Morocco surf guide
Surfing Essaouira
The windy old port town and its sheltered bay
- Spots1
- LevelsBeginner, Intermediate
- Best seasonOct-Apr
- RegionEssaouira
The waves at Essaouira
Essaouira Beach
- Beach Break
- Beginner / Intermediate
- 1-5 ft
- Oct-Apr
- Crowd 2/5
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.
31.505, -9.765 · NW swell, ESE wind, all tides
Beyond the surf
- Essaouira port: Blue fishing boats, seagulls and grilled fish stalls by the medina walls.
Getting to Essaouira and around 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.
Before you go
Booking: Riads in the medina fill up at Easter, Christmas and during the Gnaoua music festival in June.
Money: ATMs are in the medina and new town. Cash is needed in Sidi Kaouki.
Health: The wind is strong most afternoons, especially from April to September. Surf in the morning.
Avoid: Don't expect good surf in summer: it's kite season. Cap Sim is a rocky reef for experienced surfers only.
Best time to surf Essaouira
Essaouira works best around Oct-Apr. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Morocco.
A week here costs from about $264 with flights from Europe, or around $947 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Essaouira: common questions
When is the best time to surf Essaouira?
Essaouira works best from October to April. By spot: Essaouira Beach, October to April.
Is Essaouira good for beginners?
Yes, Essaouira Beach suits beginners.
What kind of waves are there at Essaouira?
We map 1 spot at Essaouira: beach break (1).
How do you get 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.
Do I need cash in Essaouira?
ATMs are in the medina and new town. Cash is needed in Sidi Kaouki.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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