Surfing Sidi Kaouki : A Guide to One of Morocco’s Best Surf Town
Summary
Sidi Kaouki is a wonderful surfing destination that remains a hidden gem in Morocco. This small surf town is located about 30 minutes south of Essaouira and allows surfers to get away from the crowds of Taghazout or Imsouane while keeping the same amazing waves and swells.
Sidi Kaouki has a beach break that is suitable for beginners and surfers of all levels as well as a few point breaks like La Grotte and La Couronne which will please the more experienced surfers.
With its laidback vibe, stunning landscapes and uncrowded lineups, Sidi Kaouki is a surfers favorite in Morocco.
When to surf Sidi Kaouki
The best time to surf Sidi Kaouki is from November to March with the Atlantic swells being more consistent and sizeable. During the summer months, the ocean will be flat on most days.
In winter, temperatures will also be cooler and more pleasant as the summer heat can be very intense.
Where to stay
There are several great options when it comes to places to stay in Sidi Kaouki. You will be able to find a range of Airbnb’s as well as surf camps or hotels. Here are some of our favorites in the area.
Dar Iziki is a perfect and affordable place to stay in Sidi Kaouki. They have dormitories and private rooms which can suit all types of travelers and budgets. They also have a nice pool for the warmer days!
La Maison des Vagues is another great option in Sidi Kaouki with several private rooms which can host up to 5 people.
Kasbah d’Eau is a bit more of higher-end hotel but it is absolutely stunning and a perfect place to stay in Sidi Kaouki.
Surf Camps
8-day surf camp in Sidi Kaouki
- 6 surf coaching days
- Certified BF1 surf instructor
- Daily transport to the surf spots
- Full surf equipment: soft board, leash, and wetsuit
- Full board: daily breakfast, homemade lunch, and dinner
- 7 nights accommodation in beach house with swimming pool
- Essaouira airport or bus station transfer
- A half-day visit to the city of Essaouira
4-day surf camp in Sidi Kaouki
- 3 two-hour surf lessons
- 1-hour riding and see around Sidi Kaouki
- Full surf equipment: soft board, leash, and wetsuit
- 3 nights accommodation in Hotel Dar Iziki with swimming pool or smaylo surf house with swimming pool
- 1 Fun night
- Essaouira airport or bus station transfer
- 3 delicious Berber breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 delicious dinners
Surf Spots in Sidi Kaouki
La Grotte
La Grotte is a very nice and enjoyable point break that works best from low to mid tide. It is a long, peeling right-hand wave with some faster sections but nothing too crazy. Watch out for the rocks on takeoff and further down at the end.
- Wave direction : Right
- Bottom : Sand and rocks
- Best tide : Low
- Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
- Optimal swell direction : NW
- Optimal wind direction : E
La Couronne
La Couronne is located about 200 meters further down the point from La Grotte and is a mellower, yet still very enjoyable point break. It is usually smaller in size than La Grotte and La Bobine.
- Wave direction : Right
- Bottom : Reef
- Best tide : Mid
- Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
- Optimal swell direction : NW
- Optimal wind direction : E
La Bobine
La Bobine is a barreling A-framing beach break. It always is a bit bigger than La Grotte and is a heavier surf spot.
- Wave direction : Right and left
- Bottom : Sand
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Advanced
- Optimal swell direction : NW
- Optimal wind direction : ESE
L’Oued (rivermouth)
The river mouth is located a just a short drive south of Sidi Kaouki town and is a wave magnet. If the point breaks are flat, it could be worth checking the river mouth as it catches more swell than the rest of the spots near Sidi Kaouki. It is an A-frame surf break that is suitable for surfers of all levels.
- Wave direction : Right and left
- Bottom : Reef
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : NW
- Optimal wind direction : E
Sidi Kaouki Beach
The main beach as Sidi Kaouki is very reliable on the higher tide. It will catch most swells coming from the north and remains a great option for surfers of all levels.
- Wave direction : Left and right
- Bottom : Sand and rocks
- Best tide : Mid to high
- Skill level : Any
- Optimal swell direction : NW
- Optimal wind direction : E