How to Surf in Essaouira: What to Know in 2024

If you only do one thing during your next visit to this amazing beach town, try to surf in Essaouira.

Due to its amazing location on the Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira has incredible beaches, intense winds, and epic waves that are perfect for surfing.

To be fair, the waves along Essaouira’s Main Beach aren’t super big. So, it is a great place to try surfing and learn all about this amazing sport as a beginner.

However, if you’re a nore advanced surfer looking for some gnarly waves, then you can hit up some of the beach breaks and point breaks along the Southern Coast.

You could even do a fun day trip to Sidi Kaouki and hit the epic waves there since they are a bit bigger and the town is only about a 30-minute drive from Essaouira.

Personally, I live in Essaouira and have been surfing here MANY times since I first arrived in January of 2023. I started off as a total beginner and still kind of suck at the sport.

But, I try my best and have a ton of fun hitting the waves with some of the best surf schools in Essaouira.

In my experience, you’ll get some pretty decent beginner waves in the winter (November through March), when cross-Atlantic westerlies are in full force.

However, Essaouira is NOT the best place to surf in Morocco. It is a great place to learn but you’ll need to head to Sidi Kaouki or Taghazout if you want serious waves.

Therefore, this local guide will introduce you to the best places to surf in Essaouira, the best surf camps in Essaouira, the best surf shops in Essaouira, and more.

So, stop stressing and find out everything you need to know about going surfing in Essaouira.

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Best Surf Lessons in Essaouira

If you’re new to the sport or want to hone your skills then here are my picks for the best surf schools in Essaouira.

These places all have amazing instructors who will teach you everything you need to know from one of the coolest beach towns in Morocco.

I have personally been to many of these schools and cannot rave enough about how kind and patient the instructors are.

I seriously suck at surfing and the instructors never got annoyed. They were always very patient even when they had to repeat things multiple times so that I could actually get it.

Also, expect to pay around $30.00/€30.00 for a 2-hour lesson. However, prices do vary based on the school and whether it is a group lesson or a private lesson.

• Olasurf Essaouira Kite & Surf School – Ayoub’s school is amazing and I HIGHLY recommend stopping by. Not only are the prices reasonable, but Ayoub is a great instructor and makes learning fun. I also love that the school is operated out of a van. So, it’s easy to go to best surf spots in the area, especially if you’re looking for cool things to do in Essaouira with kids.

• Moga Surf – I love Moga Surf because the instructors are great, the equipment is top-notch, and they have a rad Essaouira cafe on-site where you can grab a coffee after your lesson. The instructors are also total pros since renowned kite surfer and F-One competitor, Ismail Adarzane, teaches people how to surf and kitesurf until their arms beg for mercy.

• Surf Essaouira – I don’t have enough nice things to say about this surf school in Essaouira. Last time I was here my instructor Sharif was kind, patient, fun, and professional. He made my lesson about 10,000 times more fun but was very informative at the same time. I listened to his instructions multiple times and was able to stand on the board by the end of the lesson. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. It’s a great way to spend a day in Essaouira.

• Essaouira Surfing – This well-reviewed surf school offers two-hour lessons that are perfect for anyone new to the sport. I love that they take you to spots that aren’t overflowing with people and do a combination of water and land-based instruction. Plus, everything from lessons to transportation and gear is included in the price.

• Explora Watersports – These guys primarily teach windsurfing and kitesurfing. However, they also offer epic surf lessons during the winter when the wind is lacking. It’s a great option for groups with people of different skill levels since they can cater lessons to your group’s needs. The last time I was here Karim was my instructor and he did a great job. He guided me step-by-step and was a patient/skilled teacher. The lessons were also just a lot of fun.

Best Places for Surfing in Essaouira

Not sure where to go surfing in Essaouira? If so then check out this epic list of the best places to go surfing in Essaouira, whether you’re a complete beginner or a total expert.

1. Sidi Kaouki

Sidi Kaouki is by far the best place to go surfing in and around Essaouira. This cute little beach town is less built up than Essaouira and is only about a 30-minute drive away.

Alternatively, you could take the #2 bus from Bab Diukkala (in Essaouira) and be in Sidi Kaouki in about 45 minutes.

