Surfing And Yoga in Taghazout, Morocco

The fishing village turned surf town of Taghazout, with its meditteranean-esque beaches, excellent surfing and yoga, and welcoming locals is a great getaway in Morocco. This post covers the surfing in Taghazout, the pros and cons of the tops spots, other things to do in this part of Morocco, and a little about the people, and culture of this laid-back town.

Taghazout, Morocco and Its Surfing

This town is about 3-4 hours southwest of Marrakesh, or if flying, about an hour from the nearest airport, Agadir.

Once a sleepy little town on the coast, a traveler discovered its outstanding waves in the 60’s. Today it’s known as the premier surfing spot in Morroco and its uber-charming town is delightful, making it ideal if you’re a beginner or have been surfing for years.

It’s a really unique mix of local Moroccans, which are mostly of Berber descent, European surfers, and Moroccan surfers with a surfer-dude vibe, complete with dreadlocks and European style greetings (a kiss to each cheek). A mix as warm as the seemingly ever-present sun here.

Although surfing in Taghazout, Morocco has been popular for decades, it’s still hasn’t lost the charm of being a small town in Morroco. When you’re out walking, locals will call out, asking where you’re from, wanting to get to know you, making you feel welcome.

There are many surf camps, guesthouses, restaurants, and coffee shops along the beach, frequented by both locals and tourists. The food is a mix of Moroccan and European with a healthy edge, due to the popularity of surfing and yoga.

You can find traditional Morroco tagines, fish, healthy salads, and burgers. There are also many places that make killer smoothies, like avocado.

Adding to the charm of the village, it still has active fishermen. They go out in their brilliant blue boats, usually before long dawn. They return around sunrise, pulling their boats up on the beach and selling the fish in stalls there.

Excellent Surfing

Although Taghazout is known as the premier surfing spot in Morroco, there’s actually great surfing at many spots from Agadir to Rabat, covering over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of beach.

You can find a wide variety of waves, for all levels of surfers, with a lot of consistent, right-hand point breaks, but the best ones are in Taghazout.

Best Surfing Spots in Taghazout, Morocco

The best spots in Taghazout are:

• Killer point: Point break waves – Advanced 
• La Source: Point break waves – All levels 
• Mysteries: Point break waves – Intermediate and advanced 
• Anchor Point: Point reef break waves – Expert 
• Hash Point: Point break waves – Intermediate surfers 
• Panorama: Beach break waves – Beginner

Best Surf Spots in Nearby Tamraught

There’s also great surfing in Tamraught, which is 5 miles (8 km) south, especially for beginners. This town is more conservative, and less touristy, but an alternative to stay in. However, because Taghazout is a little more lively and colorful, many people prefer to stay there.

The best surfing in Tamraught includes:

• K-17: Beach break waves – Beginner
• Crocodile: Beach break waves – Beginner 
• Devils Rock: Beach break waves – All levels 
• Spiders: Reef break waves – Advanced
• Banana Beach: Beach break waves – Beginner

Sewage Issue in Taghazout

So this post can’t be all sunshine, right? I have to be honest. There have historically been problems with sewage being released into the ocean in Taghazout, resulting in a lot of Taghazout tummy. This has been a known problem for years, although it may now be fixed.

If you’re thinking about visiting (and I still recommend it), make sure to check for the latest updates. Surf Berber does a great job of posting details on the latest phases of implementation, with their latest post (2022) saying the problem has been resolved. Awesome! It’s still a good idea to check with your hostel/hotel for advice on the safest surfing areas.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor in advance so they can recommend a medication in case you do run into issues. Even if the water issue is perfectly resolved, you can still run into issues with food. I definitely recommend bringing pills for Taghazout tummy in advance…just in case it strikes. In my three weeks here, I ran into a lot (a real lot) of people that experienced it. Me included! And I had to try to teach yoga with it! I think I bought every can of red Pringle’s in a 1 mile radius and ate only that and sparkling water for a few days. This was before the government fixed the sewage problem though.

For a great overview of the history of this issue, see the Surf Berber Surf Berber article from 2019. I add this some deny there was ever a problem here.

Surf Camps In Taghazout

There are a variety of surf camps in Taghazout, usually offering both surfing and yoga. The two pair perfectly. In the morning yoga is a great pre-stretch and warm up, and post-surfing it can be restorative, soothing aching muscles. They also both develop your core strength, coordination, and balance.

I came here to work as a teacher for three weeks at Surf Coast Morocco, which is run by a young Moroccan, Reda, and his German girlfriend, Julia. I was super excited to work here and it did not disappoint.

Each day started with yoga on the 5th floor rooftop overlooking the ocean. This was followed by a homemade breakfast, made by a local Moroccan, served alfresco over the sea.

The conversation usually revolves around where the best place to surf is, based on abilities, tides, wind, and weather.

Then you’re whisked off to a beach to try to effortlessly pop up on your board after catching a wave, then being told to paddle, paddle, paddle to catch the next one. Exhausting, but intensely satisfying.

The evenings include a restorative yoga class (or whatever you prefer) while watching the sun set, followed by an amazing spread of home cooked tagines, grilled fish, or BBQ, a variety of salads, soups, and of course, mint tea for dessert. All accompanied with excellent conversation with travelers from around world.

