Morocco has always been popular with wave-riding hippies, but today there are hundreds of surf camps peppered across the country catering to a range of budgets and expertise.
Moroccan Surf Journey in Tamraught (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
It’s possible to surf along most of Morocco’s clay-baked western coastline, but there are a few spots that are a cut above the rest. Essaouria, known as the ‘Wind City’, is ideal for beginners looking to try their hand at surfing and kitesurfing thanks to its mellow, chest-high waves. Imsouane boasts the biggest swells – including the longest right-handers in Morocco. Tamraught, Taghazout and Agadir are, justly, popular too. There are now countless surf camps dotted around the country offering a variety of surfing programmes for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels that cater to a range of budgets. Many now offer the chance to combine surfing with other cultural activities, such as yoga and sightseeing, too. With so many to choose from, we’ve rounded up the best surf camps in Morocco based on value for money, variety of courses and location.
Moroccan Surf Journey in Tamraught
This surf camp gives travellers the chance to combine superb swells with an authentic Moroccan experience in a traditional Berber family home. The camp currently offers ten different camps, varying in duration and expert level. Some combine surfing instruction with yoga sessions too. It’s one of the few schools that also offers courses specifically for women. Prices include accommodation, three meals a day and surfing gear. Depending on the option selected, some courses offer complimentary cookery lessons and yoga sessions too. From €235 per person.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
Shaka Surf Morocco in Agadir
Shaka Surf Morocco in Agadir (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
Based on the sunny southern coast of Morocco in Tamraght, Shaka Surf Morocco is a lovely, laid-back school offering four different surfing programmes. One of its most popular camps is the ‘Eight Day Beginner Course’, which offers small-group surfing lessons every morning with patient local instructors, a supervised ‘free surf’ session every afternoon and a day-long surf trip to the world-famous Imsouane. Prices for all camps include breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch every day, accommodation and airport transfers. From €325 per person.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
The Surf Hotel in Tamraght
The Surf Hotel offers up an impressive nine surf camps, so it’s a breeze finding an option that caters to all experience levels, budgets and timeframes. The school also offers combined yoga and surfing programmes for those looking for the full holistic package. The shortest and cheapest option offers four nights’ accommodation and three full days of surf lessons. Prices include three healthy and homemade meals a day, surfboard and wetsuits and airport transfers. From €341 per person.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
Taghazout Surfwaves Morocco
Taghazout Surf Waves Hostel (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
Taghazout Surfwaves Morocco offers eight different surf camps, each lasting for 7–8 days for total immersion in local surfing culture. The camp includes accommodation at Taghazout Surf Waves Hostel, which boasts a prime position within walking distance of 12 superb surfing spots. Amenities in Taghazout are excellent too, with a wide variety of cafes, boutiques and a hammam parlour. Prices include three meals a day, 5-6 days of surf lessons, gear rental and a barbecue night. There’s a complimentary pickup and drop-off service to Agadir-Al Massira International Airport too. From €385.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
Annanas Kitesurfing School in Essaouira
Essaouira is famed for its coastal winds – at Ananas Kitesurfing school you can make the most of them. There are three different programmes to choose from, ranging from a shorter four day camp for intermediate kitesurfers to an eight-day surfing camp for all levels. Accommodation is provided at a local hotel with a choice of private single, double and triple rooms to choose from. Prices include free use of all kite surf gear and eight hours of semi-private kitesurfing and unlimited surfing supervision. From €490 per person.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
Marrakech Surf and Snow
Morocco Surf & Snow (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com
For those looking to explore Morocco’s coastline, Marrakech Surf and Snow’s ‘surfari’ is an excellent option. The three-day experience gives surfing enthusiasts the chance to check out some of the best surfing spots, with two hours of surf coaching every day, transportation, accommodation and surfing gear included. The camp runs from February to April every year and is suitable for all levels. Guests get to combine surfing lessons with authentic local experiences too, with trips to local female-owned cooperatives, guided tours around the cities and live music in the evenings. From €671.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
Surfline Morocco in Agadir
Surfline Morocco is one of the few surf schools that offers a bumper one-month long surfing camp. Available in February and March every year, guests enjoy daily surf lessons, free surfboard and wetsuit, daily transport to the best surf spots in the region and video analysis surf coaching. The camp also includes three meals a day and 29 nights’ accommodation at a picturesque riad close to Crocodile Beach. Courses are available for both beginners and intermediate surfers, with numbers capped at 10 participants. From €3,709 per person
Book at BookSurfCamps.com