Learn to surf in Morocco at one of these top spots

It was a four-day surf trip to Taghazout that had me pack up life in the UK and start afresh in Morocco. That was July 2018, I was 39 years old and a complete beginner surfer. Fast-forward to 2025, I’m an avid surfer who has spent seven years learning to surf along Morocco's Atlantic coastline.

Learning to surf can be hard, especially as an adult; requiring consistent and regular practice. It also requires waves; beginner-friendly waves, and different types of waves; beach breaks, point breaks, left-handers and right-handers, so you can learn to read the ocean and be confident in multiple conditions. Access to quality equipment and affordable instruction can also really progress your level.

Morocco offers all of the above, as well as (almost) year-round sunny weather, and even warmer hospitality that makes learning to surf a joy.

1. Taghazout

Best for independent travelers

Taghazout is a fishing village and thriving surf community that regularly hosts global surfing events, such as the World Surf League’s Taghazout Pro. The main street and beachfront boardwalk are lined with surf-centric hotels, yoga studios, surf schools, independent cafes and some licensed restaurants and bars, like Amouage. Stay in a hostel overlooking the ocean, and walk to beginner-friendly waves at Hash Point or Panorama, the latter a right-hand point break with sandy-bottomed beach breaks that are ideal for learners.

Getting there: Fly to Agadir, then it’s a 1 hour drive.

Planning tip: Book early in European school holidays.

Where to try it: Amayour, one the original surf businesses in the town has a family-run hostel and surf school.

2. Tamraght

Best for solo travelers

Tamraght village itself is set back from the ocean making it a 15-minute walk to the surf. However, once at the beach, beginners can choose from; Devils Rock, a point break with left and right-hander beach breaks; Crocs, a rare left-hander in Morocco; and Banana Beach, a sandy beach break. Most surfers here book learn-to-surf packages with accommodation that includes meals, surf, yoga and transfers. Consider if you prefer small or large groups; a family feel or party crowd.

Getting there: Fly to Agadir, a 50-minute drive away.

Planning tip: Not up for a surf camp? Book lessons via a surf school that will pick-up/drop-off at your accommodation. Shaka Surf School’s small-group policy means a maximum of six students per instructor.

Where to try it: Surf & Friends Lodge is a beautiful surf house, professionally-run with a rooftop pool.

3. Rabat

Best for a city-and-surf vacation

Morocco’s easy-going capital city has some of the country's most fascinating UNESCO-protected historic sites, such as Chellah and Kasbah des Oudayas. There’s also a diverse food scene, great shopping, vibrant nightlife and a city center beach. Oudaya beach is perfect for learning to surf, with the majestic Kasbah des Oudayas as a backdrop, beginner surfers can practice their pop-up on a beach break protected from swells by defensive sea walls. You’ll be sharing waves with Rabatis, residents of the city who flock to the beach before and after work. Oudaya has a fun, more-local-than-touristy vibe, expect lots of smiles and high fives!

Getting there: Fly to Casablanca, then it’s an hour from Rabat by road or rail. Alternatively, Rabat Airport is serviced by regional low-cost and domestic flights.

Planning tip: Surfing everyday? Stay at a traditional riad in the medina – a 5-minute walk to Oudaya beach.

Where to try it: Rabat Surf School offers private or group lessons, with lockers, showers and changing facilities on Oudaya beach. Bargain prices, from 90Dh (US$10) per person for a 90-minute group session including rental.

4. Imsouane

Best for aesthetes

On a clear day, taking in the Imsouane panorama from the cliff, you’ll see clean lines rolling into the bay. Known as the Magic Bay, it’s one of the longest right-hand waves in Africa, a mellow wave that has peaks suitable for beginners. The quality of the wave, picture-perfect Imsouane and its crowd have helped the village become an Instagram influencer’s paradise. If the Bay is crowded, head over to Cathedral, a second surf spot in the village.

Getting there: Fly to Agadir or Essaouira, and then it’s 2 hours by road.

Planning tip: Staying in Taghazout or Tamraght? A day trip to Imsouane can be arranged by your accommodation.

Where to try it: The O Surf Club, a stylish lodge, has stunning views of the bay.

5. Mirleft

Best for those who prefer it quiet

“Quiet” describes the village vibe – and the beaches (except in August). In winter, from October to April, the waves can be huge in Mirleft, so beginners shouldn’t be planning to paddle out to the point breaks then. However, the long whitewater waves in sandy-bottomed beach breaks are perfect for practicing your pop-up and honing your surfing stance. In summer, you’ll find warm, beginner-friendly waves from May to September.

Getting there: Fly to Agadir, from there it’s another 2 hours by road.

Planning tip: Beaches here are packed in August with local holidaymakers.

Where to try it: Spot-M, a surf school/cafe on Plage Sauvage offers rental, lessons and accommodation.

6. Agadir

Best for active families

Agadir has a 10km sandy beach with beginner-friendly waves protected from the swells by the city’s port. Resort hotels line the beachfront, including all-inclusive options with surf schools, kids clubs and restaurants. Popular with families and groups as they cater to different interests in one place, great if you want to try surfing without limiting yourself or your family from other activities.

Getting there: Fly direct to Agadir. Check ALSA for the airport shuttle into town.

Planning tip: Most surf schools will teach children over 6 years of age.

Where to try it: Iberostar Waves Founty is right on Agadir Beach.

7. Essaouira

Best for culture – and kitesurfing

Essaouira is a charming city that’s easy to explore, and to feel at-home in quickly. Here you can combine learning to surf with a diverse art and music scene. On the main beach, beginner-friendly waves, protected by the bay, are usually most consistent in winter (December to March). In summer (April to September) it can get very windy – it’s better to learn to kitesurf in summer. Out of town, a fast-growing surf community can be found in Sidi Kaoki, where several beach breaks are suited for beginners.

Getting there: Fly direct to Essaouira. Alternatively, it’s also a 3hr drive from Marrakech; Supratours and CTM buses run regularly.

Planning tip: Mellow Beach House, owned by surfers, is a self-sufficient nature retreat set in the forest overlooking Sidi Kaoki.

Where to try it: Ocean Vagabond has a surf school on the beach in Essaouira.

Make it happen

Morocco’s waves are most consistent in winter, from December to March. Whilst the winter swells, with strong currents and powerful waves, are not suited to beginners, the whitewater can be fun to practice on. Winter days without a huge swell are great for beginners looking to advance to green waves.

From April to June and September to November; waves are less powerful, the ocean is warmer and you’ll find beginner-friendly green waves. In summer, July and August, waves range from flat to small, the beaches are busy with domestic travelers.

Check out the Souk to Surf shuttle which links the surfing villages to cities Agadir, Essaouira and Marrakech.