Eat waves for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Blue skies, and that extra dose of vitamin D (causing us to smile)! Yep, the winter surf season in Morocco is a welcome escape from the freezing temperatures and harsh conditions in Europe, United Kingdom or the states.
And because you can both fly and drive here, Morocco’s Atlantic Coast is totally doable for solo and group travellers who are hungry for winter swell.
We asked the Surf Maroc Team their top hacks. Here’s what they came up with…
1. BOOK LONGER, SAVE MORE
Book a surf trip or retreat for a longer duration rather than individual days. You’ll get a massive 40% off, plus access to all Surf Maroc services. It’s cheaper and more convenient than booking room + breakfast + surf for just a few days. Packages help streamline operations, saving you time and stress.
It’s a common mis-conception that booking Room only and add-hock is cheaper. It’s more admin heavy and logistically inefficient.
2. UPGRADE to Surf coaching for a better deal
Surfers of levels 3 and 4: Instead of booking Surf Guiding, consider Surf Coaching. It’s Surf Guiding + Coaching + standard surfboard and wetsuit hire.
It’s actually cheaper than Surf Guiding + standard surfboard rental, so even if you don’t want coaching you can opt out and still score a better deal.
3. extra discounts & free transfers
Book 4+ months in advance and get 5% off.
If you are a returning guest (within 12 months) enjoy an additional 5% off.
Stays of 10+ nights score 10% off.
Combine all these discounts! Plus, all surfing package stays include FREE Agadir airport transfers of 7 nights stay or more.
For groups, if you’re 5 or more guests then we provide you with a private guide/coach, (if you opt for the surf coaching package).
4. FLIGHTS
We use google flights. There are a few epic hacks on this and will ensure you find a decent deal on flights. Watch here to find the cheapest flights.
Text yourself your flight number; be sure it includes the airline code at the start that denotes your carrier. Your text should then appear as a link you can tap; from there, you’ll want to tap “Preview Flight.”
Most airlines offer expensive front seats for an early exit, but in Agadir you can also depart via the back doors, which is often cheaper. So you can get off early and breeze through the normally busy passport control.
There is a slow luggage scanner just before you leave the arrivals hall exit, hand luggage will save you time here.
Boards come out of the hatch at the far end on the right, and baggage handlers are also pretty quick. Attendants may ask if you need help, they do charge though so if you’d prefer not to pay then simply reply “La shokran”, (no thank you).
5. PACKING
Let’s be honest, if you’re surfing, or even if you’re not, you’ll be in a wettie or summer wear that vast majority of the time. Save on luggage and take a carry on with the minimum.
Roll your clothes instead of folding as this provides more space. We have hair and body wash, provide both shower and beach towels and also surf specific sun screen at our surf shop. So no need to pack heaps of extra liquids. Or there’s even a re-use basket of sun cream other guests leave.
Wear a lightweight jacket and pants to the airport and you can use these in the evening or early morning in the winter with the morning breeze, it warms to 20+oC by mid-morning in winter.
6. travelling with surfboards
Most airlines offer “sports equipment” as an extra. With RyanAir I always book small sports equipment, even with a 9’0. If you go with Easyjet then the large sports equipment is only a little more and gives you heaps of extra weight.
If you have connecting flight (especially via Casablanca) maybe pop a AirTag in the board bag so you know where it is. Most the time the airline is making multiple calls to try and find it and this can speed up the process. Or we have an extensive range of premium boards to hire.
7. money and insurance
Get an international currency card and always opt for the local currency, not the one of your home country. The exchange office is pretty poor rates so better to go with an ATM and your bank will probably give you a better rate.
There’s no hack for finding/ buying insurance, the hack is, get it and don’t get caught out 🙂 something that covers medical and also cancellations. If you miss your flight, are unable to attend your stay or it’s cancelled and need to re-schedule this should cover the fees associated.
Stay Radical!
Surf Maroc