothes, especially if you’re heading inland or to higher elevation
What to pack for your surf trip
- 3/2mm wetsuit (for winter) or springsuit/vest (for summer)
- Your go-to surfboard plus a backup (or rent locally)
- Warm clothes and a lightweight jacket
- First aid kit (reef cuts, meds, etc.)
- Sunscreen, zinc and lip balm
- Travel insurance that covers surfing in Morocco
- Respectful clothing for visiting towns and villages
FAQ: More info
Q. Is Morocco good for a surf trip?
Yes! Morocco offers waves for all levels, a rich culture and excellent surfing potential. It's within striking distance of Europe and the States. And because it's so consistent, you're pretty much guaranteed good sessions (so long as you travel with people who know where to go).
Q. Can I find surf shops and surfboards in Morocco?
Absolutely. In places like Taghazout, surf shops are everywhere. You can rent, buy or repair boards easily. That said, the range of boards on offer isn't so big. So consider bringing your own if you can.
Q. Is public transport reliable for surf travel?
You can get between major towns, but for surf missions, a rental car or van is the way to go. Especially if you’re heading to more remote breaks. Booking a Moroccan surf trip with us means we handle all of your transport needs.
Q. What about surf lessons and surf schools?
There are loads of options. From beginner-friendly group surf lessons to more intensive week-long surf camps. We offer both surf lessons in Morocco and guiding packages for more experienced surfers.
Q. Is Morocco safe for solo travelers and digital nomads?
Yes. The vibe is welcoming and coworking spots are popping up in places like Taghazout and Tamraght (check out our year-round surf house).
Q. What are the best surf beaches in Morocco?
Anchor Point, Killer Point, Banana Beach, Hash Point, La Source, Imsouane Bay, Safi and Sidi Kaouki are all top picks depending on your level.
Q. Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, especially if you’re surfing. Make sure your policy covers adventure sports and even medical evacuation if you intend on striking out to the more remote surf spots.
Final word
Morocco is a rare blend of world-class waves, deep cultural roots and year-round surf potential. Whether you’re catching your first green wave or chasing your best ride yet, this country delivers!
You'll love the charming fishing villages, the local culture and the brilliantly blue Atlantic ocean that's almost always in frame for your photos. The food is great, the mornings and evenings are magical and the breaks are begging to be surfed.
Are you ready to join a Surf Tribe trip? Let us know! We have Moroccan surf packages to suit your budget and skills.
