Water Sports in Morocco

One of Africa's most celebrated waves. A long, fast, mechanical right-hander that peels over a boulder-strewn reef for up to 300 meters on a solid swell. The wave has multiple sections: a steep takeoff, a racing wall section, and a reforming inside. On big days, the paddle-out alone is a challenge. This is Morocco's marquee wave and draws surfers from across the world during the winter season.

Named (legend says) after the orcas once spotted here, Killer Point is a heavy, powerful right that breaks over a shallow rock shelf just north of Anchor Point. It needs a solid 6ft+ swell to start working, but when it does, it produces some of the longest, most powerful barrels in Morocco. Access is via a cliff path and the paddle-out can be treacherous. For experienced surfers only.

Named after the boiler wreckage visible at low tide, this is Taghazout's heaviest wave. A thick, dredging right that breaks over an extremely shallow reef, producing short but intense barrel rides. Only works on the biggest swells and should only be attempted by experienced surfers comfortable in heavy, shallow conditions. The reward is some of the thickest pits in North Africa.

A mellow, user-friendly wave just south of Taghazout village. The inside section is sandy and forgiving, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers building confidence. The outside offers more powerful sections for those looking to progress. This is where most surf schools take their students and where many surfers warm up before heading to the point breaks.

Home to what is considered the longest right-hand wave in Africa, and one of the longest in the world. On a good swell, rides of 600 meters or more are possible as the wave wraps endlessly around the bay. The wave is gentle and forgiving, making it ideal for longboarders and improvers, but its sheer length means even experts will be grinning. The small fishing village is charming and uncommercialized.

On the opposite side of the Imsouane headland from the Bay sits Cathedral, a more powerful, hollow right that breaks over a rocky reef. It packs considerably more punch than the Bay and rewards good positioning with open-face turns and occasional barrels. The two waves offer a perfect contrast: mellow longboarding in the Bay, punchy shortboarding at Cathedral.

A wild, windswept beach 25 km south of Essaouira with consistent beach-break waves that work on most tide states. The vibe here is mystical and off-grid, centered around a whitewashed marabout on the bluff. Far less crowded than Taghazout, Sidi Kaouki attracts surfers seeking solitude and a simpler experience. Camel rides along the beach at sunset have become an iconic image.

The wide beach at Essaouira picks up swell from multiple directions and offers gentle, crumbly waves perfect for absolute beginners. The wind can be a factor here (Essaouira is called the "Wind City of Africa"), so mornings tend to be glassier. Multiple surf schools operate from the beach, making this one of the most accessible places to try surfing for the first time.