This is our Complete Guide to Surfing Imsouane in Morocco. Keep reading for everything you need to know about surf trippin’ to Morocco’s longest wave.
Morocco’s hidden gem, Imsouane, is rapidly becoming one of the world’s favorite surf trip destinations. Great to visit during the winter, it’s beautiful scenery and two versatile surf spots make it the ultimate surf trip destination.
With near-perfect surfing conditions (it boasts one of the world’s longest breaks), it’s favored by both beginners and intermediate surfers alike. A laid-back and tranquil old fishing town, it’s traditional charm make it a favorite for many visiting Morocco.
How to get to Imsouane
Although surfing Imsouane has rapidly picked up in popularity over the last few years, especially with the surfing community, it’s not the easiest location to get to. As it’s set in a relatively remote location, you should spend some time organizing your travel before you head there.
Day Trip to Imsouane
If you’re looking to visit Imsouane for just a day, consider booking our hassle-free surf day trip. Our experienced local guides will ensure you make the most of your time, with transportation and surf equipment provided.
Public Transport to Imsouane
The closest airport to Imsouane is Agadir. Taking just under 2 hours to get there, you’ll need to be aware of all of the options. You can either rent a car from the airport and drive to the town, ride the popular Souk to Surf shuttle bus (80 MAD or $8.33 per person), or grab a taxi from the airport costing between 800 – 1200 MAD ($83 – $124) each way.
Alternatively, you can take a bus directly from the airport to the nearby Tamanar before taking a taxi to Imsouane.
Once in Imsouane, the town is small enough to explore on foot. Most amenities and surf spots are within walking distance. However, if you wish to venture further, local buses and cab services are readily available.
Need help planning your surf trip to Imsouane? Use our FREE Morocco Surf Trip Planner to have our team of experienced surf guides craft a personalized itinerary just for you.
Imsouane Surf Season
Described as having a semi-arid climate, Morocco is known for having cool winters and hot summers. The average temperature for the country between November and January is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit while in the summer months, between June and August it sits around 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because of this, the best time to surf in Morocco is between late September and April. Although Imsouane is known for having good conditions for surfing throughout the year.
Imsouane Surf Spots
As mentioned above, there are two main spots for surfing Imsouane – known as Cathedral (offering beach break, reef and point break waves) and The Bay (offering point break waves). The Cathedral is great if you’re looking for fast, but low waves, whereas The Bay is great for beginners that want to improve on riding longer waves.
The Bay tends to offer right-hander waves which are best to ride when the tide is low to medium. Taking you from one end of the bay to the other, it’s infamously one of the longest rides on the continent.
Cathedral surf spot, on the other hand, offers both right and left-hander waves. Similarly best to ride when the tide is low to medium, it can deliver waves that measure up to 1.5m – as well as barrels from time to time.
Both surf spots offer smooth waves that rarely get too big or messy. Peeling over the soft sand and rocks, they are ideal for surfers of all levels.
Imsouane Surf Camps
As Imsouane is such a popular surfing destination for tourists, it has a host of accommodation options geared towards those wanting to surf.
If you’re looking for a trendy hostel within a few minute’s walk of the beach, Olo Surf Nature is perfect. Featuring an outdoor pool, cafe, and various accommodation options (as well as the option to take surf lessons), it’s the ultimate place to stay for those surfing Imsouane. With rooms starting at €20 a night, it’s also very affordable.
For something more private, there are plenty of apartment rentals dotted around the town. The Wind House offers a selection of two-bedroom apartments overlooking The Bay from €167 a night. Or, pick up a two-bedroom apartment from glass-fronted Magic House for €159 a night.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a surfing package, Dreamsea Surf Camp might be a great option for you. Offering packages for beginners to intermediate surfers, you can enjoy an unforgettable getaway.
The accommodation itself is simple yet stylish and the resort has a very welcoming atmosphere. Packages start at €418 for 7 days, with surfboard rental, accommodation, all food, and 2 yoga lessons included.
You can book a surf camp with Dreamsea Surf Camp here.
If you prefer a more personalized experience, use our FREE Morocco Surf Trip Planner. Our team will curate a tailored surf trip recommendation for your visit to Imsouane, ensuring you experience the best the area has to offer.
Surf Lessons in Imsouane
In Imsouane, you’ll find plenty of surf schools catering to all skill levels, offering the opportunity to hone your surfing skills in this picturesque coastal town.
However, it’s important to note that the price of surf lessons in Imsouane tends to be slightly higher compared to other surf towns in Morocco. Expect to pay €80-€100 for a 2-hour lesson. This is primarily because most surf schools offer private lessons rather than group sessions, ensuring personalized attention from experienced instructors.
Day Trip Option
For travelers looking to experience surfing in Imsouane for a day trip from the Agadir region (Taghazout, Tamraght, etc.), we highly recommend booking our Imsouane Surf Day Trip.
The day trip packages include transportation, surfboard hire, and private surf lessons, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Week-Long Surf Camp
For a more immersive surfing experience, consider booking a week-long surf camp with Dreamsea Surf Camp in Imsouane. Their comprehensive packages include daily surf lessons, equipment hire, accommodation, and meals, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the surfing lifestyle while exploring the waves of Imsouane.
Whether you opt for a day trip or a week-long surf camp, Imsouane offers the perfect setting to improve your surfing skills and create unforgettable memories on the waves.
Surfboard Hire Imsouane
As there are so many surf camps around Imsouane, you won’t be lost on places to hire a surfboard. One, in particular, that’s popular with tourists visiting the area is Surf Spirit Surf Shop. Offering surfboard and wetsuit hire based on a per day or per week basis, you’ll have state of the art equipment without the large price tag.
For surfboards, expect to pay €10 a day or €65 for a week. For wetsuits, they will charge you either €7 per day or €45 per week.
Where to Eat in Imsouane
Despite it being a small town, there are several eateries to choose from. If you’re looking for a delicious quick bite to eat, then La Cre-Pierre is a great choice. Alternatively, if you want a more traditional meal, try Chez Jolo. Being a fishing village, you can also buy directly from the local fish market and have one of the local vendors BBQ it for you right on the beach!
Other Activities in Imsouane
If you want a break from surfing Imsouane, there are plenty of other activities for you to enjoy. You can spend your time swimming in the ocean, exploring the local shops and market (offering an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables) or hike up to the nearby viewpoint which boasts spectacular views out towards the coast.
If you want to travel a little further afield, why not consider a day trip to a nearby city? One, in particular, that takes the fancy of tourists is Essaouira. Set on the rocky southwestern coast, this small city is a notorious kite surfing point. With beautiful architecture, incredible sea views, and a bustling atmosphere, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable day trip. Taking 2 hours to get there from Imsouane, it’s ideally located and easily reachable by cab or by bus.
Alternatively, head south and explore Taghazout, a slightly larger surf town with a hippy vibe and laidback culture. You can reach Taghazout in an hour and a half from Imsouane.
Need help planning your surf trip to Imsouane? Use our FREE Morocco Surf Trip Planner to have our team of experienced surf guides craft a personalized itinerary just for you.
