Quick answer
Good news: if you're taking lessons, you don't need to bring any surf gear — board and wetsuit are included. Focus on swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry clothes, a layer for cool evenings, sandals and the usual travel documents. Everything else you can buy locally.
Packing for Taghazout is refreshingly simple, because the town runs on flip-flops and boardshorts. The trick is knowing what's already sorted for you (most of your surf gear), what the strong Moroccan sun demands, and the few evening layers that first-timers always underestimate. Here's exactly what to bring.
Surf gear: what we provide vs what to bring
This is the big one. If you're booking lessons or a course with us, the essentials are included:
- Surfboard for your level — provided
- Wetsuit in your size — provided
- Instructor & coaching — provided
So all you bring is swimwear to go under the wetsuit. Nice-to-haves for keen surfers: a rash vest (extra sun protection under or instead of a wetsuit in summer), surf earplugs if you're prone to ear issues, and your own wetsuit only if you strongly prefer your own fit. Surfing independently rather than taking lessons? Boards and wetsuits are cheap and easy to rent locally, so there's rarely any need to fly with a board bag.
Lessons include your board and wetsuit — just bring swimwear.
See what's includedClothes & what to wear
Taghazout is warm and sunny most of the year, but two things surprise people: cool evenings (and chilly early-morning surfs) and the fact that it's a working Moroccan village, not just a beach resort. Pack accordingly:
- Warm days: light, quick-dry t-shirts, shorts, summer dresses.
- Cool evenings: a hoodie or light jacket — even in summer. In winter (Dec–Feb) add a warmer layer and long trousers for the evenings.
- In the village & markets: it's respectful to cover shoulders and knees. Beachwear is totally fine at the beach; a light shirt or sarong to throw on is handy.
- Footwear: sandals or flip-flops for daily life, plus trainers if you plan to hike Paradise Valley or explore.
Not sure how warm it'll be for your dates? Check our month-by-month guide to the best time to surf in Taghazout.
Sun & skin protection (don't skip this)
The Moroccan sun is strong, and hours in the water multiply it. This is the stuff people most regret forgetting:
- Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 50
- Zinc stick for face & nose
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses & a hat/cap
- Aftersun or aloe vera
- Reusable water bottle
Please choose reef-safe sunscreen where you can — we want this coastline to stay beautiful for the next surfers too.
Health, tech & travel essentials
- Documents: passport, travel insurance (ideally one that covers surfing), a printed or offline copy of your booking.
- Money: some cash in dirhams — there are ATMs, but the village and small cafés are often cash-only. See getting from Agadir to Taghazout for arrival tips.
- Plugs & power: Morocco uses European-style two-round-pin plugs (type C/E, 220V), so bring an adapter and a power bank.
- Health: any personal medication, a small first-aid kit, and motion-sickness tablets for the winding roads to Paradise Valley or Imsouane.
- Handy extras: a quick-dry travel towel, a dry bag for wet swimwear, and a small daypack.
The full Taghazout packing checklist
- Swimwear (x2)
- Rash vest (optional)
- Quick-dry clothes
- Hoodie / light jacket
- Village cover-ups
- Sandals + trainers
- Reef-safe SPF 50
- Zinc & SPF lip balm
- Sunglasses & hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Travel towel & dry bag
- Plug adapter + power bank
- Passport & insurance
- Cash in dirhams
- Personal meds & first aid
- Daypack
What you can leave at home
- Your surfboard — unless you're a serious surfer with a favourite board; renting is cheaper than airline board fees.
- A wetsuit — included with lessons and easy to rent otherwise.
- Formal or heavy clothes — Taghazout is barefoot-casual.
- Too many valuables — you'll spend your days in and out of the water.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring my own surfboard and wetsuit to Taghazout?+
No. If you're taking lessons, a surfboard and wetsuit in your size are included, so there's nothing to pack. Independent surfers can bring their own gear or rent locally — boards and wetsuits are cheap and easy to hire in Taghazout.
What should I wear surfing in Morocco?+
For your lesson, just bring swimwear to go under the wetsuit we provide. A rash vest adds sun protection, and reef-safe sunscreen is essential. In peak summer many surfers wear boardshorts or a shorty; the rest of the year a 3/2mm wetsuit (included) is ideal.
What clothes should I pack for Taghazout?+
Light, quick-dry clothes for warm days, plus a hoodie or light jacket for cool evenings and early surf sessions — even in summer. Add sandals, trainers for hikes like Paradise Valley, and modest cover-ups (shoulders and knees) for wandering the village and markets.
Is Taghazout conservative? What should women wear?+
Taghazout is a relaxed, tourist-friendly surf village, so beachwear is fine at the beach and bikinis are normal for surfing. In the village and local markets it's respectful to cover shoulders and knees, but there's no need to cover your hair. A light scarf or sarong is a handy all-rounder.