Spot guide
Surfing La Cathédrale: everything you need to know
The wave at La Cathédrale
La Cathédrale, often written Cathedral or La Cathedrale, sits on the other side of the Imsouane headland from the famous bay. While the bay faces south and needs swell to wrap into it, the Cathédrale faces west, straight into the Atlantic. That makes it a very different wave: it picks up more swell, has more power, and breaks as a series of peaks rather than one long peeling line.
The bottom is reef, and the waves stand up more steeply than in the bay. From around 0.6 metres there is something to ride. Between 1 and 2.2 metres it is at its best, with punchy peaks that give short, lively rides and plenty of chances to turn. Towards 3 metres it becomes powerful and harder to manage, and above that it is too big. Because the peaks can shift, you need to read the line-up and position yourself well, which is great practice for improving surfers.
Best conditions for surfing La Cathédrale
| Condition | What works |
|---|---|
| Swell direction | WSW to N |
| Wave size | Works from 0.6 m, best 1 to 2.2 m, too big above 3 m |
| Period | No minimum, shorter swells can work |
| Wind | Light, or offshore from the E |
| Tide | Works on all tides |
| Best season | October to April |
The Cathédrale takes a wide range of swell directions, from west-south-west round to north, and it does not need a long-period swell the way the bay does. That is exactly why it is so useful: on days when the swell is too small or too short to wrap into Imsouane Bay, the Cathédrale is often breaking. The catch is the wind. It has no shelter from the north, so it is best with light winds or an offshore from the east, usually in the morning.
Who should surf La Cathédrale?
La Cathédrale suits confident intermediate and advanced surfers. You should be able to paddle out on your own, take off on steeper waves and handle surfing over reef. Intermediates who are comfortable on green waves will find it a great step up from the gentle walls of Imsouane Bay, and advanced surfers will enjoy the extra power on a good swell.
Beginners should stay in the bay, where the inside is slow and forgiving, or learn on the beach breaks near Tamraght first. There is no shame in watching the Cathédrale from the headland for a while and coming back when you are ready.
Hazards and local tips at La Cathédrale
- Reef bottom. The waves break over rock. Fall flat, protect your head, and consider booties for getting in and out.
- Urchins. As on most Moroccan reefs, watch your feet on the rocks.
- Check it from the headland. Watch a few sets to see where the peaks are breaking and where other surfers paddle out and come in.
- Currents. With more swell comes more water movement. Know your exit before you go out.
- Shifting peaks. Keep an eye on who is closest to the peak and do not drop in. Be friendly with local surfers, who know the reef best.
- Wind. If the north wind is already strong, the Cathédrale will be choppy. The bay may be the better option then.
How to get to La Cathédrale from Tamraght
La Cathédrale is in Imsouane, north of Taghazout and Tamri, on the coast road towards Essaouira. From our riad in Tamraght it is about 1 hour 20 minutes by car. Once in Imsouane, the spot is on the west side of the headland, a short walk over from the bay, so it is easy to check both waves on the same trip and choose the better one.
When to go to La Cathédrale
The main season is October to April, when North Atlantic swells are bigger and more consistent. In summer it is often small, but because it catches more swell than the bay, it is still worth a look when the bay is flat. Water is around 17 to 18°C in winter and spring, so a 4/3 wetsuit is best, and 20 to 22°C from July to November, when a 3/2 is enough. Our guide to water temperature and wetsuits in Morocco has more detail.
Go in the morning. The north wind often builds in the afternoon and the Cathédrale is exposed to it. A good plan is to surf here early, then move to the bay later in the day, where the north wind blows offshore. Tide is not critical, as it works on all tides.
Surfing La Cathédrale with Surf Chill Vibe
We visit the Cathédrale on our Imsouane day trips when the swell and our guests’ level suit it. Our guides check both sides of the headland and choose the best wave for each surfer. The day trip is included in our 7-Day Surf and Explore stay and can be added to any other package. Contact us to plan your trip.
Coach's tip: When the bay is too small, walk over the headland and check here.
