Best places to surf in Morocco + eco-friendly hotels and resorts
Looking for the best places to surf in Morocco? Discover all of this North African nation’s most legendary breaks and eco-friendly hotels for a sustainable stay.
As the Atlas Mountains slope down to meet the Atlantic Ocean, they give way to long, sandy beaches and deep underwater trenches. Morocco’s coastal topography churns out endless waves, creating what is a surf factory.
Since the 1960s, European wave riders have been crossing the Straits of Gibraltar in search of Morocco’s warm waters and epic right-hand point breaks.
Now, the word is well and truly out and surfers flock from around the globe to surf Morocco’s coastline. Including us!
We were lucky enough to live in Morocco for several years and surf many of its incredible waves. Honestly, we think it’s a dream destination if you’re up for a North African adventure.
Most famous among the country’s surf destinations is the village of Taghazout, which has become a hotspot for surf camps and schools. But sublime waves can also be found further afield, catering to those in search of a less-crowded experience.
In this article, discover the best places to surf in Morocco for all levels, as well as eco-friendly accommodations for a sustainable stay.
Looking for the best places to surf in Africa? Check out our detailed guides to South Africa, Mozambique, Ghana and Senegal.
This article contains affiliate links, which means when you make a purchase through that link, we earn a small commission. Affiliate links come at no cost to you and ensure our content remains free!
Taghazout
Best place to surf in Morocco for a surf town vibe
Once a small fishing village, Taghazout now teems with surf schools, yoga studios and inspiring hotels. At the heart of its allure is the diverse array of surf breaks, each offering a unique challenge and experience for surfers of all skill levels.
The most famous of these is Anchor Point, a legendary spot known for its steep takeoffs, overhead barrels and carving sections.
On a good day, the sand and reef bottom create the kind of wave that surfers dream about. It really is a thrilling ride that lives up to the hype.
Boilers (named after the boiler of a sunken shipwreck) is another legendary wave that demands respect. The strong currents and shallow reefs here create dangerous conditions, especially on bigger days.
But for experienced surfers willing to take the risk, the reward is epic, tubing barrels of the highest order.
For those looking for a more mellow vibe, Hash Point offers the perfect alternative. This right-hander gained fame as the spot where surfers too relaxed from smoking Morocco’s cannabis crop would congregate, drawn by its fun peaks and zippy sections.
La Source is another suitable spot for intermediate surfers. Here, you’ll find playful rights and elusive lefts that cater to those with a bit of experience under their belt.
On the southern edge of Taghazout lies Panoramas, a right-hand point break that’s a gem for intermediate surfers looking to hone their skills. That being said, it can get busy – it’s one of the easiest waves to access on foot from the village centre.
Eco-friendly places to stay in Taghazout for surfers
Paradis Plage Surf, Yoga & Spa $$$
An upmarket eco-resort in Taghazout with beach bungalows and villas. Paradis Plage also offers yoga classes, a spa and a farm-to-table restaurant.
Munga Guesthouse $$
This highly-rated Taghazout guesthouse features eclectically decorated rooms and sunny patios with views of the waves. Additionally, there are two restaurants on site.
Happy Surf Hostel $
Budget-friendly doubles, twins and dorms await at this Taghazout hostel. Additionally, there’s a mural-filled lounge and a communal kitchen for cooking up post-surf meals.
Discover more highly-rated and inspiring places to stay in Taghazout here.
Tamraght-Aourir
Best place to surf in Morocco for an authentic village atmosphere
Just south of Taghazout, the laid-back village of Tamraght offers a more local experience for travellers and surfers alike. Perched atop a coastal hillside, Tamraght features pink-hued houses clustered together in a compact setting that immediately feels Moroccan.
While Taghazout has become increasingly popular with international surf camps and hotels catering to all sorts of travellers, Tamraght has a more relaxed vibe. There are only a handful of surf camps and lodgings scattered throughout the village, although this is increasing day by day.
Just next door, the neighbouring town of Aourir provides essential amenities like an ATM, a gas station and a lively weekly market that’s not to be missed.
For surfers, the waves around Tamraght and Aourir tend to be gentler. Most are well-suited for beginners and intermediate-level wave riders.
Cro-Cro is one of the more popular breaks amongst surf camps in the area and can get busy by mid-morning. Those seeking more of a challenge can venture over to the consistent right-hand point break of Banana Point.
Best places to stay in Tamraght-Aourir for surfers
Maison Darna Guesthouse $$
A hidden guesthouse in Tamraght decorated with local textiles and breezy hammocks. Delicious family-style meals are served at dinnertime.
