Surfing in Essaouira: complete guide to a surf trip in Morocco
Nestled on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira has long attracted travelers in search of authenticity, wind and waves. Famous for its UNESCO-listed fortified medina and bohemian ambience, Essaouira has also become a haven for surf enthusiasts.
With spots accessible to beginners, consistent waves for experienced surfers and a relaxed atmosphere, Essaouira is one of Morocco’s top surfing destinations.
Why choose Essaouira for a surf trip?
Unlike Taghazout, popular with surfers from all over the world, Essaouira offers a quieter, more authentic atmosphere. There are no crowds on the main spots, but a friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere where backpackers, artists and riders meet.
The temperate climate, regular Atlantic swells and trade winds make the region an ideal playground not only for surfing, but also for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
In short: Essaouira is the perfect blend of sport, culture and Moroccan art de vivre.
When should you go surfing in Essaouira?
The magic of Essaouira is that you can surf almost all year round.
- Beginners: May to September is the ideal period. The waves are small, regular and perfect for stress-free progress.
- Intermediate: from October to April, winter swells bring more consistency, with powerful waves that can exceed 2 meters.
Note that the wind blows almost every day in Essaouira, which can make sessions more technical. For those who want to combine surfing and kiting, there’s a double benefit.
Practical information about Essaouira
Surfing
- Level: All levels, depending on spot
- Wave types: Long and gentle (Essaouira beach), powerful and hollow (Sidi Kaouki)
- Bottom type: Sand and rock
- When to go: All year round, best conditions from October to April
- Best period: October – April
- Average water temperature: 16-22°C depending on the season
- Average temperature (land): 18-28°C depending on the season
Before you leave
- Time difference: GMT+1
- Flight time (from Paris): Approx. 3h
Airports: Essaouira (30min), Marrakech (3h) - Documents required: Passport valid 6 months after entry
Vaccinesrequired: None required - But recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid
On site
- Languages spoken : Arabic, Berber, French, English
Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD) – Please note that there are no ATMs on site. - Cost of living: Affordable, meals around 5-15€.
- Safety: Good, but normal vigilance recommended
Getting around: Shared cab, car rental
The best surf spots in Essaouira
Essaouira isn’t just one surf spot, but a whole surf area with something for everyone. From the central beach, ideal for beginners, to the long waves of Sidi Kaouki, where you can make progress, to the more committed sessions of Moulay Bouzerktoun, there’s something for every surfer. The advantage of this destination is the diversity of conditions within a radius of less than 30 minutes’ drive, which means you can vary your sessions throughout your stay.
Essaouira beach: the urban spotlight
Located just outside the medina, this large beach offers smooth, steady waves, perfect for learning. Numerous surf schools and shops are located here, making it the ideal starting point for beginners.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with waves generally not exceeding 1m to 1.50m, and the sandy bottom ensures safe progress.
Sidi Kaouki: raw nature
25 km south of Essaouira, this small fishing village has become a mythical spot for surfers. Here, the scenery is wilder: endless beaches, powerful waves and a timeless atmosphere.
The spot offers several peaks, suitable for intermediate and advanced levels. Winter is particularly interesting here, with waves reaching 2 to 3 meters. The authentic setting, with its white houses and local cafés, is also part of the experience.
Moulay Bouzerktoun: the power of trade winds
World-renowned for windsurfing, Moulay is also an excellent surf spot, located some twenty kilometers north of Essaouira. The waves here are more technical, fast and sometimes hollow, making it a playground for experienced surfers. It’s a demanding spot, but the local atmosphere, with its small cafés and unspoilt setting, will appeal to travelers in search of authenticity.
Cap Sim: the discreet spot for surfers seeking peace and quiet
Located south of Essaouira, not far from Sidi Kaouki, Cap Sim is a spot still relatively unspoiled by mass tourism. Access is via a track surrounded by dunes and argan trees, making it an adventure in itself.
The spot operates mainly at low and intermediate tide, with faster and sometimes hollow waves, ideal for intermediate and experienced surfers looking to get away from the crowds. Its isolation means you’ll need to come equipped (water, food, adapted board), but in exchange, you’ll enjoy sessions in a wild setting, facing the ocean and the Cape’s emblematic lighthouse.
You can also try your hand at surfing in Taghazout.
All about surf spots in Essaouira
Is Essaouira suitable for intermediate surfers?
The answer is yes, and it’s one of the reasons why Essaouira is so appealing. For surfers who are past the beginner stage but not yet comfortable on powerful reef breaks like Taghazout, Essaouira offers a balanced playground.
On Essaouira’s main beach, the waves allow you to perfect your take-off, work on your basic maneuvers and gain confidence on series that remain manageable. Conditions range from 80 cm to 1.50 m most of the year, perfect for making progress without putting yourself at risk.
Taking things a step further, Sidi Kaouki becomes a must-see spot for intermediates. The waves are more consistent, the peaks more varied, and the length of the ripples allows you to improve your placement and wave reading. It’s the ideal place to take your surfing to the next level and move on to more committed sessions.
Finally, for those who want to test more technical conditions without jumping straight into big reef, Moulay Bouzerktoun is an excellent option. Exposure to the wind and Atlantic swells offers fast, powerful waves that force you to raise your game.
