Taghazout Surf Spots

Taghazout surf spots are a combination of quality reefs, beach breaks, and points, and the smooth ribbon of tarmac that hugs the high cliff-tops ensures easy access all but the most secluded of peaks.

This area of Morocco enjoys a warm climate and constant exposure to the great North Atlantic swells makes it an attractive destination for surfers of all abilities. 

Whilst the north of the country has its fair share of waves, most travelling surfers choose to head to the mecca of Moroccan surfing, a small fishing village a few miles north of Agadir called Taghazout. Here, African culture collides headlong with a thriving surf scene, creating a vibrant destination for surfers looking to explore an exciting country and discover new waves. 

Taghazout Surf Spots- Quick Facts

Best time of year for beginners to surf in Taghazout: September to April

Best time of year for intermediates to surf in Taghazout: October to March

Best time of year for advanced surfers in Taghazout: December to March

1) Anchor Point

Probably the most famous of Taghazout surf spots and maybe the whole of North Africa. If you’ve seen pictures of effortlessly peeling Moroccan waves, chances are they were taken at Anchor Point.

A perfectly pitching wall lays out like a blank canvas in front of you, begging to be gouged, shredded, and carved within an inch of its life. Not too hollow, but also not too fat, Anchor Point is a playground for those looking to score some quality surf in Morocco.

Capable of handling a serious swell, Anchor Point’s sweet spot sits in the 4-10 foot range. Any smaller, and it doesn’t quite have enough inertia to wrap around the point, any bigger, and it starts to become a little less user-friendly, although dose up on brave pills and the potential wave of your life awaits.

Wave type: Right-hand point

Bottom: Sand

Tide: Low

Swell: NW

Wind: NE

Length of wave: 500m

Wave height: 4-10 feet

Surfer ability: Intermediate and advanced

Surf camp recommendation for Anchor Point: 

2) Banana Beach

The wave at Banana Beach is probably the best beginner surf spot in Taghazout. A gentle right curls around the point to give easy entry into a long ride to the beach. A longboarders favourite, Banana Beach copes well with all sizes of swell. A beach break also provides those new to the sport with the perfect opportunity to hone and improve their surfing skills.

Wave type: Right-hand point and beach break

Bottom: Sand/stone

Tide: Mid

Swell: NW

Wind: NE

Length of wave: 250m 

Wave height: 2-6 feet

Surfer ability: Beginner, intermediate and advanced

Surf camp recommendation for Banana Beach: 

3) Killer Point

Bowling rights that suck in every ounce of swell arriving at the African coast await at Killer Point. The trek down the dusty cliff face and long paddle out to the peak mean the crowds are instantly thinned. Fast right-handers thunder towards the shore, on its day offering 300-metre long rides.

Killers can handle more swell than most Taghazout surf spots on this coastline so it can get crowded on bigger days. The vantage point from which to check the wave is a bit deceptive and the surf often feels bigger when actually in the water, this is definitely a spot to consider riding the step-up board.  

Wave type: Right-hand point

Bottom: Sand

Tide: Mid

Swell: NW

Wind: E

Length of wave: 300m

Wave height: 3-12 feet

Surfer ability: Advanced

Surf camp recommendation for Killer Point: 

4) La Source

This playful A-framing peak is one of the few waves in Taghazout that offers goofy footers a chance to ride on their front-side. A short drive north of Taghazout, the peak at La Source breaks both left and right over a rocky reef. Best when the wind is gently blowing offshore, La Source is best suited to a small, shoulder high swell.

Wave type: Left and right-hand reef break

Bottom: Rocky

Tide: Mid-high

Swell: NW

Wind: NE

Length of wave: 100m

Wave height: 2-6 feet

Surfer ability: Beginner, intermediate and advanced 

Surf camp recommendation for La Source: 

5) Boilers

Boilers offers steep, heavy sections over a rocky reef. Another classic Moroccan right-hander, this is a break that comes alive when a decent front rolls into town. Time it right, and the keyhole will sweep you out into the line-up, misjudge the entry, and you’ll be swept onto the old ship's boiler that gives the spot its name. Hollower than Anchor Point, Boilers has a more critical take-off, but the payoff is the sumptuous barrel that rewards anyone who can get deep enough into the pocket as the wave throws over. Often cleaner than other spots in the area due to its sheltered location, Boilers is a spot to check when the wind gets up. Perfect at 6 foot, as the size cranks up it gets super hollow and above 8 foot becomes almost unmakeable, almost…

Wave type: Right-hand reef

Bottom: Rocky

Tide: Mid

Swell: NW

Wind: NE

Length of wave: 200m

Wave height: 3-8 feet

Surfer ability: Intermediate and advanced

Surf camp recommendation for Boilers: 

6) Devil’s Rock

Another great Taghazout surf spot for intermediate surfers and beginners learning to surf, this sandy-bottomed beach break is the ideal place for a more mellow surf in Morocco. Sitting on the other side of Banana Point, Devil’s Rock gives travellers the opportunity to go left and right on its A-frame peaks. With plenty of facilities on the beach, and the odd camel strolling past, this is one of Morocco’s most welcoming surf spots.

Wave type: Left and right beach break

Bottom: Sand

Tide: Mid-high

Swell: NW

Wind: NE

Length of wave: 100m

Wave height: 2-6 feet

Surfer ability: Beginner, intermediate and advanced

Surf camp recommendation for Devils Rock: 

7) Panoramas

Panorama Point is the most easily accessible wave for those centrally located in Taghazout itself. Whilst Taghazout Plage has a fickle shore break and Hash Point occasionally sends through a closey offering, Panoramas is Taghazout’s closest quality ride. Reeling around the point, the peak breaks quite close to shore, and in bigger swells, the rip can be strong. Counteract this by jumping in off the rocks and saving yourself a paddle against the current, just keep an eye on the coast, it’s easy to find yourself swept off the peak and away from the line-up. Can handle more East in the wind than other local spots so always worth checking when other breaks are slightly cross-shore.

Wave type: Right-hand point break

Bottom: Rocky reef

Tide: Mid

Swell: NW

Wind: NE

Length of wave: 250m

Wave height: 3-8 feet 

Surfer ability: Intermediate and advanced

Surf camp recommendation for Panoramas: 

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Some more essential info regarding Taghazout's surf spots:

Weather: The arid climate has hot days and cool nights, the midsummer months (July & August) see temperatures hit 40C whilst the Winter months (November to March) are warm and pleasant.

Water temp: From November to April the water temperature averages 17C, for the remainder of the year it's a balmy 21C, you'll never need anything more than a thin summer suit.

Getting to Morocco: A short hop from most European cities, Agadir is 3 hours 50 minutes from London. For the more adventurous, fly into Marrakech and drive a hire car to the coast.

The variety of waves on offer make Morocco the ideal place for a surf holiday. Forgiving sandy-bottomed beach breaks are the perfect place for taking your first surf lesson. Easy access reefs await those who are growing in confidence and looking to step up their wave riding game. And for the advanced surfer looking to break out from the pack, some of the best waves in the world can be found along this short stretch of coast.