Surf Road Trip in Morocco by Car: From Taghazout to Imsouane, Chasing the Best Waves
With more than 3,000 kilometres of coastline fed by North Atlantic swell, Morocco is a promised land for surfers. Catching a wave at the right stage of the tide, rather than at whatever hour the surf camp van happens to leave, is exactly what a rental car buys you. One thing to settle before you book: Loccor does not yet have cars in Agadir, so the trip starts from Marrakech.
Contents
1. Why a rental car is the key to a good surf trip in Morocco
2. The trip starts in Marrakech: a limit to know before you book
3. From Taghazout to Boilers: a line-up of world-class rights
4. Imsouane and the Bay: one long, pure ride
5. Which car should you rent for boards and wetsuits?
1. Why a rental car is the key to a good surf trip in Morocco
On the Moroccan coast, the thermal wind and the tide make the rules. A spot that is flat at breakfast can be firing on the dropping tide two hours later, twenty kilometres up the road.
Having your own car means you can check the conditions at first light, throw the boards in and drive to whichever point is sheltered from the wind. It doubles your time in the water and keeps you away from the crowded breaks.
2. The trip starts in Marrakech: a limit to know before you book
Let us be straight about it: Loccor does not serve Agadir or Taghazout yet. Our partner agencies currently deliver in Casablanca, Marrakech, Al Hoceima, Tangier, Tetouan and Fez. Better to know that while planning than to find out at the booking screen.
In practice, the starting city for an Atlantic surf trip is Marrakech. The A7 motorway links Marrakech to Agadir in roughly 2h30 on a fast, well-maintained road. Add another thirty minutes or so on the coastal N1 to reach Taghazout.
3. From Taghazout to Boilers: a line-up of world-class rights
Once you hit the coast, the N1 runs through the surf villages of Tamraght and Taghazout. This is where the legendary right-handers sit: Anchor Point, which peels for several hundred metres along the rocks, plus Killer Point, Hash Point and Panorama Beach.
Keep heading north and you reach Boilers, named after the old shipwreck boiler stranded near the shore. It is a powerful, consistent wave for experienced surfers only, breaking below a raw backdrop of dry cliffs.
4. Imsouane and the Bay: one long, pure ride
An hour north of Taghazout along a spectacular cliff road above the ocean, the fishing village of Imsouane shelters the Bay, a sand point tucked away from the direct swell.
The wave there is unusually gentle and runs on and on towards the harbour beach, which is why longboarders and anyone who simply loves to glide come back for rides that never seem to end. The village itself, with its blue boats and grilled sardine stalls, does the rest. One caveat, though: the bayfront was demolished in January 2024, the cafes, surf camps and shops were levelled and rebuilding is under way. The wave, the harbour and the sardines are intact, the services are not, so plan on sleeping and eating elsewhere.
5. Which car should you rent for boards and wetsuits?
A solo surfer or a pair travelling with shortboards can fit the boards inside a standard city car by folding the front passenger seat down, provided the wetsuits are wrung out properly so they do not soak the upholstery.
For a group of three or four surfers, or for longboards, the most comfortable choice on Loccor is a roomy SUV or an estate. Plenty of travellers also carry removable foam racks strapped through the door frames to take the gear on the roof.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I pick up the car for a surf trip on the Atlantic coast?
Loccor does not serve Agadir yet: there is no car available there today. The starting city is Marrakech, from which the A7 motorway reaches Agadir in about 2h30. Our other cities are Casablanca, Al Hoceima, Tangier, Tetouan and Fez.
When is the best time of year to surf in Morocco?
The prime season runs from October to April, when Atlantic depressions send powerful, consistent swell and the wind is often offshore in the morning. Summer stays ideal for beginners, with small waves and mild water.
Is it risky to leave the car parked near the spots?
Almost every spot has a local parking attendant, who is usually given a few dirhams. Still, never leave anything valuable in sight on the seats: phone, passport or wallet.
Further reading
rent a car in Marrakech, the starting city for this trip
roomy SUVs for carrying boards
discover the southern Atlantic coast by car
our budget models for travelling cheap
Written by the Loccor editorial team, the platform connecting travellers with car rental agencies in Morocco.