Sadly, Sidi Kaouki is no longer a hidden gem. But, it is A LOT less built up than Tagazhout. It’s a better surf spot than Essaouira since you’ll find breaks all along the beach.

In fact, there are around six named peaks. More advanced surfers can head to the right-hand reef point break at the north end of the bay.

Like in Essaouira, summer is often blown out and a garbage time to go surfing. Instead, you’ll get the best waves in the winter, from November through March.

If you want to visit, you can spend the night or do day trips from Essaouira. There are plenty of surf schools and rental shops in Sidi Kaouki that can rent you gear and teach you how to surf. You can even stay at Surf House Maroc overnight.

Local Tip: This is the BEST place to surf in the area and is definitely more suited toward surfers who are beginners. There are also some great campsites in Essaouira here.

2. Main Beach

The Main Beach in Essaouira is also known as “Plage Essaouira”. It starts at the Port de Skala near the Medina and extends for 2 kilometers to Tagharte Beach on the southern end.

It’s lined with an awesome beachfront promenade that is perfect for walking, running, and biking. Look closely and you can see a big and small island in the distance. They are closed to the public since protected sea birds like to nest here.

However, this island also protects the beach from N/NW swells. Therefore, the only time you’ll find chest-high breaks here is in the winter.

These waves are perfect for beginners and schools like Olasurf Essaouira Kite & Surf School, Moga Surf, and Surf Essaouira will be able to rent you equipment and teach you how to surf.

Afterward, spend the night in one of the best riads in Essaouira. This way you can explore the Medina and visit all of the top attractions in Essaouira.

3. Tagharte Beach

Don’t let the name fool you. This “beach” sits at the southern end of the main beach (by Ocean Vagabond and Beach and Friends). It’s often called “Plage Tagharte” and is more exposed to the Atlantic than the rest of the beach.

So, this is the place to go if you want to encounter bigger waves on a more consistent basis. However, this is also an ideal spot for kitesurfing.

As a result, the waves can get blown out in the summer when winds are at their strongest. Therefore, you’ll really only find kitesurfers here from May through September.

But, when the winds subside, you’ll find some nice beginner waves. Expect short breaks and medium swells with a bit of whitewash.

4. Cap Sim Beach

This beach is located about 30 minutes outside of Essaouira. Essentially, you’ll turn right and access the beach from Ouassane instead of turning left and heading to Sidi Kaouki.

I would try and get a driver or see if the bus can drop you off on the way to Sidi Kaouki since this place isn’t super accessible.

Essentially, this is a rocky coastal area in the south where you can sometimes find sold waves if you have 5-6ft westerlies and northerlies.

Just be sure to wear water shoes since you’ll find a mix of sand and rock at the bottom of the ocean. The waves here can also be unpredictable, so I would ask locals about the conditions before you visit.

If the conditions are right though, you’ll love the barrels that this area creates.

5. Imsouane

Located about an hour and a half away from Essaouira, Imsouane is a beautiful beach town on the southern coast of Morocco that is home to some of the longest, chillest, right longboard waves.

Therefore, this is really the only place, outside of Tagahazout, where you can enjoy epic surf camping. Sadly, though, there had been construction in the area and many of these beach huts have been destroyed.

However, this town is still beautiful and a great place to learn. If you want, you can use Souk to Surf to book a direct bus from Essaouira to Imsouane.

The trip takes an hour and 40 minutes with buses departing daily from Essaouira at 3:00 pm. Tickets cost €18.00 each and the return bus is at 11:00 am the next day. Plus, tickets back to Essaouira cost just €12.00.

So, you would have to spend the night at The Moroccan Surf House before returning the next day. But, I love spending the night in the area since it is an awesome place to connect with other surfers.

6. Tafedna

This is one of the best places to go surfing in Essaouira that is a pretty well-kept secret. In fact, my partner’s mom was born here and he has never been. But, he’s not a surfer so that’s probably why.

Anyway, this place is GORGEOUS and is only about an hour away from Essaouira by car. Honestly, even if you don’t surf it’s just a cool place to visit.