In short, Essaouira is perfectly suited to intermediate surfers: enough safety to keep progressing, but enough variety to challenge yourself and prepare for the transition to more demanding spots.
Surf excursions around Essaouira
If you’re staying several days in Essaouira, it’s worth combining your surf trip with other emblematic spots on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
Two destinations in particular stand out: Safi and Imsouane.
Surfing in Safi
Around 2 hours north of Essaouira, Safi is a mythical stopover for experienced surfers. Its main wave is considered one of the longest straights in Morocco, offering spectacular rides when conditions are right. Although the spot is demanding and reserved for advanced levels, it’s well worth the detour for those looking to push their limits.
Discover our complete guide: Surfing in Safi
Surfing in Imsouane
Located just 1h40 south of Essaouira, Imsouane is a paradise for surfers looking for long, accessible waves. Its bay is world-renowned for offering one of the longest straights in Africa, ideal for intermediate surfers and motivated beginners alike. The village atmosphere, more chill than Taghazout, also makes it a perfect destination for a stopover of a few days.
Read our detailed article: Surfing in Imsouane
An unmissable surfing itinerary in Morocco
By combining Essaouira, Safi and Imsouane, you can enjoy a complementary trio: a bohemian and accessible atmosphere in Essaouira, a mythical and committed wave in Safi, and the legendary bay of Imsouane for endless rides. This is undoubtedly one of the best itineraries for a varied surf trip in Morocco.
What's there to do in Essaouira apart from surfing?
Essaouira offers much more than surfing! Here are a few must-do activities:
Discover the medina and its ramparts
The medina of Essaouira is one of the most beautiful in Morocco, with its white and blue streets, its ramparts facing the ocean and its artistic atmosphere. Strolling through its souks, between artisan workshops and galleries, is an experience not to be missed.
Taste the local gastronomy
Essaouira is also renowned for its grilled fish, served right at the port, and its fragrant tajines. In the evening, the lively terraces and small cafés let you soak up the local atmosphere.
Nature excursions
In between sessions, you can take a camel or horse ride along the wild beaches, explore the dunes or visit the argan forests. Lovers of authenticity will also appreciate the surrounding villages, still preserved from mass tourism.
Good plan: go surfing in Essaouira from Bordeaux
For surfers based in the South-West, Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most accessible destinations. The good news is that there are direct flights from Bordeaux to Essaouira, operated by Ryanair and others, making it possible to reach the Moroccan coast in just under 3h30.
In terms of budget, the average price of a round trip is between €60 and €120 in low season (May-June, September), rising to €150-200 in high season. This makes it a very affordable alternative to other international surf destinations, while offering a total change of scenery.
Once you’ve arrived, Essaouira airport is just 15 minutes from the city center. So it’s easy to get to the medina, its bohemian atmosphere and of course… the main beach, where the first waves are already waiting.
This plan allows surfers in Bordeaux to plan an express surf trip of 4 or 5 days, with a very reasonable overall budget (flight + accommodation + surf camp), while enjoying ideal conditions for progress.
Practical tips for organizing your surf trip to Essaouira
Budget
Essaouira is an affordable destination compared to other international spots.
- Accommodation: from €20 a night in a hostel to €60-80 in a comfortable riad.
- Surfing lessons: approx. €25-30 for a 2-hour session.
- Board hire: between €10 and €15 per day.
- Meals: a tagine or grilled fish costs between €5 and €10.
Transport
Essaouira has a small airport, but most travellers arrive via Marrakech (2h30 drive). Buses or shared cabs easily link the two cities. Locally, renting a scooter or cab is a convenient way to reach Sidi Kaouki or Moulay.
Housing
Surfers often prefer surf camps for their practicality and conviviality. But Essaouira also offers charming riads in the medina, backpacker hostels and small hotels by the beach.
Preparing your trip to Essaouira
When to surf in Essaouira
The best time to surf in Essaouira depends on your level. From May to September, the waves are small and ideal for beginners. From October to April, the swells are more powerful, perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Where to surf in Essaouira?
The main spots are Essaouira beach for beginners, Sidi Kaouki for progress and Moulay Bouzerktoun for advanced surfers. You can also explore Cap Sim or head to Safi for a variety of sessions.
Is Essaouira suitable for beginners?
Yes, Essaouira’s large beach offers gentle, regular waves that are perfect for learning. The sandy bottom and the presence of numerous surf schools guarantee a safe learning experience.
Is Essaouira better than Taghazout for surfing?
Essaouira is less touristy than Taghazout and offers a more authentic atmosphere. Taghazout remains renowned for its powerful reef breaks, while Essaouira is better suited to beginners and intermediates who want to progress without pressure.
How much does a surf trip to Essaouira cost?
A surf trip to Essaouira is very affordable: around €20-30 per night in a hostel, €25-30 for a surf lesson and €10-15 to rent a surfboard. With meals and flights, a week’s stay can cost between €400 and €600.
How do I get from Marrakech to Essaouira to surf?
Essaouira is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Marrakech. Direct buses (Supratours, CTM) connect the two cities several times a day. You can also rent a car or take a shared cab for greater flexibility.