Imsouane · Morocco
Surfing Cathedral
A reef break in Imsouane, Morocco, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsOct-Apr
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Cathedral is the more exposed break on the north side of Imsouane village, under the cliff. It breaks over reef and sand, with peaks both ways, and it's faster and more powerful than The Bay.
It picks up more swell and needs lighter winds. The rips can be strong, so it suits intermediate and advanced surfers. When The Bay is too small, this is usually where the waves are.
30.845, -9.825 · NW swell, E wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Cathedral
Cathedral is at its best from October to April. Conditions it likes: NW swell, E wind. This is how the year looks across Taghazout & Imsouane:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to March | Prime | North-west groundswell, morning offshores, the points work |
| April to May | Good | Smaller swells, warmer water and fewer people |
| June to August | Quiet | Small and windy; the beaches still work for learning |
In season: January · February · March · October · November · December
Waves near Cathedral
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imsouane Bay | Imsouane | Right Point | Beginner / Intermediate | under 1 km |
| Tamri | Boilers & Tamri | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 13 km |
| Boilers | Boilers & Tamri | Right Reef | Intermediate / Advanced | 25 km |
| Draculas | Boilers & Tamri | Reef Break | Advanced | 25 km |
| Killer Point | Taghazout | Right Point | Intermediate / Advanced | 33 km |
| La Source | Taghazout | Reef Break | Intermediate | 34 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Imsouane
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Imsouane surf guide →
A week here costs from about $243 with flights from Europe, or around $744 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
Cathedral: common questions
When is the best time to surf Cathedral?
Cathedral works best from October to April. Ideal conditions: NW swell, E wind.
Is Cathedral good for beginners?
No. Cathedral is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Imsouane Bay in Imsouane, under 1 km away.
How crowded is Cathedral?
Cathedral is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Cathedral?
Cathedral is in Imsouane, in the Taghazout & Imsouane region of Morocco (30.845, -9.825). The nearest wave we cover is Imsouane Bay, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
One strange surf spot a week
The Lineup: one strange surf spot each week, from hippos on the beach in Gabon to lefts under the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Free, and nothing else lands in your inbox.