Morocco surf guide

Surfing Essaouira

The windy old port town and its sheltered bay

1 wave · Best Oct-Apr · Beginner, Intermediate · From $32 a day

Essaouira is a walled port town with a UNESCO-listed medina, about two and a half hours from Marrakech. It's one of the windiest places on the coast, so it's better known for kitesurfing, but in winter the mornings are calmer and Sidi Kaouki, to the south, has good beach breaks.

LevelsBeginner, Intermediate

Best seasonOct-Apr

RegionEssaouira

Daily budget$32–210

Nearest airportESU

The waves at Essaouira

Essaouira BeachBeginner / Intermediate

Beach Break · Best Oct-Apr · 1-5 ft · Crowd 2/5

NW swell, ESE wind, all tides

The main beach in Essaouira runs south from the old town. The bay is sheltered, so the waves are usually small and soft, and it's a good place for lessons.

Essaouira is one of the windiest towns in Morocco, especially from April to September, and the beach is better known for kitesurfing. For surfing, come in winter and go early in the morning before the wind picks up. Sidi Kaouki, 25 km south, gets more swell.

The medina, with its riads and restaurants, is right next to the beach.

Full guide to Essaouira Beach

Where to stay in Essaouira

Riads inside the old walled town are the classic choice, with rooftop terraces and everything within walking distance. The new town along the beach is quieter and has more modern apartments. The wind blows most afternoons, which is why many surfers base themselves at Sidi Kaouki instead.

Surf camps in Essaouira

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Before
you go

Book ahead

Riads in the medina fill up at Easter, Christmas and during the Gnaoua music festival in June.

The water

The wind is strong most afternoons, especially from April to September. Surf in the morning.

Who it suits

Don't expect good surf in summer: it's kite season. Cap Sim is a rocky reef for experienced surfers only.

Money

ATMs are in the medina and new town. Cash is needed in Sidi Kaouki.

Best time to surf Essaouira

Essaouira works best around Oct-Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PrimeGoodQuiet

Portugal or Morocco? Compared for surfing

Blue fishing boats in Essaouira port — Photo: Arnaud 25, CC BY-SA 3.0

Getting to Essaouira

Essaouira has a small airport (ESU) with a few European routes. Most people come by bus from Marrakech or Agadir, about 3 hours either way.

Supratours / CTM bus

$8-12

Comfortable intercity buses to the station near the medina. Board bags pay a small extra fee in the luggage hold.

Grand taxi

$15-20

Shared or private taxis run the 25 km to Sidi Kaouki. Agree the price first; shared taxis leave when full.

Rental car

$25-40/day

Useful for checking Sidi Kaouki, Cap Sim and the beaches further south. The medina is car-free; park outside the walls.

Beyond the surf

Essaouira port

Leisure

Blue fishing boats, seagulls and grilled fish stalls by the medina walls.