What’s Up Surfers!
Before diving into the top 10 surf spots in Morocco, I want to start with something that happened last week. I just watched this German guy get the wave of his life at Anchor Point – we’re talking a perfect 400-meter ride, multiple sections, even managed to get pitted on the inside section. The man was literally shaking with stoke when he paddled back out.
Then he immediately asks me: “Aniss, why isn’t this place as famous as Jeffreys Bay or Ericeira? This wave is absolutely insane!”
Here’s the thing – Morocco’s surf spots ARE world-class, but most surf guides online are written by people who flew in for a week, took some drone shots, and called it research. Meanwhile, I’ve been living and breathing this coastline for over a decade, watching these spots transform wide-eyed beginners into wave-obsessed addicts.
Inside this Article:
Morocco Surf Spots Comparison Chart
Why My Ranking Matters (And Why You Should Listen)
After getting asked “But which spot is ACTUALLY the best?” about a thousand times, I’m finally spilling the beans on my personal ranking of Morocco’s top 10 surf spots. This isn’t some tourist-board approved list – this is the real deal based on which breaks consistently deliver the goods, create the best memories, and capture that indefinable Moroccan surf magic.
Having guided hundreds of surfers from wide-eyed beginners to grizzled wave veterans, I’ve developed what my friends call an “unhealthy obsession” with understanding exactly what makes each Moroccan surf spot tick. I rank these breaks on:
- Wave Quality: Will you stay out until your arms fall off?
- Consistency: Will it fire when you show up?
- Vibe: Is it pure Moroccan surf soul or just another beach?
- Learning Curve: Can beginners progress without getting destroyed?
- Local Love: Are real Moroccan surfers out there, or is it just tourists?
Ready? Let’s dive deeper than a duck dive on a cleanup set…
The Taghazout Area Surf Hub
The beating heart of Moroccan surfing, the Taghazout area offers a concentration of world-class waves, vibrant surf village life, and breaks suitable for almost every level. From iconic points to friendly beach breaks, this is where most Moroccan surf adventures begin.
1_Anchor Point (Taghazout) – The Undisputed King
Anchor Point is why surfers fall in love with Morocco. When it’s on, you can score rides up to 500 meters—like surfing from one end of Taghazout village to the other. Just respect the rocky bottom and timing, and you’ll be grinning ear to ear.
Quick Rating:
- Difficulty: ★★★★☆ (Intermediate to Advanced)
- Crowd Factor: ★★★★★ (Peak season can get hectic!)
- Consistency: ★★★★★ (Rarely disappoints in season)
- Best Season: Oct–Apr (Peak: Dec-Feb)
Aniss’s Bonus Tips:
- New to the spot? Sit on the shoulder and watch how locals position themselves. There’s a rhythm to it.
- Always bring a backup leash and reef-safe sunscreen.
- If the main peak is too crowded, check the inside reform — shorter rides but fewer people.
2_Taghazout Bay – The People’s Champion
Taghazout Bay is surfing democracy—there’s a peak for every level. The vibe is international surf village meets Berber charm, and you can progress daily thanks to multiple beach breaks.
Quick Rating:
- Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (All levels welcome)
- Crowd Factor: ★★★★☆ (The Times Square of Moroccan surfing)
- Consistency: ★★★★☆ (Something for everyone most days)
- Best Season: Year-round (Sep–Apr prime)
Aniss’s Bonus Tips:
- Sunrise sessions are your best friend here — the wind picks up by 11 AM most days.
- Be respectful in the water — with so many beginners, it’s the perfect place to share stoke instead of waves.
- Watch out for foamy boards flying through the air when surf schools are out in full force!
3_Boilers – The Adrenaline Dealer
Boilers’ namesake shipwreck boiler beneath the wave, offering hollow barrels that separate the bold from the broken. It’s powerful, shallow, and unforgettable—if you survive.
Quick Rating:
- Difficulty: ★★★★☆ (Intermediate to Advanced)
- Crowd Factor: ★★★☆☆ (Respect runs high here)
- Consistency: ★★★☆☆ (Tide-sensitive)
- Best Season: Nov–Mar (Winter swells)
Aniss’s Bonus Tips:
- Wear reef booties—urchins are real.
