Spot guide
Surfing Imsouane Bay: everything you need to know
The wave at Imsouane Bay
Imsouane Bay is famous for one thing: length. When a north-west swell wraps around the headland of this small fishing village, a gentle right-hander starts peeling along the bay and keeps going for a very long way. It is regularly described as one of the longest waves in Morocco, and a good ride here can leave you a long walk from where you started.
The wave is a point break that bends into a south-facing bay. Because the swell loses energy as it wraps, the waves are softer and more forgiving than on the open coast. From about half a metre there are small, slow waves on the inside that are perfect for learning. Between 0.8 and 2 metres it is at its best, with long, open walls on the outside for improvers and longboarders, while the inside stays friendlier. Once the swell passes about 2.8 metres it becomes too big and messy for the bay.
Best conditions for surfing Imsouane Bay
| Condition | What works |
|---|---|
| Swell direction | W to N |
| Wave size | Works from 0.5 m, best 0.8 to 2 m, too big above 2.8 m |
| Period | 10 seconds or more |
| Wind | Light, or offshore from the N |
| Tide | Works on all tides |
| Best season | October to April |
The bay needs a swell with enough period, around 10 seconds or more, to wrap around the headland and reach inside. Short wind swell usually passes by. The great advantage of Imsouane Bay is the wind: because the bay faces south, the north wind that spoils so many spots on this coast blows offshore here. That means it can stay clean long after other breaks have been blown out.
Who should surf Imsouane Bay?
Almost everyone, as long as the size is right. Beginners do well on the inside on small and medium days, where the waves are slow and the bottom is sandy near the beach. Improvers will find it one of the best places in Morocco to practise trimming, turning and reading a long wall, because you get so much time on each wave. Longboarders are in heaven.
Advanced surfers enjoy it too, especially on bigger days when the outside section gets faster, although many will also walk over the headland to La Cathédrale, which picks up more swell and has more power. Our Imsouane surf guide goes into more detail about the village and both waves.
Hazards and local tips at Imsouane Bay
- Crowds. On good winter swells the bay gets busy, with surf schools, longboarders and shortboarders sharing the same wave. Be patient.
- One wave, one surfer. On a long point, dropping in or snaking ruins a ride for someone else. The surfer closest to the peak has priority. Read our surf etiquette guide before you go.
- Stay out of the way when paddling back. Paddle wide of the breaking waves, or better, walk back along the beach.
- Fishing boats and the harbour area. Imsouane is a working fishing village. Keep clear of boats and moorings.
- Rocks near the headland. The take-off near the point is closer to rocks than the inside. Beginners should stay on the sandy inside.
- Bring the right board. A longboard or mid-length makes the most of the gentle walls.
How to get to Imsouane Bay from Tamraght
Imsouane is north of Taghazout and Tamri, at the end of the coast road heading towards Essaouira. From our riad in Tamraght it is about 1 hour 20 minutes by car, a beautiful drive along the cliffs past Taghazout, Boilers and Tamri. The bay is right beside the village, so once you arrive you can see the wave from the shore.
When to go to Imsouane Bay
The best season is October to April, when regular North Atlantic swells arrive with enough period to wrap into the bay. In summer it is often too small, though small clean days still happen. Water is around 17 to 18°C in winter and spring, when a 4/3 wetsuit is best, rising to 20 to 22°C from July to November.
Unlike most spots nearby, you do not always have to rush in the morning here. The north wind blows offshore in the bay, so afternoons can be clean too. It works on all tides, so the swell size and period are what matter most. Mornings are still quieter, especially at weekends and in winter.
Surfing Imsouane Bay with Surf Chill Vibe
Imsouane is our favourite day out. Our 7-Day Surf and Explore package includes a day trip there, and guests on other stays can add the Imsouane day trip as an extra. Our local instructors pick the right section of the bay for your level, whether you are learning on the inside or chasing long rides on the outside. See our packages and build-your-trip options.
Coach's tip: Take a longboard or a mid-length, and be ready to walk back along the beach.