Travel Surf Nature $
An eco-conscious hostel in Tamraght with comfortable dorms and an ethos around sustainability.
Paddle Out Morocco $
A budget hostel in Tamraght with sun-drenched patios and communal spaces designed for surfers of all abilities.
Imsouane
Best place to surf in Morocco for longboarders
If you’re a longboarder, then make a beeline for Imsouane, a small fishing village on the route that connects Essaouira with Agadir.
It’s home to one of the longest waves in Morocco. When the conditions align, you can experience rides of up to 2.5 minutes – something that most surfers can only dream of.
While La Baie is the most famous wave in Imsouane, there’s also Cathedral, a right-hander that can withstand swells up to three metres. It’s more technical than Imsouane’s mellow bay waves. But on smaller days, it’s equally as accessible.
Goofy footers can challenge themselves on the Reef, which barrels on bigger swells. Meanwhile, the Oued river mouth produces gentle waves that are ideal for beginners.
While Imsouane has long been known for its coastal charm, it has recently undergone significant changes. At the start of 2024, the government bulldozed many dwellings in preparation for modern developments.
That being said, there are still a handful of traditional surf houses in the village that are keeping its spirit alive as one of the best places to surf in Morocco.
Best places to stay in Imsouane for surfers
Berber Beldi Camp $$
A traditional tented camp in Imsouane with all the modern conveniences, just a short drive from the breaks.
Moroccan Surf House $$
Beautifully decorated doubles, twins and dorms await at this Imsouane surf house, together with views across the breaks.
Tigmi Blue $
An affordable Imsouane surf hostel with a blue-hued sun terrace and board rentals.
Essaouira – Sidi Kaouki
Best place to surf in Morocco for kitesurfers
Essaouira is a coastal Moroccan city that has earned a reputation for its consistently windy conditions. This makes it one of the best places for kitesurfing in Morocco.
The city also offers a few options for those looking to develop their board riding skills. That being said, it may not be considered the most epic surf spot in the region.
The city’s main beach, Plage Essaouira, provides small but fun surf conditions. It’s well-suited for surf lessons and beginner-friendly sessions.
For those seeking larger waves, the more exposed section of Plage Tagharte can deliver substantial swells, though the conditions can be fickle and unpredictable.
Venturing a bit further south from the city, a rocky track leads to Cap Sim. Its wave can barrel impressively when the swell and wind conditions align.
About 30 minutes’ drive south of Essaouira lies the village of Sidi Kaouki. It’s quickly establishing itself as the best place to surf near Essaouira.
Sidi Kaouki boasts five or six distinct peaks that will appeal to more experienced surfers, particularly at the northern end of the bay.
As a result, a growing number of surf camps have set up shop in Sidi Kaouki. All offer lessons, board rentals and easy access to the consistent waves.
Best places to stay in Essaouira + Sidi Kaouki for surfers
Riad De La Mer $$
At this Essaouira riad, you’ll find Alantic Ocean views within an 18th-century Jewish merchant’s house in the heart of the medina.
La Maison des Vagues $
Serene rooms with a sunny terrace and rooftop pool await at this Sidi Kaouki guesthouse, all just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Dav Mahal Eco Lodge $
This Essaouira eco lodge features sustainably designed earth domes, a solar-heated hammam and a communal kitchen. Ideal for yoga and surf retreats.
To learn more about why Essaouira is one of Morocco’s must-visit destinations, check out this Essential Guide to Essaouira. For more Sidi Kaouki hotel inspiration, head here.
Safi
Best place to surf in Morocco for experienced surfers
Located halfway between Essaouira and Casablanca, Safi is a hidden gem that has captured the attention of the global surfing community.
This bustling port is home to some of the most challenging waves in the country. That being said, it remains off-the-beaten-surf-camp track.
Surfers who make the journey to Safi may be rewarded with waves that can barrel for up to 500 metres. It’s a technical ride even for the most seasoned surfers. Over the years, this rugged surf spot has developed a reputation amongst the international surfing community as a big-wave destination.
The power of Safi’s waves can be impressive, with the walls of water generated by a combination of strong ocean currents, unique underwater topography and Atlantic Ocean swells.
For advanced surfers seeking to push the boundaries of their skills, Safi is the place to head. It’s also a great place those seeking to escape the crowded lineups and tourist-heavy vibes of Taghazout.
Best places to stay in Safi for surfers
Dar Dada $$
A beautifully decorated two-bedroom apartment in Safi with all the modern conveniences.
Riad Ennaciri $$
A newly renovated Safi apartment with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of traditional Moroccan touches.
