Planning a surf trip to Morocco is exciting — but packing for one requires a little more thought than your average beach holiday. Between the Atlantic swells, the Saharan sun, the medina evenings, and everything in between, you'll want to be prepared for a trip that's part surf mission, part cultural adventure.
Here's everything you need to pack for a surf trip to Morocco, based on years of welcoming surfers through the doors of Malibu Surf House in Tamraght.
Surf Gear
Surfboard If you're travelling with your own board, a good board bag with at least 5mm of padding is essential. Morocco's Atlantic waves can be punchy, so bring a board that suits the conditions — a shortboard or a mid-length works well for most spots around Taghazout Bay.
Don't worry if you're not travelling with a board — most surf houses, including Malibu Surf House, offer board hire on site.
Wetsuit
- October to April: a 3/2mm full suit is recommended. A 4/3mm is useful for the coldest months (December to February).
- May to September: a 2mm shorty or even just boardshorts depending on your cold tolerance.
The water temperature in Morocco rarely drops below 17°C, but spending hours in the Atlantic will make you feel it.
Fins and leash Always bring spares. Fins get lost, leashes snap. A spare set takes up almost no space and saves a lot of stress.
Surf wax Bring enough wax for the trip. Warm water wax (tropical or warm) works well from May to October. Cold water wax from November to April.
Rashguard Protect your skin from the sun and your wetsuit from rash. A long-sleeve rashguard is worth its weight in gold after a full week of daily sessions.
Sun and Skin Protection
Morocco is closer to the equator than most European surf destinations — the sun is stronger than you expect, even in winter. Don't underestimate it.
- Reef-safe sunscreen — SPF 50 minimum, applied generously and often
- Zinc stick — for nose and lips during long sessions
- After-sun lotion — essential for recovery after full days in the sun
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A good hat — for walks, markets, and any time you're out of the water
Clothing
Morocco is a Muslim country, and while the surf villages around Taghazout Bay are relaxed and international, dressing modestly when you're not on the beach is appreciated and respectful.
For the beach and surf:
- Boardshorts or bikinis
- Flip flops or sandals
- Light cover-up for walking to and from the beach
For evenings in the village:
- Light linen trousers or cotton joggers
- A few t-shirts and a light shirt or blouse
- One warmer layer — evenings can be cool October to March
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
For travel days:
- One smart-casual outfit — useful if you stop in Agadir or Marrakech
Health and Hygiene
- Travel insurance — make sure it covers water sports. This is non-negotiable.
- Basic first aid kit — plasters, antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen, antihistamines
- Reef booties — optional but useful for rocky entry points like Anchor Point
- Ear plugs for surfers — regular sessions in cold Atlantic water can cause surfer's ear over time
- Any prescription medication — bring more than you need
Travel Essentials
- Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
- Travel adapter — Morocco uses Type C and E plugs (European standard)
- Power bank — useful for days out exploring
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag — for beach days
- Lightweight daypack — for trips to Agadir, the souks, or day hikes
- Reusable water bottle — tap water in Morocco is not recommended for drinking. Staying hydrated is essential in the heat.
- Small amount of Moroccan dirhams — change some cash at the airport or in Agadir. Many local spots don't take cards.
What You Don't Need to Pack
- Towels — most guesthouses, including Malibu Surf House, provide them
- Heavy rain gear — Morocco gets very little rain. A light layer is enough.
- Formal clothing — the surf villages are extremely relaxed
- A full pharmacy — basics are available in Agadir
- Multiple boards — one well-chosen board is enough for most trips
A Few Tips from Us
After welcoming hundreds of surfers to Tamraght, a few things come up again and again:
Pack lighter than you think you need. The more streamlined your bag, the more relaxed you'll feel — especially if you're moving between spots or hopping down to Imsouane for a day.
Bring one good book. The evenings are calm and slow here. You'll actually read it.
Don't forget a small lock for your board bag. Airports can be unpredictable.
Leave room in your bag for the journey home. Moroccan markets are full of beautiful things — ceramics, textiles, spices — and you'll want to bring some home.
Ready to Book?
If you're planning a surf trip to Taghazout Bay, Malibu Surf House in Tamraght offers surf stays, B&B, and board hire — so you can travel lighter and arrive to everything you need.