Getting here:

Airports and Transfers:
The closest airport to Taghazout is Agadir international airport (AGA) approx 3.5 hrs from the UK. The airport is fifty minutes south east of the Surf Maroc villa. This is the airport we provide free transfers to and from.
Alternatively guests can fly to Marrakech (RAK) and make their own way to Taghazout. Grand taxis (big old Mercedeis 240’s) take 4-5 hours depending on traffic and cost 1000dh (£60 - £70 depending on the exchange rate) . Alternatively a number of bus companies (CTM or Supratours recommended) run services to Agadir but you will need to get from Marrakech airport to the bus station. Around 25 min's by taxi. The journey cost from Marrakech to Agadir is £8/€10 one way, and takes 4-5 hrs.

Air Ninja - great site to see who flys where internationally.

Flights leave the UK from London (LGW), Manchester (MAN), Bristol (BRS),
 
For Agadir
Alhambra Travel: 01226 207 628
Thomsonfly
Flythomascook
Firstchoice
MyTravel
Royal Air Maroc scheduled flights
Charterflights travel agents
Cheapflights travel agents

For Marrakech:
Skyscanner
Easyjet
Thomsonfly
RyanAir
Atlas-blue

If you would like to stay in Marrakech please get in touch with us and we can book you into one of our recommended riads.

Flights and Visas:
Surf Maroc do not book flights so need to arrange your own. We can point you in the right direction with the list of companies above.
Flight times from Europe are approx. 3-4 hours.
Cheap flights are often available. For the best prices try to avoid school holidays.

Visas are not required for British and European passport holders for stays up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for three months from the date of entry into Morocco. South African passport holders need to obtain a visa from the nearest Moroccan embassy. This is a helpful site for those needing a visa: www.learn4good.com/travel/morocco_visa.htm

Insurance

Everyone booking a holiday with Surf Maroc must have full travel insurance.
Surf Maroc accepts no responsibility for loss theft or damage to persons or property during their stay. Guests must obtain their insurance independently.

Morocco general:

Currency and where to get it:
The Moroccan currency is the dirham. Exchange rates at last time of checking were around 14.3 dh to the £1, 11 dh  to the € and 7.3 to the $. Dirhams can only be obtained within Morocco. There are exchange facilities in the airport as well as ATMs. There are also a number of ATMs in Agadir. There are no ATM’s in Taghazout.
Please note: traveller’s cheques cannot be exchanged at the airport or in Taghazout and only in a few places in Agadir.

Weather/climate:
Air: Average air temperatures range from 20° to 26° Celsius December to February being the coolest.

Water: Average water temperatures range from 16 to 22 again with December to February being the coolest. (Wetsuits see Surf section)

Women:
Morocco is the regarded as one of the most tolerant of all Muslim countries and women do not get hassled too much particularly in tourist cities like Agadir or relaxed villages like Taghazout. Swimming costumes and bikinis are normal on the beach but it is advisable to cover up arms and legs a bit when walking around town.

Clothing:
Shorts and tees and flip flops are the norm. Trousers and jumpers are sometimes needed particularly in mid winter when the evenings can be chilly so warm clothes are a good idea during that period.

Communications:

Mobile Phones:
Nearly all European networks work in Morocco. Contact you network for call charges. Coverage is good.

Public Phones:
There are a abundance of public phones, coin and cards, in Taghazout. International call charges are relatively cheap.

Internet:
There are broadband Internet cafés in Tagahzout.

Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco.
Medical facilities are quite good in Agadir but comprehensive health insurance and travel insurance is a requirement of Surf Maroc’s.

Activities:
Taghazout and the surrounding area offer a whole range of other activities. If you feel like a break from surfing or for anyone who doesn't surf then horse and camel riding, trekking and quad biking are all close by and easily organized. For those who just want to relax there are miles of empty golden sandy beaches to discover or you can sunbathe and chill out in the privacy of the villa or your apartment. The Souq's of Agadir provide the essential Moroccan shopping experience. Two day trips to the ancient city of Marrakech can be organized. The beautiful seaside town of Essaouira is only two and half hours to the north and is a popular one or two day trip.

Shopping:
There is a great market (Souq) in Agadir which has all the stuff you would expect in Morocco, an abundance of leather goods, woodwork, ceramics, rugs, carpets and clothing are all on offer. Non threatening haggling is part of the fun.
There is also a small market in the town square of Taghazout that sells local wares.

 

Surf Maroc General:

Location:
Surf Maroc is Morocco's only beachside surf camp and the only surf camp in Taghazout. Located on the waters edge, our villa and apartments sit on Hash point and have the best views of Anchor point. Morocco's most famous waves are literally on our doorstep. The location and setting can't be beaten, you simply can't get any closer to the surf. Our central location also means there is a wealth of other waves, for all abilities, a quick walk or drive away.
Agadir is the closest city twenty minutes to the south, which has all the amenities of a modern city, International Airport, banks, ATM’s, computer facilities, nightlife, shopping etc.

Marrakech and its fascinating medina's, souqs and people is three and half-hours to the North East. Essaouira home to many of Morocco’s artists is one and half-hours to the North.

Food:
For holidays in the Surf Camp:
Breakfast and lunch is included. For gourmet food, great atmosphere and the perfect beachside setting Surf Maroc's live in chefs provide excellent meals at the villa each evening. These are a optional extra costing £6.50 or 10 euros. Due to our central location, Taghazout's many cafes and restaurants are only one minute away.

