Morocco surf forecast

Surfing in Morocco

Morocco's surf coast faces west and north-west into the North Atlantic, and most of its best waves come from north-westerly groundswell sent down by low-pressure systems far to the north. PeakWave groups the coast into three local areas: Taghazout and Agadir, Essaouira Coast, and Mirleft and Sidi Ifni.

Around Taghazout the coastline bends so that a run of right-hand points, including Anchor Point and Taghazout itself, peel along rock and reef. They need a solid west or north-west swell, with easterly winds blowing offshore, to work properly. Tide matters at the points: low to mid tide generally works best, while higher tides can bring backwash off the rocks. These are intermediate to advanced waves, with sea urchins, sharp rock and busy line-ups at the best-known breaks, so reef boots are worth packing. About an hour's drive north, the long right in the bay at Imsouane wraps over sand in a sheltered corner, so it is far gentler and suits improvers and longboarders.

Further north, Essaouira is an exposed beach break with near-constant trade winds through spring and summer, which makes it better known for kitesurfing and windsurfing than for surfing. Sidi Kaouki, 25 km to the south, is a more reliable beach break with lefts and rights, usually cleanest in the morning before the wind picks up. Mirleft, south of Agadir, is a quieter cluster of beaches and points.

Winter, roughly October to March, brings the biggest and most consistent swell. Summer is smaller and better for learners, though onshore winds are common later in the day, so early sessions are usually cleaner. Water runs from about 16 to 21°C through the year. Agadir airport is the main gateway, around 45 to 60 minutes by road from Taghazout.