Imsouane is a village found on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, it’s known for its laid back vibes and surf. It’s got those bare foot, beach bum kinda vibes, and we fell in love with it. Imsouane is less crowded than Taghazout and Essaouira, it feels off the beaten path yet it’s a hub for surfers and travellers.
With some of the best surf in Morocco, it’s no surprise surfers flock here each year. Campers fill the streets and the atmosphere is electric, a buzz takes over the village, it’s the place to be to find peace, nature and amazing waves for surfing or body boarding.
After spending two weeks parked up in our camper, right in front of the powerful Atlantic Ocean, we’ve got the low down you need to start planning your trip, let’s jump into this guide!
Best Time to Visit Imsouane
Imsouane is beautiful all year round, but if it’s surf you’re seeking then the peak season is From October to April. During this time the swell is epic, everyday it’s perfect surf conditions. If you’re new to surfing, Imsouane has many surf schools to choose from, it’s a great place to learn and build your confidence.
If you’d prefer more beginner level waves, you might want to consider visiting during the summer as the waves are less gnarly, (June to September), it does get mighty hot though.
Weather and Climate
- Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C, Spring brings mild temperatures with sunny skies and some showers. It’s a great time of year to enjoy outdoor activities. The surf is starting to mellow out around this time, making it perfect for beginners.
- Summer (June to August): Temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, the Atlantic breeze keeping the temperature down. The heat isn’t as overwhelming as being inland. The water is warmer, so wetsuits aren’t necessary and the waves are the calmest at this time of year.
- Autumn (September to November): Temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C, Autumn is the start of the peak surf season, the swells begin to return. You can enjoy the nice cool evenings but warm days, a wet suit is advised to tackle the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Winter (December to February): Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, it’s a cooler time of year with some rain, but the days can still be warm and mild. Wind picks up around winter making the waves perfect for more experienced surfers.
How to Get to Imsouane
By Car
Driving yourself around Morocco has to be the best way to take it all in, at your own pace. You will either have bought your own vehicle across from Spain or you can rent a vehicle from major cities such as Agidir only 90km away, or Essaouira 100km. The coastal drive offers spectacular views.
By Bus
You can catch regular buses between Agidir and Essaouira, the bus will drop you off at Tamri, 30 minutes from Imsouane. From here you can grab a local taxi or try hitchhiking, a lot of locals do it.
Where to Stay
Imsouane has numerous accommodations to choose from, it really depends on your budget. You can find hostels, guest houses and amazing campsites.
- Imsouane Surf Lodge: A real surf hostel, with the option of private or shared rooms. The surf lodge has a surf school offering lessons and rentals. It’s a great place to meet other travellers.
- Sandycamps: This is a tranquil yoga and surf retreat, they offer bungalows, dorms and private rooms. With daily yoga and surf, you’ll be feeling your most relaxed. They even have a swimming pool.
- Imsouane Bay House: A perfect mid range stay, the stylish rooms offer great views of the bay and within walking distance to the beach. There’s a reason it’s rated 5 stars on google.
Check out Airbnb and Booking.com for many listings, be sure to read our article on 7 Airbnb Hacks, to save money when making your booking.
Things to Do and See
Surfing
Imsouane is a major surf hub in Morocco, the swell during the winter creates epic waves. Early Autumn or during the Summer is an ideal time for beginner surfers in Imsouane as the waves are not as intimidating and massive. We spent 2 weeks during February and the waves were already pretty wild. We really enjoyed body boarding and spending hours in the water.
If you want to join a surf school and have some lessons, there are numerous surf schools in Imsouane. If you’re going out alone make sure you’re wearing a wetsuit, as the North Atlantic Ocean is rather chilly. You can rent wetsuits from any of the surf schools.
There’s a few surfing spots to choose from:
- The Bay is ideal for all levels of surfers, beginner to advanced levels, can enjoy the swell here. It’s famous for extra long waves, you could catch a ride for up to 800 meters, around half a mile! It’s a great place to learn with the rolling waves and sandy bottom.
- The Cathedral is for intermediate and advanced surfers, with steeper and faster waves breaking on a rocky reef, it’s certainly more challenging. During the winter especially when the waves are bigger and stronger.
- The Reef is also for those more experienced surfers, it’s slightly less crowded than other spots and the waves are more punchy. If you’re after more power and technical rides then, this is the spot for you.
Hiking and Cliff Walking
There are many beautiful hikes around Imsouane, taking you along cliffs that are overlooking the mighty Atlantic Ocean. It’s a chance to find some peace in nature and feel the fresh sea breeze whilst keeping an eye out for local wildlife.
Yoga Retreats
There are a few yoga retreats to choose from in Imsouane, each one offers daily yoga classes, some offer daily drop in classes that you can turn up to even if you’re not a guest there. What better place to connect your mind, body and soul, than in a rugged fishing village surrounded by the power of the Ocean.
Most yoga retreats incorporate surfing into their routines, you can learn to surf and connect inwards with replenishing yoga classes, soothing your muscles and gaining strength. You’ll be standing up surfing waves while breathing deeply, connecting to that very moment with more awareness and gratitude.