Getting here:

Airports:
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 between £70 and £150. 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. The journey cost approx £5 one way, and takes 4-5 hrs.
A pick up can be arranged from Agadir bus stop if you contact us. In some cases we can arrange transfers from Marrakech for a minimum of £150.

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 below.
Flight times from the UK 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

 

Flights leave the UK from London, Manchester and Birmingham.
 
For Agadir:
Alhambra Travel: 01226 207 628
www.ba.com
www.thomsonfly.com
www.charterflights.co.uk
www.cheapflights.co.uk
www.flythomascook.com
www.firstchoice.co.uk/flights/
www.mytravel.com/AniteNextPage.asp?p=FLIGHTONLY&s=254586779
www.royalairmaroc.com

 

For Marrakech:
www.easyjet.com
www.thomsonfly.com
www.atlas-blue.com
www.skyscanner.net

 

Morocco general:

Currency and where to get it:
The Moroccan currency is the dirham. Exchange rates at last time of checking were around 15.5 dh to the £1, 10 dh  to the € and 8.5 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 don’t 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 is a Internet café in Tagahzout with DSL hook up. 

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. 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. One restaurant 6 minutes walk from the apartments serves alcohol or 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.

 

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.

Bring spare leashes, reef boots if you have delicate feet, spare fin keys, spare fins.

Boards and wetsuits for hire:

Short 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

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. Most hardware they stock is generally used, some new from travelling surfers swapped for Moroccan goods. Stocks are limited and best not relied on. There is on the other hand plenty of clothing from Quicksilver, Billabong to Diesel floating around, although authenticity could be questioned.

Board Repair:
Most of the shops offer board repairs they are often cheap and good of 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