Imsouane beach and its long right-hand wave
Imsouane has two main surf spots. The famous one is the Bay, a right-hand wave that peels along the point over a sandy bottom. It is known as one of the longest right-hand waves in Africa and can run for several hundred metres: about 600 m on a good set according to surf guides, and more than 800 m according to other sources. Its gentle slope makes it a great place for beginners and longboarders, while experienced surfers link up very long rides when the swell is running.
The Bay works best with a north-west to west swell and an east or north-east wind, which is often offshore in the morning. It works on all tides, with mid tide preferred. The rips can be strong, so if you are a beginner, go with a surf school rather than paddling out alone.
South of the village, Cathedral Point is more exposed. Its waves are faster and more powerful, and it suits intermediate and advanced surfers. If you are not surfing, Imsouane beach is still a pleasant place to walk, especially in the afternoon when the boats come back to the port.
The fishing port
Imsouane is first of all a working fishing port, and the harbour is the centre of village life. In the afternoon, the colourful boats come in with the day’s catch and are hauled up the beach, and the fish market gets going right next to them. It is a very different side of the Moroccan coast from the resort towns.
Be discreet with your camera. The fishermen are working, and asking before you take a photo is always appreciated.
Driving to Imsouane from Agadir
From central Agadir, allow about 95 km and 1 h 45 min to 2 hours. From Agadir Al Massira airport, it is about 115 km and a little over 2 hours. Those times do not include stops, and the coast makes you want to stop.
The route is simple:
- Take the N1 coastal road north towards Essaouira. You drive through Taghazout, then Tamri.
- After Tamri, stay on the N1 for about 27 km until the signposted turn-off for Imsouane on your left (heading west).
- Regional road R211 then takes you about 8 km to the village. The last few kilometres are narrow and winding as the road drops from the cliffs down to the sea.
The N1 is fully paved and well maintained, and so is the R211. Two things to watch for: near Tamri, the wind can blow sand across the road, and coastal fog sometimes reduces visibility. Take the final descent slowly and avoid driving it at night if you do not know it.
For road rules, speed limits and police checks, read our guide to driving in Morocco. If you want a swim on the way, our pick of the best beaches near Agadir covers the coast north of the city.
Parking in Imsouane
The village is small: people park near the port and above the bay, and parking is free. An informal attendant sometimes offers to keep an eye on the cars in exchange for a tip of your choosing. Do not block access to the port or the tractors that pull the boats up the beach, and leave nothing visible in the car, especially surf gear.
When to go: the best season
The surf season runs from September or October to April, when north-west Atlantic swells reach the coast. November to March is often the best period: the waves are there and the wind is calmer than the rest of the year.
In summer, the waves are much smaller and the trade winds blow hard in the afternoon. It is a good time for complete beginners learning in the whitewash, or for enjoying the village without chasing swell. The water ranges from about 17 to 22 °C depending on the season, so a wetsuit is useful for most of the year.
Imsouane gets busier every year but is still far quieter than Taghazout. Going early has another advantage: the morning is when the wind is most often offshore.
Where to eat in Imsouane
In Imsouane, you eat fish. Around the port, small cafés and restaurants grill the day’s catch and also serve tagines. The classic way to do it is to buy your fish straight from the fishermen at the port and have it grilled at one of the small restaurants nearby.
Good to know: in January 2024, some of the seafront buildings were demolished. Places mentioned in older reviews or guides may no longer exist, so ask locally.
A typical day in Imsouane
Leave Agadir early to arrive with the best wind: a surf session or lesson on the Bay, or just a walk out on the point. Have grilled fish by the port for lunch, then wait for the afternoon to watch the boats come in. Head back with plenty of time before dark so that you drive the descent, and the climb back up, in daylight.
Which car to rent for Imsouane
The whole route from Agadir is paved, including the final descent, so an economy car (Dacia Logan or Renault Clio, from €15/day with us) is plenty for a day trip.
If you are travelling with boards, as a group of four or with lots of luggage, a compact SUV such as the Dacia Duster (from €30/day) gives you more space and a higher driving position, which helps on the bends. For boards, we offer roof racks as an optional extra: just ask for them when you book.
Our prices include insurance, unlimited mileage and delivery to Agadir airport, with no deposit. Compare available cars and book in a few minutes.
Extend the trip
Imsouane combines well with other stops. From the village, the road carries on north to Essaouira, about 100 km and a little over 1 h 30 min away. It makes a perfect stage on a road trip, which we cover in our road trips from Agadir. For more ideas, see our 10 day trips from Agadir. Along the coast, Taghazout and Tamraght, about 1 h 30 min to the south, and Tiznit, south of Agadir, round off the trip nicely.