You can see where the desert meets the Atlantis as gnarly Argan trees pop up all along the coast.

Overall, the town here is pretty tiny. However, there is a nice long beach with a headland out on the north side that creates long, right points. There are also many peaks on the beach that are always empty.

So, this is a great place to go if you hate crowds, love small towns, and love to have the beach all to yourself. Just be sure to get a rental car in Essaouira to visit since this place is pretty hard to get to.

Best Time to Surf in Essaouira

As I mentioned earlier, the best time to surf in Essaouira is in the winter, or from November to March. This is when there are strong NW currents in the Atlantic and when the strong winds tend to subside.

However, to hit the biggest waves possible, you’ll probably need to wait until December or visit some areas in and around Essaouira.

The water will also be cold. So, be sure to bring a warm wetsuit (4/3) and boots if you plan the be in the water for an extended period of time.

In contrast, the summer (April through October) is much better for kitesurfing in Essaouira. The intense winds basically turn the waves into whitewash, making it difficult to find any waves at all.

Beginners can try learning in the summer and should wear a 2 mm wetsuit with sleeves because of the wind. Also bring PLENTY of sunscreen since the sun is super intense.

Local Tip: Again, Essaouira Beach isn’t the best surf spot. It’s a great place to learn since it’s well-protected and I personally like to surf here since I am not evry good.

Advanced /intermediate surfers should head to Sidi Kaouki since you’ll have a wide array of waves to choose from.

Best Surf Camps in Essaouira

If you want a fully immersive surf experience then consider booking a stay at one of the best surf camps in Essaouira.

Basically, these camps are like hotels with all-inclusive packages. Therefore, you can save a lot of money since lessons, food, and accommodations are all included with your stay.

It’s also nice since there is a very warm and welcoming vibe about these camps that makes it easy to meet other surfers.

Sure, Imsouane and Taghazout are better if you want an epic surf break right at your front door. But, Essaouira is just a cool city with an amazing blue and white Medina that you’ll love exploring while you do a bit of surfing.

Some cool surf camps you might want to check out are:

• Holy Surf Maroc – Located in Sidi Kaouki, Holy Surf Maroc has an 8-day yoga and surf camp that includes six yoga lessons in Essaouira and six surf lessons. All lessons are conducted by BF1 instructors and you’ll get to relax inside a beautiful villa in this cool beach town.

• Atlanticzin Watersports – This camp is based in Essaouira’s Medina and has you staying inside an awesome riad. Just choose between a 4-day beginner camp and a 6-day camp for more advanced surfers. Either way, you’ll enjoy daily lessons at the Main Beach or in a nearby area.

Best Surf Shops in Essaouira

Real talk? Most of the things you’ll need to surf are provided by your surf school. However, many of these schools also have equipment available for rent if you don’t want to do a formal lesson.

However, if you’re a hardcore surfer who is in desperate need of boards, wetsuits, leashes, and tail pads then I highly recommend Gipsy Surfer Surf Shop. It’s a great place for surfers to go shopping in Essaouira.

The staff is super friendly and they have lots of gear from well-known brands. They also know a lot about surfing. So, feel free to ask about current conditions and secret local spots.

Another great surf shop is Loving Surf, Café Surf School Shop. I like this place because they have nice clothes/gear and have a cafe on-site too. So, it’s a great spot to enjoy brunch in Essaouira too.

Conclusion

Overall, winter (from November through March) is the BEST time to visit Essaouira if you want to surf. Just temper your expectations since many of the waves in the area are for beginners, not advanced surfers.

For better waves, head further down the coast to places like Taghazout and Imsouane.

Overall, though, there are waves to be found in and around Essaouira, as well as amazing schools where you can learn more about this incredible sport.

Just expect to pay a minimum of $30.00 for a 2-hour lesson. Thankfully, this price includes everything from gear to transportation. For the best learning experience possible, book a lesson with Olasurf Essaouira Kite & Surf School.

The prices are great, the instructors are epic, and the school is run out of a van. So, you’ll have no problem hitting up the best surf spots in Essaouira. Other than that, just enjoy this amazing city and all the surfing opportunities it has to offer.

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