Although the village is dry, the staff of your camp will likely make a run to buy some alcohol from the neighboring town upon request.

As I only stayed at Surf Coast Morocco, I can’t speak to other resorts, but others include Surf Berber, Surf Maroc’s Auberge, Surf Maroc, Chillout Surf and Yoga, and many more. A quick search on ‘surf and yoga taghazout’ will show many options. Just make sure to read all the reviews before booking one that’s right for you. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Also keep in mind many may have been impacted by the pandemic and are still trying to get back up to speed.

Surf Beaches

As we had many guests at Surf Coast Morocco new to surfing, we often headed to Banana Beach in Tamraught…a good spot for beginners.

Even the beaches here have a cool Moroccan flair as Moroccans walk around with bags of fresh mint and boiling water for fresh mint tea, local doughnuts, and a variety of other things. They even cook fresh tagines on the beach! Our resort packed lunched for us though.

If you need a break from surfing, try a camel ride on the beach.

Best Time To Visit

The waves are best from late September to April, although peak surfing is between December and March, when the big winter swells hit. Of course, the waves are good all year round for beginners and those wanting to avoid the crowds.

Safety

There is very little crime in this small village, but you always need to be vigilant. I felt very safe here as a solo female here. I did have several men invite me for tea, but chose not to pursue that, as I just wasn’t sure what accepting may imply. I’m quite sure, however, they would have been perfectly polite.

The only issue I’ve heard of is ATM cards being skimmed in Tamraught (there are no ATM machines in Taghazout), so bring cash.

How To Get To Taghazout

Fly: The nearest airport is Agadir, which is about 12 miles (19 km) south of Taghazout. There are frequent flights from major cities in Morroco. From there, either your surf camp will collect you, or you can take a bus or taxi.

Direct Shuttle: Souk to Surf offers convenient direct shuttles from either Marrakesh or Essaouira to Taghazout or Tamraught. Check their website for specific pick up/drop off locations and costs

Bus: CTM and SupraTours offer bus service from major cities to Agadir/Taghazout. They also provide bus service between the airport and Taghazout.

Things to Do Outisde Taghazout

If you need a break from surfing and sun, or the waves are not just right, there are several interesting sites to see nearby.

Paradise Valley

You can spend a day hiking and swimming in this oasis near the High Atlas Mountains.

It’s less than an hour drive from Taghazout. After a 20 minute hike, you come upon a series of pools and waterfalls with limestone cliffs. From there you can hike, bask on the rocks, swim or jump off the cliffs. Jumping, however, should only be done when the water levels are high, generally during/after rainy months.

The Kasbah Of Agadir

This fortress once housed the old city of Agadir. It was built in the 16th century for protection from invaders, primarily the Portuguese.

Much of the fortress is in ruins due earthquakes in the 18th and 20th centuries, but it’s an interesting diversion and a great view of the port of Agadir.

Sadly, the camels here didn’t looked well cared for. Please don’t ride them and encourage this. 🙁

Souk El Had in Agadir

The souks here are more relaxed than those in Marrakesh, but as El Had is Morroco’s largest indoor market, you’re just as likely to get lost.

Locals will be trolling, looking for tourists that look lost, so don’t look that way. Just pretend you know what you’re doing at all times! Also don’t accept their help. They will not only demand money, but they may drag you to their family shop and offer you tea, making you feel obliged to buy. A typical Moroccan scam.

Negotiating: Prices in the souks are negotiated, so it’s best to be prepared if you plan to buy. Ask your hotel for an estimated cost in advance, then start at 30 to 50% of that. Continue to negotiate in a lighthearted manner, remembering that a few dirham may mean a lot more to the seller than it does to you.

If you can’t come to an agreement, you can always walk away. And if you’ve accepted tea and they become aggressive, pressuring you to buy, offer to pay for the tea.

Want More of Morocco?

Morroco is a fascinating place and there’s so much to explore, with each city offering a different facet into its colorful kaleidoscope. I love Morroco, so have visited several cities and love them all.

Marrakesh is the most popular tourist destination. With its chaotic, but cultural Jmaa-el Fnaa Square, intriguing souks, and beautiful ancient palaces and madrasas, it can’t be missed.

Fez offers a completely unique cultural experience as walking into its ancient walls is like walking back into the Middle Ages. It’s also full of ancient treasures with the world’s oldest university, several stunning madrasas, and of course, its souks. It’s almost like a smaller, less touristy version of Marrakesh.

Casablanca is also worth a quick stop, with its stunning Hassan II Mosque, the charming mix of French and Moroccan architecture in its New Medina, glimpse into traditional Moroccan life in its Old Medina, oceanside Corniche, Rick’s Cafe (from Casablanca), and global cuisine, it’s Morocco’s cosmopolitan soul.

If you want another beach experience, Essaouira is a popular spot. Or, if trekking in the Sahara desert is what you want, the dunes of Merzouga are 10 hours away.

To learn more about visiting these cities, along information on how to get around, logistics, scams, safety, and more, see my Travel Guide to Morroco.

If you’ve been surfing in Taghazout, or Tamraught, Morocco and have comments, please share your thoughts below!