- Observe locals’ takeoff timing.
- Never surf alone—bring a knowledgeable buddy.
4_La Source – The Longboarder’s Paradise
La Source is a step back in time—gentle, honeyed right-handers that reward style over speed. If you crave meditative longboarding, this is your Moroccan nirvana.
Quick Rating:
- Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner-Friendly on longboards)
- Crowd Factor: ★★☆☆☆ (Mellow vibes)
- Consistency: ★★★☆☆ (Works when other spots are too big)
- Best Season: Oct–Apr (Best when Anchor Point is crowded)
Aniss’s Bonus Tips:
- Go retro: single fin and cross-step.
- Escape midday crowds at Anchor Point.
- No shops nearby—pack light.
5_Panoramas – The Consistent Performer
Panoramas is the Swiss Army knife of Moroccan waves—multiple peaks, friendly sandbanks, and the reliability of mint tea. It’s where beginners build confidence and pros dial in their technique.
Quick Rating:
- Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner to Intermediate)
- Crowd Factor: ★★★☆☆ (Popular with surf schools)
- Consistency: ★★★★★ (Reliable as mint tea after a meal)
- Best Season: Sep–Apr (Works year-round)
Aniss’s Bonus Tips:
- Medium-size days shine here.
- Explore shifting sandbanks weekly.
- Locals often warm up here before tackling Anchor Point—join them and learn from the best.
6_Devil’s Rock (Tamraght) – The Reliable Friend
Devil’s Rock delivers consistency and variety—both lefts and rights over sandy peaks. Beginners and intermediates will feel right at home, and you’ll want to return session after session.
Quick Rating:
- Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (All levels with sectioned areas)
- Crowd Factor: ★★★☆☆ (Busy but spread out)
- Consistency: ★★★★★ (The most reliable spot)
- Best Season: Sep–Apr (Can surprise year-round)
Aniss’s Bonus Tips:
- Film from the cliff—views for days.
- Early afternoon low tides often create perfect reform waves on the inside.
- Post-surf snack: grab a sandwich from the bakery across the road—best-kept local secret.
The Imsouane Escape
Further north lies Imsouane, a quaint fishing village famous for one of Africa’s longest rights. It’s a destination in itself, offering both serene, endless rides and a formidable, advanced challenge nearby.
1_Imsouane Bay – Africa’s Longest Right (And Most Photogenic)
The Bay in Imsouane offers endless peelers—on a good day you’ll paddle into rides that last over a minute. Perfect for beginners seeking confidence and longboarders chasing zen among fishing boats.
Quick Rating:
- Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (Beginner-Friendly)
- Crowd Factor: ★★★☆☆ (Getting busier each year)
- Consistency: ★★★★☆ (Works when other spots are too big)
- Best Season: Sep–Apr (Can work year-round)
Aniss’s Bonus Tips:
- Try surfing during midweek if you can — weekends attract crowds from Agadir and Essaouira.
- Stay at a local guesthouse instead of a surf camp if you want authentic vibes and better local insight.
- Don’t forget to take a GoPro — this is one wave you’ll want to relive.
2_Dracula – The Advanced Challenge
Dracula is the dark alter ego of Imsouane—fast, hollow sections that spit only the skilled. It’s isolation, intensity, and reward wrapped in one epic break.
Quick Rating:
- Difficulty: ★★★★★ (Advanced only)
- Crowd Factor: ★☆☆☆☆ (Often empty for a reason)
- Consistency: ★★☆☆☆ (Needs specific conditions)
- Best Season: Nov–Mar (Winter swells)
Aniss’s Bonus Tips:
- Always bring a first-aid kit in your car – trust me.
- Only paddle out if you see others already in the water. If it looks empty, there’s probably a reason.
- If you do surf it, take five minutes afterward to just sit and watch the view — raw nature at its finest.
Further Afield: Big Waves & Unique Vibes
Beyond the main surf clusters, Morocco offers specialized spots for those seeking serious thrills or a unique blend of surf and culture in more distant locations.
1_Safi – The Big Wave Theater
Safi commands respect with its powerful rivermouth peaks. When the Atlantic swells crank up, this industrial port transforms into a big wave playground for the bravest.