For holidays in Self Catering apartments:
All apartments are equipped with cooking facilities. A minute walk from the apartments there are a number of restaurants in the village, which serve good food. Alcohol can be bought in Agadir.

Surf Guiding:
Only for holidays in the Surf Camp:
Surf Maroc offer professional guides whose extensive local knowledge is essential in getting you to the right spot at the right time.

Transport:
For holidays in the Surf Camp:
We provide airport transfers and transport to the surf all day everyday. From sunrise to sunset our 4x4's and guides are dedicated to getting you to the right spot at the right time. Because we have multiple vehicles we offer the unique service of being able to split groups according to ability. No limits on the number of trips per day, if the surf's good we go. And it’s all included in the price.

For holidays in Self Catering apartments:
We provide airport transfers to and from the airport. From then on you have a hire car at your disposal for the rest of your stay. Please ensure you have the original of a valid EU driving licence which must have been held for at least one year. The law insists that you always carry your driving licence and car hire documents with you when driving in Morocco. Seat belts must be worn at all times and you must not use your mobile whilst driving (a fining offence). Police and Gendarmerie checkpoints every few kilometers along the routes are standard. Minor infringements will result in your having to make an on the spot payment.
In Morocco, as on Continental Europe driving is on the right. The main roads around Taghazout are good. In addition, when driving in Morocco, we advise you to drive slowly and carefully as the roads are generally narrower and may sometimes have bumps and potholes, especially after periods of rain. We do ask that you take particular care when driving, bearing in mind the conditions of your hire car rental agreement.

Surf General:

The Surf:
From September to June Morocco has some phenomenal surf. The variety of surf in this area of Morocco is huge. There are not many places like it. The region has something for everyone, from ideal beginner waves to challenging reef ledges. Intermediates and those new to the sport should not be put off or worried. Due to the nature of the coastline there is almost always somewhere sheltered and manageable.

Hash point and Panoramas are great waves for those not looking for anything too challenging and they are right on our doorstep, to name just two. World class Anchor point for the experienced surfers is an 8 minute walk or a very quick drive in one of our jeeps.
Those of you looking for something a bit more demanding won’t be disappointed.

Surfing equipment:

Wetsuits:
This a rough guide to what the guys and girls who run the camp wear.
Sept – Oct: boardies/shorties/short arm full suits.
Nov – Mar: 3/2 mm full suits.
Mar – Jun: 3/2 mm to boardies.

Obviously your choice of wetsuit comes down to personal choice and tolerance. The best all rounder is a 3/2mm full suit.

Boards:
With such a large range in choice of waves some may want to bring a whole quiver of boards. To generalise, the majority of waves are right hand point breaks from soft, slow, rolling spots to heavy, fast barrelling spots.  Bring equipment to suit your ability and what you want to surf. If you don't want to go big, your everyday board will suffice, there's nearly always somewhere sheltered. If you do want to charge the big stuff, bring something suitable as mid-winter waves can get up to 15ft.

Surf Maroc have teamed up with board and fin innovators SurfTech and FCS to give Surf Maroc guests exclusive access to the Turflite Travel program and FCS test drive. We have stocked our beach front base in Taghazout with SurfTech’s latest models from their extensive range; single fins, twin fins, thrusters, quads, shortboards, funboards, eggs, fishes, longboards and the brand new high performance TL2 technology.  Alongside that FCS have supplied their cutting edge fins system, it’s a perfect opportunity to experiment with new shapes and fins or use the identical boards you have at home without the hassle and burden of transporting it.

 The range of boards we stock is a perfect reflection of the host of waves we have here. High performance TL2ís for Killers, Rusty Kerr model for boosting at the Super Wedge, the Robert August 9’6” for mellow leg achingly long rides at Immosuane or the Wayne Lynch 6’9” for big days at Anchors point plus everything in between or you mix it up and ride something you've always wondered about but never had the chance to ride. All you have to do is get on the plane, will get you to the best spots and have the perfect boards for you to ride them.
Bring spare leashes, reef boots if you have delicate feet, spare fin keys, spare fins.

Click here to find the full listing of Turflite range
Click here to find out more about SurfTech
Click here to find out more about FCS

Boards and wetsuits for hire:

Fibreglass boards:
6’2” x 18.65 x 2.25 Semmete
6’2” x 18.5 x 2.25      JP
6’3” x 18.5  x 2.25 Webber
6’3” x 18.75 x 2.25 JP
6’4” x 18.65 x 2.35 JP
6’6” x 19 x 2.75 T&C
6'10"x 20 x 2.35 Byron Surf Fun shape
9'2 x 21 x 2.85 Beach Beat Single fin

Composite Boards
Foam boards   7 – 9 ft
Bic's              7 – 9 ft
NSP               7’6”

Wetsuits:
Most sizes in stock- Please contact us regarding children’s suits.

Surf Shops:
There are a few surf shops in Taghazout. They now stock a fair bit of hardware leashes, wax, deckgrip etc. The surf board and clothing selection is growing also.

Board Repair:
Most of the shops offer board repairs they are often cheap and of good quality.
    
Forecasting:
The following two sites will allow you to see what the waves will be like:
http://facs.scripps.edu/surf/gblpac.html    or
www.buoyweather.com