The 6 Best Surf Experiences in Agadir, Morocco

Many surfers follow the waves up north to Aourir, Tamraght and Taghazout, where the pace is more relaxed compared to the hustle and bustle of Agadir. These fishing villages were part of the Euro-African ‘hippie trail’ and have maintained a bohemian vibe to them. Here you will find traditional Moroccan venues such as hammams and restaurants where you can enjoy a tagine, but they might be next to a café serving healthy smoothies and vegan food. If the easy-going beach lifestyle is what you’re after, hop on one of the frequent buses from Agadir or share a taxi as the locals do.

The 10km (6mi) beach is the city’s gem, attracting sun lovers all year round. But there’s much more to Agadir – it’s also home to one of the biggest souks in the whole of Morocco. You could spend hours here, haggling with sellers as you nibble on fresh fruit grown in the African sun.

The surf is best between October and March, when temperatures don’t go above 30C (86F) and the sea is relatively free of swimmers, as Moroccans tend to come for their holidays in the summer months. Whatever surf experience and location you choose, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about Moroccan culture.

If you want to have a go at surfing, but haven’t got much time in the area, book a day-long lesson with a local company. Swell Surf Morocco has its base on Agadir Beach but will pick you up at your hotel to drive where the best waves are, for sessions as short as two hours for groups or individuals.

If you want a relaxed experience, leave the planning for someone else and go for the full package, which allows you to make the most of your holiday through a curated schedule of surf lessons and visits to local attractions. A 20-minute bus ride from Agadir city centre will take you to Aloha Surf Camp, in Tamraght, where you will also get food and accommodation, and make friends along the way.

For those who already feel comfortable on the board but have never been in the area, Blue Waves Surf House offers surf guiding packages. A local expert will drive you to the best waves and give you guidance if you need, plus, you’ll get to taste typical Moroccan dishes on the beach when it’s lunchtime.

A long day on the board will call for some proper stretching, as encouraged by Zen Surf Morocco. The hostel is located in the village of Aourir, famous for its banana trees, and offers yoga lessons on the rooftop overlooking the beach.

If you are not a fan of big groups, a homestay will allow you to recharge on your own terms. Moroccan Surf Journey, also in Tamraght, offers surf lessons and trips to Paradise Valley or the local souks. You don’t have to stick to a timetable, however – you can figure out plans with the host as you go.

Girls-only stays are available at Surf Maroc in Taghazout, which provides a surf and yoga package in a villa hosting exclusively women. The surf school is open to everyone, with the women’s camp running two or three weeks per month. Check out the schedule before booking flights.