Quick Rating:
- Difficulty: ★★★★★ (Advanced to Expert)
- Crowd Factor: ★☆☆☆☆ (Locals and serious surfers only)
- Consistency: ★★☆☆☆ (Fickle but world-class when on)
- Best Season: Dec–Feb (Large winter swells)
Aniss’s Bonus Tips:
- Use a step-up board—the kind you’d ride in Hawaii or Portugal.
- Coordinate with local big wave surfers before making the trip—they’ll tell you if it’s on or not.
- Bring everything you need: wax, water, food, and extra fins. Safi doesn’t forgive poor planning.
2_Essaouira – The Cultural Wild Card
Essaouira flips between windsurfing capital and surprise surf haven. Score glassy winter mornings, then dive into a UNESCO medina rich with art, seafood, and Moroccan flair.
Quick Rating:
- Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (Beginner to Intermediate when conditions align)
- Crowd Factor: ★☆☆☆☆ (Low surf crowds)
- Consistency: ★★☆☆☆ (Wind-dependent)
- Best Season: Winter mornings before wind
Aniss’s Bonus Tips:
- Check MagicSeaweed and Windguru the night before—you’ll only get a few magic windows per month.
- Surfboards are harder to find here, so bring your own if possible.
- Spend time exploring the medina post-surf for full immersion.
Morocco Surf Spots Comparison Chart
| Spot | Best For | Difficulty | Crowd | Consistency | Best Season | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor Point | Intermediate-Advanced | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Oct-Apr | 500m rides |
| Imsouane Bay | All Levels | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Sep-Apr | Longest rides in Africa |
| Taghazout Bay | All Levels | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Sep-Apr | Surf village vibe |
| Boilers | Intermediate-Advanced | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Nov-Mar | Hollow barrels |
| Devil’s Rock | All Levels | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Sep-Apr | Most reliable |
| La Source | Longboarders | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Oct-Apr | Retro longboard wave |
| Panoramas | Beginners-Intermediate | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Sep-Apr | Perfect learning wave |
| Dracula | Advanced | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Nov-Mar | Heavy barrels |
| Safi | Advanced-Expert | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Dec-Feb | Big wave spot |
| Essaouira | Intermediate | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Winter | Cultural experience |
FAQ
Q: Is Morocco good for beginner surfers? A: Absolutely! Spots like Imsouane Bay and La Source offer gentle, consistent waves that make learning fun. For a complete beginner’s roadmap—from gear to top spots—check out my first article: Surfing in Morocco for Beginners: A Local’s Ultimate Guide.
Q: What equipment do I need to surf in Morocco? A: A 3/2mm wetsuit covers most seasons, a soft-top or longboard for stability, reef-safe sunscreen, and a reliable leash. Many surf schools include gear rentals, but bringing your own ensures the perfect fit.
Q: When is the best time of year to learn surfing in Morocco? A: Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) balance warm water, manageable swells, and fewer crowds—ideal for beginners learning at beaches like Taghazout Bay and Devil’s Rock.
Q: Which spots are safest for first-time surfers? A: Mellow beach breaks with sandy bottoms—like the Bay at Imsouane and Panoramas—are the safest picks for newbies. Always check tides and take a lesson before paddling out.
Q: How much do surf lessons cost in Morocco? A: Prices range from €20–€40 per lesson, depending on location and group size. Packages with multiple lessons and board rentals can bring the cost down significantly.
Conclusion
Morocco isn’t just a surf destination—it’s a surf experience. From the endless peelers of Imsouane to the raw power of Boilers, these 10 spots offer adventure, culture, and the magic of a coastline still largely untamed by mass tourism.
Ready to chase these waves? Check out our Beginner’s Guide or message me at BerberWaves to plan your surf trip. Catch you in the lineup—Yalla, let’s paddle out!
By Aniss AG – Professional Surf Instructor & Morocco Guide with 10+ Years Experience. Aniss has been teaching surfing in Morocco since 2013 and runs guided surf experiences along the Moroccan coast through BerberWaves. When not in the water, he can be found drinking mint tea at Taghazout’s Sunset Point, probably talking about the next swell forecast.