What is sandboarding in Timlalin?
The Timlalin dunes are a stretch of coastal sand dunes on the road north of Taghazout, towards Imsouane. The wind off the Atlantic has piled up tall, smooth slopes of golden sand that run down towards the sea, and they are perfect for a first try at sandboarding. There is no lift and no queue: you walk up, sit or stand on the board, and slide down. Then you do it again, a little faster.
At Surf Chill Vibe we do sandboarding in the Timlalin dunes as part of our Imsouane day trip. After a morning surfing the long right-hander in Imsouane bay, we stop at the dunes on the way back to Tamraght for an hour or two of sliding, laughing and taking photos. It is one of those afternoons guests talk about for the rest of the week.
What you will see and do
You do not need any experience. If you surf, skate or snowboard, you will pick up standing on the board quickly. If you do not, sitting or lying on it is just as fun, and often faster. Your guide from our team shows you how to position your feet, how to lean back to slow down, and which slopes are right for your level.
Here is how the day usually runs:
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Morning | Departure from our riad in Tamraght and drive north along the coast to Imsouane bay, one of the longest right-hand waves in Morocco. |
| Late morning | Surf session in Imsouane, adapted to your level, with time to watch the fishing boats come into the small harbour. |
| Midday | Lunch and a rest in the village before heading back south. |
| Afternoon | Stop at the Timlalin dunes: about one to two hours of sandboarding, photos and running down the slopes. |
| Late afternoon | Drive back to Tamraght along the coast road, with views of the ocean all the way. |
The walk up the dunes is the only real effort. Soft sand is hard work, so most people do a handful of good runs rather than dozens. That is part of the charm: you sit at the top, catch your breath and look out over the ocean before the next ride.
For surfers, the dunes are also a nice way to finish a day in the water without paddling any more. Your arms are tired after Imsouane, but your legs are fresh, and riding sand uses the same balance and weight shifts you have been practising on the waves.
Practical information
How long and who it is for
Plan on about one to two hours in the dunes, within a full Imsouane day. Sandboarding is for everyone, from total beginners to experienced boarders, and it works well for groups of friends with mixed levels. You need to be fine with walking up a sandy slope a few times.
Best season and time
You can sandboard at Timlalin all year. We usually go in the afternoon, after surfing, when the light turns warm and golden. In summer the sand can get very hot in the middle of the day, so the later stop helps. The coast north of Taghazout is often windy in the afternoons, which is exactly why sunglasses are on the list.
What to wear and bring
- Sunglasses to keep blowing sand out of your eyes.
- Water, because climbing dunes is thirsty work.
- Clothes you do not mind getting sandy. Sand gets everywhere: pockets, ears, hair. Long, light clothing also protects your skin if you fall.
- Sunscreen and a cap for the time at the top.
We bring the sandboards, so you do not need to rent anything.
Tips for your first sandboarding session
- Start sitting down. Get a feel for the speed on a smaller slope before you try standing.
- Lean back, not forward. Weight on your back foot keeps the nose up and stops you from going over the front.
- Protect your phone. Keep it zipped in a pocket or bag when you ride; sand and screens do not mix.
- Film each other. The best photos are taken from the bottom of the slope, looking up at the rider.
- Rinse off after. A shower back at the riad, then an evening on the rooftop, is the best way to end the day.
Before you go, have a look at our Imsouane surf guide to know what to expect from the waves. If you love the dunes, you will also enjoy the Aghroud dunes camel ride at sunset, and our page on things to do in Taghazout has more ideas for rest days.
Book it with Surf Chill Vibe
Sandboarding in the Timlalin dunes is included in our 7-Day Surf & Explore Trip (€655, 7 nights), as part of the one-day surf trip to Imsouane. That package also includes four days of surf lessons, material, breakfasts and lunches, the half-day Paradise Valley trip, the Souk El Had in Agadir, a local hammam and massage, and airport transfers. See the details in our packages.
Building your own trip? Add the Imsouane day with sandboarding to a VIP stay for €40 per person, including transport, a guide from our team and the sandboards.
To book, send us a message on WhatsApp at +212 7 24 12 21 20 or email [email protected]. You can also reach us through the contact form. Let us know your dates and level and we will pick the best day of your week for Imsouane and the dunes.
