Where is Killer Point?
Killer Point is a reef break a few kilometres north of Taghazout village, past Anchor Point, on the stretch of Atlantic coast between Agadir and Imsouane. It sits below the cliffs on the seaward side of the coast road, and you reach it by a dirt track and a walk down to the rocks.
It is one of more than fifteen surf spots between Imsouane and Agadir. The nearest airport is Agadir Al Massira (AGA).
The usual story behind the name is that killer whales were once spotted off the point. It is not a comment on the wave, although the wave does deserve serious respect.
What kind of wave is Killer Point?
Killer Point is a right-hand wave that breaks over rock and reef. On a good swell it offers a steep take-off, followed by long, powerful walls with room for big turns. It sits further out than the inside spots around Taghazout. That exposure lets it pick up more swell, and it is why the paddle is so long.
The outside peak can be shifty, so the take-off zone moves around. On bigger days sets can wash through and catch out anyone sitting too far inside.
What swell and conditions does Killer Point need?
Killer Point needs a solid north-west Atlantic swell to start working, and it usually comes alive when smaller spots nearby are already maxing out. Swell on this coast is most consistent from September to April, and December to February brings the biggest surf. From May to August it is often too small for this break.
Wind matters as much as swell. Mornings are usually the cleanest time on this coast, because onshore wind tends to build after midday. The tide changes how the reef behaves and how easy the entry is. The best tide can vary with swell size and direction, so check with surfers who know it before paddling out.
| Condition | What usually works | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Swell direction | North-west | Smaller or more westerly swells may not wrap in properly |
| Swell size | Solid, mid-size to large | Small swells often leave it flat or weak |
| Season | September to April, peaking December to February | Summer is usually too small |
| Wind | Light winds or offshore, usually in the morning | Onshore wind usually builds after midday |
| Tide | Varies with the swell, so ask locally | Lower tides expose more rock at the entry and exit |
| Water temperature | About 17-20C in winter | A 3/2 covers most of the year, and some prefer a 4/3 in winter |
What are the hazards at Killer Point?
The main hazards are the bottom, the currents and the distance from shore.
- Rock and reef: the wave breaks over rock, and the shoreline you cross to get in is rocky too. Sea urchins are common in the shallows, so plenty of surfers wear reef booties.
- Currents: when there is swell, water moves quickly around the point. A strong current can carry a tired surfer a long way from the exit.
- Long paddle and clean-up sets: this is a long way out. Losing your board here is far more serious than at a beach break.
- Remoteness: there is no lifeguard, and help is not close by. Do not surf it alone.
If you are not confident duck-diving solid sets, holding your breath through a two-wave hold-down and paddling hard against a current, pick another spot that day.
How do you get in and out of the water?
Most surfers walk down from the clifftop and paddle out from the rocks, timing their entry between sets. Getting out is usually harder than getting in. Before you paddle out, find your exit point, and watch the water for ten minutes to see where the current is running.
On crowded days, give way to the surfers who are already in the line-up, and follow the usual etiquette for a point break: the surfer deepest on the wave has priority.
How does Killer Point compare with other right-hand points nearby?
| Spot | Bottom | Wave character | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Killer Point, north of Taghazout | Rock and reef | Powerful and exposed, with a long paddle | Experienced surfers |
| Anchor Point, Taghazout | Rock and reef | Long, high-performance right, usually crowded | Advanced surfers |
| Cathedral Point, Imsouane | Rock | More powerful, on the exposed side of the headland | Intermediate to advanced |
| Magic Bay, Imsouane | Mostly sand | Long, forgiving right of roughly 800 metres | Beginners through to experienced |
The difference that matters most is the bottom. Magic Bay peels over sand for much of its length, which is why it forgives mistakes. Killer Point and Anchor Point both punish a fall in shallow water.
Should you surf Killer Point?
If you already surf reef breaks comfortably, Killer Point is one of the most rewarding waves on this coast when a good north-west swell arrives. If you are still working on your bottom turn or your reading of the line-up, spend your time on a sand-bottom point first. Come back to Killer Point once the basics are second nature.
Planning a trip to this coast
For surfers who want structured progression on reef and point breaks, our Surf Development Week combines small-group coaching capped at five with daily video analysis and spot-chasing along the coast by 4x4. Exactly which spots you surf depends on swell and wind on the day, and we confirm the details directly when you book. You can also book private coaching with video analysis, rent a board or a 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit, or see what else there is to do on flat days.