Learning to Surf in Taghazout, Morocco
This Naturally By Chloe blog post was guest written by Olivia Kemp.
Have you ever considered learning to surf in Taghazout, Morocco? Trust me, after reading this blog, you'll be itching to book your flights on Skyscanner.com.
Just a 1.5-hour drive north of Agadir airport lies the charming fishing village of Taghazout. It's a lively place with stunning beaches that boast some of the best waves, delicious food at local restaurants, and friendly locals (most of the time).
While there isn't a much-recorded history of Taghazout, it's widely known that the village began attracting surfers from around the world because of its incredible point break, Anchor Point.
Surfer in Taghazout
How to get to Taghazout?
The best option is to fly into Agadir airport, although you could also fly into Marrakesh. Keep in mind that flying into Marrakesh would require significantly more travel time. Once you arrive at Agadir airport, you can take a taxi for around 300dh, the No.32 bus from Agadir coach station or rent a car directly from the airport. Just a heads up, Moroccan drivers have a different driving style that might seem hectic, but it's all part of the adventure.
Taking your own board is simple enough, though it can be a bit stressful when flying. The cost of adding your surfboard to your flight ranges from £50-70 (GBP), but it's still cheaper than renting a board every day. Most taxi drivers will have a large enough vehicle or straps to ensure you and your board are transported safely. Plus, bringing your own board is great for the extra luggage space you get in your board bag.
Pro tip: If you decide to bring your own board, make sure to pack spares of everything including fins, wax (and lots of it), fin key, and legrope. Trust me, you'll probably need it!
Taghazout has a range of accommodation options from luxury villas to caravan sites. I stayed at The Surf Hostel, which I highly recommend. It's run by a Moroccan family who ensures everyone feels at home and has an amazing stay. My favorite part of the hostel was the rooftop where you could meet fellow travelers and end up spending the rest of your vacation together.
If your main goal is to learn how to surf, there are many surf houses available, though they may be a bit pricier. Here are some recommendations: Surf Maroc, Surf Berbere, and Hashpoint Surfcamp.
Alternatively, you could book an Airbnb or hotel room through Booking.com or Airbnb.com. Regardless of your choice, there’s something for everyone.
Now, let’s talk about the real reason you’re here -
Surfing in Taghazout
After visiting many European countries in search of surf, I can confidently say that Morocco has some of the most incredible, barrelling right-hand points I've ever seen. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, there's a wave for everyone.
For the most consistent swell, I suggest visiting between September and April. After April, the waves tend to calm down and the ocean becomes like a lake.
Just a 15-minute walk or a 2-minute drive from Taghazout lies Anchor Point, where the waves form. This wave is for the more intermediate surfer who’s looking to conquer the Moroccan swell. It can get crowded, so I recommend waking up before sunrise to snag a wave for yourself.
Keep following the coastline past Anchor Point, and you'll reach Killers. Another spot is known for its powerful right-hand waves that, on big days, you can ride all the way into the sand.
If you’re learning to surf or in the beginning stages of surfing, then Panoramas Beach is more the place for you. On the south side of Taghazout, the beach caters perfectly to those wanting to relax, play games, meet people, and learn to surf the softly breaking waves. However, if the swell is expected to be above 5ft, Panorama tends to become a washing machine in the whitewash, making it impossible to stay in one place.
Another great place to surf is Banana Point near Tamraght. Getting there requires a car, but the point is more friendly for surfers who aren’t as confident yet.
If you’re looking to hire a board or wetsuit, Taghazout has plenty of surf shops available, with heaps of board options to choose from. As it’s quite challenging to import new boards there, there isn’t a great selection of fresh boards to choose from, but for beginners to intermediate surfers, they work perfectly fine.
Post-Surf Vegan Feed
Taghazout, Morocco, may not be known as a vegan paradise, but with its abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, it is definitely possible to find delicious vegan options while traveling there.
If you’re one for dining out, there are a few restaurants that cater to vegan diets. Red Clay Cafe is the main one, specializing in serving vegan food and drinks. The atmosphere is cool and laid-back, the staff is super friendly, and they serve the best coffee in Taghazout. Although slightly pricey, all of their food is made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients and it's delicious!
But that's not all. There are plenty of other vegan-friendly options in the area, such as World of Waves and Teapot Cafe. And if you want to try the Moroccan way of eating, Cafe Taghazout offers a divine lentil soup and Moroccan salad, or a flavorful vegetable tajine.
One of the best places to find vegan options in Taghazout is the local markets. They offer an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, including avocados, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers. You'll also find a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and spices that can be used to make tasty vegan dishes.
In short, while Taghazout may not be a vegan food mecca, there are still plenty of options available for those who choose to follow a vegan diet. With a little bit of research and some adventurous spirit, you can find delicious vegan options that will make your trip to Taghazout even more enjoyable.
To conclude, Taghazout is an excellent destination for those who want to experience surfing in a beautiful and friendly village with plenty of delicious food options. It has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for surf enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Morocco Travel Tips
Tap water in Morocco is not so safe to drink, so it's best to bring a water filter bottle (I recommend the lifestraw bottle) or purchase large containers of water from the local shops to avoid any upset stomachs. Although it may not be the most environmentally friendly option, it's a necessary precaution.
It's crucial to bring enough cash with you, as there are no ATMs in the village. The closest ATM is located at the Radisson Blu hotel, which is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive away and charges 35dh every time you withdraw money.
Wait until you get to Taghazout to purchase a SIM card, which can be found near the mosque. We recommend choosing Inwi as your provider since some of our friends had issues with other providers. The cost for a SIM card is 20dh and to add data, it's 10dh for 1GB.
Hiring a car is the best way to get to all the best surf spots in Taghazout. We recommend avoiding airport car hires since they require a 1000 euro deposit and are charged at a higher rate. Instead, hire a car from the Taghazout car hire company, which doesn't require a deposit, or from ABID cars, which expects a 380 euro deposit.