SURF GUIDE
SURF GUIDE
By: Mikael and Thrillism
11 minute read
Last updated June 5th, 2020
Taghazout is the surfing capital of Morocco, and surfers from all over the world come here to ride the epic right-hand break known as Anchor Point. But what a lot of people don’t realize about Taghazout is that it offers way more than just one legendary surf spot.
Whether you’re visiting for surfing in Morocco or not, this small fishing village has so much going for it. It’s no wonder travelers have been flocking here since the 60s! Find out exactly why this is Morocco’s most-visited surf destination in this guide to surfing and camps in Taghazout.
| 1. Getting there | 6. Best surf camps |
| 2. Orientation | 7. Other stays |
| 3. Cost and Budget | 8. Eat and drink |
| 4. Best Time | 9. Activities |
| 5. Waves and surfing | 10. Random questions |
Getting to Taghazout is pretty straight forward, so there’s reason #1 why this is such a popular choice among surfing travelers. You’ll fly into Agadir airport and make the 30-ish minute drive to Tag depending on traffic.
If you prefer a more scenic route and don’t mind adding a few hours to the trip, feel free to fly into Essaouira instead. Both Essaouira and Taghazout are surfing destinations, so some surfers start off in more northern Essaouira and then a few days later make the drive down south.
The car ride is only a few hours, and you’ll be driving along the scenic Atlantic beaches for most of it. You can also take a bus from Essaouira to Agadir then another bus from Agadir to Taghazout.
Spending time in Tamraght is the perfect way to get an authentic feel for Moroccan culture. Even though it’s a well-traveled place that a lot of surfers include on their agenda, the town has stayed true to its local roots over the years.
Sunsets, surf, nature, and beauty are the perfect words to sum up what you can expect from a trip to Tamraght. This is a quiet place that offers a nice mix of peace and adventure. If you’re looking for a party, you won’t find it here.
To give you a frame of reference, Tamraght is just a 10-minute drive south of Taghazout and a 25-minute drive north of Agadir. It’s right smack dab in the middle, which is why a lot of surfers stop in Tamraght before making their way to busier Taghazout.
Even though Morocco is considered a fairly cheap surf destination, the amount you spend depends on your habits and lifestyle. The accommodations in the area range anywhere from $10 a night to $100+. If you want luxury, go for it. If you prefer sticking to a budget, by all means, do so.
One of the easiest ways to get the best value out of your Taghazout surfing trip is to book an all-inclusive surf package. A surf camp might not offer every single meal, but it’ll at least come with all accommodation and surf lessons included.
Local food is good and cheap, so you shouldn’t have to spend too much on that front. One helpful hint on spending is to try and get some cash out in Agadir before heading to Taghazout. ATMs in the area are far and few between, so get some cash beforehand for things like cash-only local restaurants and taxi rides.
The quality of Taghazout surf depends on the direction and strength of the swells and winds. The best time to visit for powerful, consistent surf is from mid-September to mid-April, with primo waves from December to March.
Peak season months of December and January are when Taghazout waves are crowded with more experienced surfers. This is the perfect time for Europeans to head down south for epic waves. Beginners are better off visiting when the crowds are thinner and the conditions are gentler, like in September or October.
The surf spots in and around Taghazout offer a nice variety of waves, ranging from challenging reef breaks to gentle beach breaks. There are a few spots, like Anchor Point and Panorama Point, that are located in the heart of Taghazout, while others like Boilers and Banana Beach are a short drive away.
Anchor Point is definitely the most famous surf spot in the area, and some surfers even argue it’s the best in all of North Africa. The consistent, peeling waves of this right-hand point break are just begging to be ripped on and shredded. Intermediate and advanced surfers can handle the surf here, but beginners should look elsewhere.
Don’t worry, the waves at Killer Point won’t kill you, although they’re definitely not to be underestimated. This is one of the heaviest barrelling waves in Morocco, but this surf spot actually gets its name from the killer whales that can sometimes be seen offshore.
Banana Beach is located in Tamraght, which is about a 10-minute drive from Tag. This is the perfect place to learn for beginners since the right-peeling waves are gentle and slow but also consistent.
Surf Berbere is all about surf, yoga, and good times. This surf camp started from simple beginnings by two English schoolmates who came to Morocco with the dream of offering a comfy, fun place for traveling surfers. Now, over a decade later, Surf Berbere is one of the most loved surf camps in the area by tourists and locals alike.
