Is Morocco or the Canary Islands better for beginners in winter?

Morocco usually has the edge for beginners, because sand-bottom point breaks like Magic Bay in Imsouane are unusually forgiving. The Canaries do have beginner-friendly sandy beaches, but many of their famous waves break over shallow volcanic reef. On either side, a beginner is better off with lessons than going out alone on a big winter swell.

Is the water warmer in the Canary Islands than in Morocco?

In winter the difference is small, and water in both places usually sits in the high teens °C. In Imsouane it is about 17-20°C in winter. A 3/2 wetsuit covers most surfers in both destinations, though people who feel the cold may want a 4/3 on early mornings.

Which is more crowded, Morocco or the Canaries?

Both get busy in winter, and anyone who promises an empty line-up in peak season is overselling. The best-known Canary reefs often have large, experienced local crews. Imsouane is at its busiest from December to February, but the long ride at Magic Bay spreads people out, and there are more than fifteen spots between Imsouane and Agadir.

How do I get to Imsouane from the airport?

The nearest airport is Agadir Al Massira (AGA), about 2 hours south of Imsouane by road. Marrakech is about 4 hours away. We arrange airport transfers from either airport if you send us your flight details when you book.

Is a Morocco surf trip cheaper than the Canary Islands?

Day-to-day costs such as food and local transport are usually lower in Morocco than in the Canaries. Flight prices change with season, departure city and how early you book, so it is worth comparing both routes for your own dates. We confirm the price of a surf week directly when you book.

Morocco vs Canary Islands for a Winter Surf Trip

For a winter surf trip, both Morocco and the Canary Islands get the same North Atlantic swell and similar water temperatures, usually high teens °C. Morocco has long sand-bottom point breaks like Imsouane's Magic Bay, which also suit beginners and improvers, and day-to-day costs are usually lower. The Canaries offer powerful volcanic reefs, more flight options and an EU setting, but their best waves are mostly for experienced surfers.

Morocco or the Canary Islands: which is better for winter surf?

Both are good winter choices, and they both get the same North Atlantic storms. The real difference is the type of wave. Morocco’s coast has long right-hand point breaks, many of them over sand. The Canaries are volcanic islands, and their best-known waves mostly break over reef. If you are learning or improving, Morocco is usually the easier fit. If you are an experienced surfer chasing heavy reef waves and want an EU destination with lots of flights, the Canaries make a lot of sense.

How do they compare side by side?

Factor	Imsouane, Morocco	Canary Islands
Main wave type	Long sand-bottom right point (Magic Bay); rock at Cathedral Point	Mostly volcanic reef; some sandy beach breaks
Best for	Beginners through to experienced surfers	Intermediate to advanced; beginners on selected beaches
Winter swell	North-west Atlantic, most consistent September to April	North Atlantic, also consistent through winter
Winter water	About 17-20°C	Usually high teens °C
Wetsuit	3/2 for most of the year	3/2 usually enough
Winter crowds	Busiest December to February	Popular reefs busy, with strong local crews
Getting there	Fly to Agadir (AGA), then about 2 hours by road	Direct flights to several island airports
Setting	Moroccan fishing village	Spanish islands, part of the EU
Relative day-to-day cost	Usually lower	Usually higher

What are the waves like?

Morocco: Imsouane’s main wave is Magic Bay, a right-hand point break of roughly 800 metres. It peels over sand for much of its length, which makes it unusually forgiving. On the same day it can take a first-week beginner and a surfer working on long turns. Cathedral Point, on the exposed side of the headland, is more powerful and breaks over rock. Between Imsouane and Agadir there are more than fifteen spots, including Anchor Point at Taghazout.

Canary Islands: Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife all have good surf. Many of their best waves are fast, hollow and shallow over lava reef. That is exciting if you are experienced and punishing if you are not. Beginners usually stick to sandy beaches such as Famara on Lanzarote.

Which is more crowded in winter?

Neither is empty in peak season. December to February brings Imsouane its biggest swell and its busiest line-ups. Because Magic Bay is so long, though, surfers spread out along the point, and there are quieter options nearby. In the Canaries, the best-known reefs can be crowded and very local. If you’re visiting, you may need patience and good etiquette before you get many waves.

How warm is the water?

There isn’t much in it. Imsouane is about 17-20°C in winter and 20-23°C in summer, and a 3/2 covers most of the year. The Canaries sit at a similar temperature in winter. Neither place has tropical water, but neither needs boots or a hood either.

Which is easier to fly to?

It depends on where you’re starting from. The Canaries have a lot of direct flights from across Europe to several airports, and transfers to the surf are usually short. For Imsouane, you fly into Agadir Al Massira (AGA) and then drive about 2 hours north. Marrakech is another option, at about 4 hours by road. We arrange transfers from both airports when you send your flight details. If you’re flying in from western Europe, flight times to the two destinations are broadly similar.

What does each trip feel like?

In the Canaries you’re in Spain, with euros, a familiar setup and plenty of nightlife in the larger towns. Imsouane is a working fishing village, and the boats land at the harbour each day. There are mornings with fresh bread and mint tea, and tajines on a rooftop at sunset. At Tafukt Surf, our surf house is family-run by the brothers Mhend and Mohamed and their mother Aïcha. To us, having guests feels more like opening our home than running a hotel.

When are the Canaries the better choice?

You’re an experienced surfer and you mainly want powerful reef waves.
You’d like to stay inside the EU and use euros.
You need the widest choice of direct flights or a very short transfer.
You want a busier nightlife scene.

When does Imsouane make more sense?

You’re a beginner or improver and want a long, forgiving wave over sand.
You want coaching in small groups. Ours are capped at five and run by ISA-certified coaches.
You’d like to mix surfing with yoga, a hammam, Moroccan cooking or Paradise Valley.
You’re travelling alone and want to meet people at shared meals.

Planning a winter week in Imsouane

If Morocco looks like the better fit, take a look at our surf weeks, from the Surf Camp Week to the Surf Development Week for intermediate surfers and up. You can also book individual lessons, hire boards and wetsuits through rental, and see what there is to do out of the water on our activities page. We confirm prices and any other details directly when you book.

What our guests say

Real reviews from people who surfed with us in Imsouane.

“It was a hell of an experience .... loved it too much .. shout out to the brother Mohammed”

Othmane · Ukraine

“Une expérience incroyable ! Le surf camp est super bien organisé, avec une très bonne ambiance et une équipe vraiment accueillante. Les cours de surf étaient adaptés à mon niveau et les moniteurs étaient patients et professionnels. Le logement était agréable et l’ambiance entre les participants était géniale. Je recommande à 100 % !”

Clara · France