What the Imsouane day trip is
Imsouane is a small fishing village about 1 h 20 north of our riad in Tamraght, where the coast bends and the road runs past argan trees, cliffs and empty beaches. It is famous among surfers for one thing: the bay. When the swell wraps in, a right-hander peels along the inside of the bay for a very long way, and on a good day you can ride one wave for longer than you have ever stood on a board. It is one of the longest right-hand waves in Morocco, and it is gentle enough in the right conditions for improving beginners as well as experienced surfers.
We go for the whole day. You surf, you eat grilled fish by the harbour, you watch the blue fishing boats come in, and on the 7-Day Surf & Explore trip you stop in the Timlalin dunes on the way back to slide down the sand on a board. For many guests it is the day they talk about most when they go home.
What you will see and do
Every Imsouane day depends on the swell, the tide and the wind, so our team picks the date carefully and adjusts the timings. A typical day looks like this:
- Morning, leaving the riad. We leave Tamraght after breakfast with boards and wetsuits loaded. The drive north follows the coast road past Taghazout, Tamri and the banana plantations, with viewpoints over the Atlantic. Around 1 h 20 later we are in Imsouane.
- Late morning, first surf. We check the bay from the top, talk through the currents, the take-off zone and where to paddle back, then get in. Beginners stay on the softer inside sections with a guide from our team close by; more experienced surfers can go further out for the longer rides.
- Midday, lunch by the harbour. The fishing harbour is right next to the wave. Lunch is usually fresh fish, grilled simply and eaten looking at the water. Bring some cash, as lunch is paid on the spot.
- Afternoon, second session or a walk. If the tide is still working, most people go back in. If you are tired, wander along the cliff path, watch the fishermen sort their catch or just sit and watch the long lines roll in.
- Late afternoon, Timlalin dunes. On the Surf & Explore trip we stop on the way home in the Timlalin dunes, big golden dunes right by the ocean. We hand out sandboards and you spend an hour or two sliding, falling and laughing before the drive back.
- Evening, back in Tamraght. Sandy, sunburnt and happy, you are back at the riad in time for a shower and dinner.
Practical information
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | A full day, about 1 h 20 of driving each way |
| Best season | October to April, when the Atlantic swells are most regular; summer can be small but still fun on a longboard |
| Level | Beginners who can stand up and ride white water, up to advanced surfers. Friends who do not surf are welcome too. |
| What to wear | Swimsuit under your clothes, a warm layer for the drive home, sunglasses for the dunes |
| Equipment | Your own board and wetsuit, or rent them with us for €12 a day |
The water on this part of the coast is cooler than people expect. A 3/2 mm wetsuit is fine for most of the year; in the middle of winter some people prefer a 4/3. Ask us and we will give you the right size.
Is Imsouane good for beginners?
Yes, on the right day. The bay wave breaks over sand, it is slow and it is long, which is exactly what you need to practise turning and trimming along the face. It can get crowded, though, and on bigger days the currents are strong. That is why we go with a guide from our team, and why we only take beginners on days that suit them. If you have just started, a couple of sessions at home first, for example at Banana Point or on the beach at Tamraght, will make your Imsouane day much better. Read more in our Imsouane surf guide.
Tips from our team
- Respect the line-up. The bay is a long wave with one peak. Wait your turn, do not paddle straight back through the ride zone, and smile.
- Put sunscreen on twice. You spend hours in the water and the reflection is strong, even when it is cloudy.
- Bring cash. The village is small and card payment is not guaranteed.
- Keep your phone in a bag. Sand from the dunes finds its way into everything.
- Do not skip the dunes. Even tired surfers find the energy for one more slide down Timlalin.
Book it with Surf Chill Vibe
The Imsouane day trip is included in our 7-Day Surf & Explore trip (€655 for 7 nights), together with the sandboarding in the Timlalin dunes, four days of lessons, Paradise Valley and a hammam. If you are staying with us on another package, or building your own VIP trip, you can add the Imsouane day for €40 per person, which covers return transport and a guide from our team. Tell us if you would like the dunes stop too and we will plan it in.
Want to go but not sure about the swell that week? Send us a message on WhatsApp at +212 7 24 12 21 20 or write to [email protected], and we will tell you honestly which day looks best. You can also see what else to do nearby on our things to do in Taghazout page.
