There are more surf camps between Tamraght and Taghazout than anywhere else in Morocco, and from the photos they all look the same: rooftop terrace, a van full of boards, happy people holding tagines. They're not the same. The difference between a week you'll talk about for years and a week of feeling herded around comes down to a few things you can check before you book.
Surf camp, surf house or guesthouse?
- A surf camp bundles everything: your bed, most of your meals, lessons or guiding, board and wetsuit, daily transport to the spots, often yoga, and usually an airport pickup. You don't have to think about anything. It's the best choice for a first surf trip, or if you come alone and want company.
- A surf house or hostel sells you the bed and lets you add lessons or rental when you want them. It's cheaper and more flexible, and it suits people who already surf a bit.
- A guesthouse or apartment plus a separate surf school gives you the most freedom and privacy. You book lessons day by day, and eat wherever you like.
What a week costs
As a rough guide, an all-inclusive surf camp week in a shared room usually lands somewhere between about 450 and 750 euros, with private rooms costing more. In July and August some camps drop their prices, because the waves are smaller. If you'd rather go your own way, a hostel bed is around 100 to 120 dirhams a night, a group lesson with gear is around 300 dirhams, and a board and wetsuit on their own run 50 to 100 dirhams a day. For the full picture see what a week costs.
Lessons or guiding?
This matters more than people think.
- Lessons are for beginners and improvers. You get an instructor in the water with you, a soft board, and a spot chosen for your level.
- Guiding is for surfers who can already paddle out, catch green waves and look after themselves. A local guide drives you to whichever spot is best that day and gives you tips, but they won't push you into waves.
Be honest about your level. Booking guiding when you need lessons is the fastest way to have a miserable week at a spot that's too much for you.
When to come
Beginners can come all year. Summer, roughly May to September, has the smallest, friendliest waves. From mid-October to April the swell is bigger and more consistent, which is better for intermediates and the best time for experienced surfers.
Questions to ask before you book
- How many guests per instructor? Five or six is good. Much more than that and you won't get much attention.
- How many surf days a week, and how long is each session?
- Which meals are included? Many camps do breakfast and dinner, some add a packed lunch, and dinner is often not served on one night a week.
- Is transport to the spots included every day?
- Is the airport pickup included, or extra?
- What happens if I damage a board? Some camps charge, and some sell insurance.
- Do they have a wetsuit in my size, and how thick is it? It matters in winter.
- What's the deposit, and can I get it back if I cancel?
Tamraght or Taghazout?
Tamraght is quieter and closer to the beginner beaches. Taghazout is livelier and closer to the famous points. There are good camps in both. Our where-to-stay guide compares them properly, and you can browse surf camps and surf houses in places to stay.