Surfing in Imsouane

Imsouane (also know as Imessouane) is a tiny town. Traditionally a fishing village with a few houses and lots of wooden boats. Until someone discovered that a bizarrely long and mellow wave wraps into what we call The Bay. Than, of course, the surfers came. The entrepreneurs followed. And there are now dozens of new surf houses, hostels and hotels. And the wave is exactly as it has always been. Long and mellow.

Imsouane has something to offer for every surfer

Imsouane is located between Essaouira and Agadir, is a small coastal village in Morocco that offers an exceptional surfing experience. Tucked away from the bustling tourist hotspots, Imsouane is a hidden gem known for its pristine waves and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, Imsouane has something to offer for everyone.

Accessing the Surf Spot

To reach the surfing spot in Imsouane, follow the dirt road that connects the village to the bay. Once in the village, take a left turn along the cliff, and you’ll find yourself at the bay. The walk from the village to the bay is short, typically taking around 5 to 15 minutes. The access to the spot is public, making it easily accessible to all surfers.

“It is also a blast on a log or fish, even for experienced surfers (just try to get there before the surf schools). Arguably the longest wave in Morocco.”

From: Magicseaweed

The waves at Imsouane can provide an exhilarating experience

In general; the best tide positions for surfing at Imsouane are low and mid tide. It’s advisable to pay attention to the tide movement for optimal surfing conditions. The spot is suitable for surfers of all levels, making it an excellent destination for beginners and experts alike. However, during weekends, the spot tends to get crowded with other surfers, so weekdays might offer a more serene experience.

Tide, Swell, and Wind Conditions

Imsouane experiences regular swells, with a good swell direction and wind direction. The waves start working at around 1.0m-1.5m (3ft-5ft) and can hold up to larger sizes. This makes it an ideal spot to catch some great waves throughout the year.

The surf spots near Imsouane

You can distinguish two main surf spots at Imsouane:

1. The Bay
2. The Cathedral

The Bay

That long wave we’re talking about is known locally as The Bay and offers hundreds of meters of surfing fun in this village’s main bay. Longboarders get their fill here. But on your shortboard, you can also go wild on this playful wave. This is the break you see on all the ads of all those Imsouane surf camp schools as you can see above. A classic Moroccan point break, with a start zone at the end of the main headland. That means an easy (read: virtually no) paddle out, just jumping over a few rocks near the village. The waves are at their best when the chest to overhead at long periods. This is common in winter. The trick is to find the sweet spot and cruise the pocket. On bigger days, the wave builds up like a small wall and you can rip this wave quite a bit. Shortboarders then dominate the line-up.

The Cathedral

On the other side of The Bay, you’ll find the Cathedral. There you’ll find the reef and all sorts of peaks with sandy bottoms that can make for barrels, especially in winter. These waves tend to be faster and less forgiving than their gentle counterpart on the other side of town. Underwater is a mix of rock and sand, but there is also a fast reef that can cause barrels during big winter swells.

Imsouane FAQ’s