Mirleft
Best place to surf in Morocco off-the-beaten-track
On Morocco’s sun-drenched southern coastline is the charming seaside town of Mirleft. Unlike the bustling crowds and packed lineups of more famous spots further north, Mirleft offers a peaceful, uncrowded surf experience year-round.
From September through April, powerful swells generated deep in the North Atlantic make their way to the region. These can deliver dream conditions to the area’s diverse array of breaks.
Waves peel endlessly down the point, offering a challenge for experienced surfers. Meanwhile, the gentler peaks provide the perfect canvas for beginners to hone their skills.
Even in the summer months when the Atlantic’s energy subsides, Mirleft still boasts a bounty of playful, waist-to-chest high waves.
Further down the coast, the whitewashed town of Sidi Ifni also boasts several surf beaches. Aside from a long, winding right-hander, there’s also a pair of quality left-hand waves that will appeal to goofy footers.
To the south is Legzira, which boasts a fun, rippable right-hander that’s well-suited for intermediate surfers. And just a stone’s throw away, the exposed beach break at Aglou Plage comes alive on small to medium swells.
Rounding out the region’s surf bounty is the nearby village of Tifnit, home to a couple of reef breaks running both left and right.
Best places to stay in Mirleft for surfers
Kasbah Tabelkoukt $$$
Perched atop a cliff, this enchanting Mirleft hotel features individually decorated rooms, cosy fireplaces and an outdoor pool.
Logis La Marine $$
Situated directly on the beach, this whitewashed Sidi Ifni hotel boasts a breezy coastal aesthetic and a sunny interior courtyard.
Tifawin Home and Garden $
Peaceful rooms with private patios await at this Mirleft guesthouse, all in a gorgeous garden setting.
To learn more about visiting Mirleft, check out this Essential Travel Guide to Mirleft and Sidi Ifni. For Mirleft accommodation inspiration, head here.
When is the best time to surf in Morocco?
While you can surf in Morocco throughout the year, the prime surf season stretches from September through to April. This is when all the essential elements converge to create the ideal conditions.
As winter storms rage up north, they generate consistent, powerful swells that roll in steadily from the open ocean. While the Atlantic waters may be chilly in the middle of winter, the temperatures are still relatively mild, especially compared to surf destinations further north.
Air temps are also pleasantly warm and the crowds are typically thinner than in the peak summer months of July and August.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH OUR FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
Find hotels and resorts via Booking or Agoda
Book tours and experiences via Viator or GetYourGuide
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
By purchasing through our links, you’ll be supporting our website at no additional cost to you
About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
-
Neoprene wetsuits: Environmental impacts + alternatives
Concerned about the environmental impacts of neoprene wetsuits? Discover sustainable alternatives for eco-conscious surfers. Providing insulation and protection, wetsuits are an essential item. This is particularly true if you’re surfing and diving in cool-climate environments, like us! On most days, we don’t venture out in anything thinner than a 4mm wetsuit. In winter, it’s more…
-
What is Green Fins? Sustainable marine tourism in action
Want to reduce your environmental impact while diving and snorkelling? Discover everything you need to know about Green Fins and the certification process for operators. Our coral reefs are amazingly biodiverse and teeming with life, home to species found nowhere else in our oceans. But as magical as they are, scuba diving and snorkelling can…
-
9 eco-dive resorts in Southeast Asia: Sustainable scuba vacation
Looking for eco-dive resorts in Southeast Asia? Discover our top picks for sustainable stays in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar. If you want your next Southeast Asia dive vacation to leave the destination better than you found it, we’ve got good news! There’s an increasing number of eco-friendly dive resorts popping up in…
-
STOKE certification: Battling greenwashing in surf tourism
What is STOKE certification? Discover its role in battling greenwashing in surf tourism + STOKE-certified resorts for your next surf trip. With so much greenwashing and the word “sustainability” appearing everywhere, it can be hard to know if a business is genuinely eco-conscious. The same applies when it comes to surf resorts. Are they really…
-
What is PADI AWARE? A scuba-led movement for marine life
What is PADI AWARE? Discover everything you need to know about this scuba-led movement to protect and preserve our marine environments. Uniting scuba divers worldwide in a bid to protect our oceans, the PADI AWARE Foundation is a nonprofit that champions marine conservation. Through their partnership with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), they…
-
8 sustainable surf resorts in Costa Rica for an eco-conscious stay
Planning an eco-conscious surf trip to Central America? Discover 8 sustainable surf resorts in Costa Rica to keep your environmental footprint to a minimum. For us, Costa Rica is a paradise. With miles of largely uninhabited coastline and world-class waves, this Central American gem has become one of our favourite surf destinations. Whether you’re a…
