There aren’t many surf destinations more alluring than Morocco. Plentiful waves, variety, culture, and affordability combine to make Morocco one of the world’s best surf destinations. While there are hundreds of spots along the country’s 3500km coastline, there is one famous town where most of the top breaks are found. Here’s everything you need to know about surfing in Taghazout.
Overview
- Consistent
- Spot Variety
- Affordable
- Crowds
- Localism
Table of Contents
Best Time of Year
The best time of year to surf in Taghazout is winter. (October – April). During this time, long period swells from the North Atlantic sweep down the coast and light up the famous right points. While summer is pretty mushy, Spring and Autumn can also be a great time to score waves here.
Best Surf Spots
Anchor Point
Anchor Point, or Anchors, is the most well-known surf spot in Morocco. It’s a luscious wave. Long green-brown walls run down the rocks and across the sand bank for several hundred meters and on the right day, it’s a festival of tubes and turns. Be warned though, locals are aggressive and the crowd is always thick!
Panoramas
Panoramas is a mellow right-hand point on the inside of Taghazout. Because of its inside location, Panoramas picks up less swell than Anchors and so can be a great option for beginners and lower-end intermediates.
Killers
Killers, named because it’s not uncommon to see orcas pass by the break, is an exposed right-hand point break breaking off the next headland north from Anchors. While the wave is relatively fat, expect long walls and open faces. Usually crowded.
Boilers
Boilers is one of the best waves in the Taghazout area. It’s a fast, hollow and powerful right point that picks up a lot of swell. When it’s cranking, expect fast rights breaking close to the rocks with sections for tubes and fast open walls for carves.
Devil's Rock
As a beginner, the beach break at Devils’ Rock is an excellent option. Here you can find fun and mellow peaks. While there are always people surfing here, including many surf schools and surf camps, there is enough space to escape the crowds of the point breaks. The spot can also have fun waves for advanced surfers out the back.
Getting There
Getting to Taghazout is relatively straightforward. You’ll need to fly into Agadir, then Taghazout is around a 1-hour drive from there. Either rent a car at Agadir Airport (check out Discover Cars) or take a taxi.
Getting Around
By Car
Ideally, you want a car to surf in Taghazout. Because the breaks are spread up and down the coast, having the flexibility to surf the best breaks on the right days is the only way to truly maximise your wave-riding potential in the area.
On Foot
If you can’t drive, or you’re on a budget surf trip, don’t fret. By staying in Taghazout, you can walk for some breaks. While it might take 30-40 minutes, there is nothing to stop you from walking up to Anchor Point, or if the swell is bigger, just surf Banana Point or Panoramas closer to home.
Enjoying this post? Check out our complete guide to surfing in Morocco.
Where to Stay?
So where to stay? Thankfully, Taghazout has dozens of accommodation options for all budgets.
Ayour Hostel Taghazout
- Dorm Price: $5 Per Night
- Wifi: Yes
One of the cheaper places to stay in town, Ayour Hostel puts you right in the mix in Taghazout. From here you’ll be able to walk to all the shops and restaurants in town, and even make the trek up to Anchors. Dorms from $5 per night. Check it out here.
Dar Surf
- Dorm Price: $8 Per Night
- Wifi: Yes
Another super affordable surf hostel in the heart of Taghazout. Cheap and cheerful with forms rooms from $8 per night. Book Dar Surf here.
Asala Surf House
- Room Price: $41 Per Night
- Wifi: Yes
For something slightly more lavish, check out Asala Guest House. You can grab a private room here, with an oceanfront view, for $41 per night. Book it here.
Tips for Surfing in Taghazout
Crowds
Morocco’s most popular and sought-after surf town comes with the crowds. In my ten years of rigorous surf travel, I found Anchor Point to be one of the most crowded surf spots on Earth and one of the more aggressive lineups I’ve ever encountered.
Localism
Localism is a big problem in Morocco. If you’re surfing Anchor Point, give the locals their space. But expect to get burned even when you’re in the right in terms of etiquette. While it depends on the conditions on the day, expect to see some localism most days while surfing in Taghazout.
Culture
The culture is very unique in Morocco and if you’re coming from the West, might be shocking. While for the most part, people are friendly on land, expect to be hassled. Whether that be to come and look in a shop, or eat at a particular restaurant. Women should also be vigilant. Read more about the safety in Morocco.
Alcohol
While nowadays you can find alcohol in surf camps and accommodations, it’s not commonly found in shops. Many Arabic cultures are similar.
Morocco Travel Information
Flight Times:
- LAX – CMN: 13h 30mins
- LHR – CMN: 3h 15mins
- CMN – AGA: 1h 00mins
Visa: Visa on arrival (3-months)
Currency: Moroccan Dirham
Language: French & Arabic
Plug Socket: Type C (Europe)
Cost Breakdown
- 1 x Week Hotel Room: $280
- 1 x Week Food: $100
- 1 x Week Rental Car: $150
Total = $530
Final Words
If you’re after that winter escape as a European surfer, Taghazout is hard to beat. It’s one of the world’s cheapest surf destinations, has waves all winter, and boasts dozens of different spots, granted they are all mostly right-hand pointbreaks, it’s hard to beat. Expect plenty of waves, crowds, a touch of localism and great food for a fraction of what you’d pay in Europe. For more information on surfing in Taghazout, please fire away with any questions below.
