Surfing in Imsouane: Spots, Seasons and Tips

Imsouane is a small fishing village between Agadir and Essaouira, known for one of the longest right-hand waves in Africa. This guide covers the three main spots, the best time to go, water temperatures and what to pack, from the team at Tasra Surf & Flow, right on the bay.

The surf spots in Imsouane

The Bay

The Bay is the wave Imsouane is famous for: a mellow right-hand point that peels along the harbour wall into a sheltered bay. On a good swell rides can run for several hundred metres, which is why longboarders come from all over Europe. It is the best spot in the area for beginners and improvers, with a sandy bottom and a long, forgiving shoulder. It gets busy at peak times, so go early and share waves.

Cathedral

Cathedral sits on the north side of the village, facing the open ocean. It picks up much more swell than the Bay and is faster, more powerful and more exposed, with a mix of rock and sand and noticeable currents. It suits intermediate and advanced surfers; beginners should stick to the Bay unless the day is very small and they are with a guide.

The Reef

Between the Bay and Cathedral there is a reef break that only works on bigger swells. It is shallow and fast, for experienced surfers only.

Best time to surf in Imsouane

Imsouane works all year. Winter brings the best and most frequent waves; summer is calmer and warmer, which makes it a great time to learn.

Water temperature and wetsuit

The water stays between about 17°C (February and March) and 21°C (July to October). A 3/2 mm full suit is the standard choice for most of the year; in late summer some people surf in a spring suit. Wetsuits are included in our surf packages and can be rented on site.

Tips for surfing the Bay

• Paddle out from the beach side and stay out of the way of surfers riding through the inside.
• Do not drop in: one surfer per wave, priority to the surfer closest to the peak.
• Check the tide; the Bay usually works best from mid to high tide, but conditions change with each swell.
• Bring reef booties if you plan to surf Cathedral or the Reef.
• Sunscreen and water: the Moroccan sun is strong even in winter.

Where to stay

Tasra Surf & Flow is right by the Bay, so you can check the waves from your terrace before breakfast. We offer private rooms and dorms, surf lessons, board and wetsuit rental, a restaurant and a coworking space. New to surfing? Read our beginner’s guide to surfing in Imsouane. Planning the trip? See how to get to Imsouane.