“We have the best reputation around town, built from providing fantastic value for money and really working to show you a great time in the surfing Mecca of Morocco! “
– Surf Berbere
They’ve got a package for everyone here, but the most popular one is the Surf & Yoga option. It comes with 7 nights accommodation, 5 days of surf lessons, 5 sunset yoga sessions, and all meals. Basically, the only things that aren’t included are flights and airport transfers.
Hash Point is a trendy little surf camp that’s perfect if you’re looking for an intimate environment close to beginner-friendly breaks like Hash Point as well as epic breaks like Anchor Point. They offer surf school packages for all levels, so all are welcome. The go-to choice is the Surf & Yoga option, which includes all the surfing and rooftop yoga you could ever want.
“Our surf house is located at the beachside of Taghazout, a stone’s throw away from world-class beach breaks like Hash Point and Anchor Point.”
– Hash Point Surf Camp
The SurfCamp Taghazout surf house is overlooking some of the most well-known surf spots in the area, including Panorama Beach, Anchor Point, Crocodile Beach, and Hash Point. The atmosphere is relaxed but the staff and surf instructors are friendly and out-going, so there’s never a minute of boredom.
“A few meters from the beach, you will be provided with all the comforts of home. Our tranquil house is shared with other surfers, living together in a very relaxed, familiar atmosphere.”
– SurfCamp Taghazout
The all-inclusive surf camp package is the most popular, but you’ve also got the option for individual surf lessons and surf guiding sessions.
Surf Maroc was founded by two French friends way back when in 2003. They started with just 5 boards and a few tattered wetsuits, but now they offer surf guiding, surf coaching, yoga surf retreats, and even girls-only surf camps.
“We’re obsessed with surf and yoga, but it’s the people who work with us and just as importantly, the people who stay with us, that create the special atmosphere that makes Surf Maroc what it is.”
– Surf Maroc
Their holiday packages are a bit more expensive than others in the area, which explains why Maroc attracts couples and families instead of solo backpackers. The luxury boutique hotel accommodations explain the higher cost – you can definitely expect to live like a king (or queen) during your time with Surf Maroc.
Just as you’d expect from one of the most popular surf destinations in the country and the whole of North Africa, there are plenty of accommodations along Taghazout Beach. Take your pick from hotels, hostels, all-inclusive surf camps, and Airbnb apartments.
Here are a few of the best-rated options for staying in Taghazout:
Since the population is predominantly Muslim, there’s not much of a drinking scene in Taghazout. You’ll be able to find a cold beer if you really want to, but alcohol is expensive here, so partying shouldn’t be your main priority. If it is, you’ll probably want to go somewhere else.
Even though there’s not much of a party scene, the food in Taghazout is unreal. Moroccan food in general is flavorful, filling, and nutritious, and many of the best Tag restaurants overlook the Atlantic waves, like Cafe Mouja.
Cafe Mouja is connected to Surf Maroc’s shop and located right on Taghazout Beach, so you can literally go for a quick rip and then head in for a warm plate of grilled calamari.
Another place to try is Fish Stalls, which is the perfect place to eat if you just want a bit of fresh seafood in your life. You’ll be surrounded by locals and sitting in plastic chairs, so don’t expect a 5-star setting, but you’ll definitely get a good meal and an authentic feel for the culture.
Even without much of a party scene, keeping entertained in Taghazout is easy enough. You can keep things low-key and spend your days hanging out on the beach or go all-out with an adrenaline-packed trip to Taghazout Skatepark.
One thing you should definitely do while in Taghazout is take a trip to Paradise Valley. The name is completely accurate since this secret oasis is pretty much paradise on earth. Needless to say, this series of pools and waterfalls located in the High Atlas Mountain foothills shouldn’t be missed.
If you’re looking for more ways to spend your time in Taghazout, this list will keep you busy:
What’s the best beginner-friendly surf spot in Taghazout?
Banana Beach is a great spot for beginners with its gentle right curls, but it’s not the only place that’s suitable for newbies. Devil’s Rock is another good one, especially if you’re getting more comfortable with your skills and ready for a combo of A-frame lefts and rights.
Which is better, Taghazout or Tamraght?
This is a big question for surfers heading to Morocco since both spots are known as the best surf destinations in the country.
Tamraght is only about 10 minutes from Taghazout, so these two towns share a lot of similarities. They’re both worth visiting for different reasons, so definitely include Tamraght on your Taghazout trip (and vice versa).
