Weekend Surf Trip Morocco — Essaouira & Sidi Kaouki in 2 Days
Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki are only 5 hours from Casablanca and 3 hours from Marrakech. That makes them completely viable for a weekend surf trip — Friday evening arrival, two full days of surf, Sunday evening return. Here’s how to make it work.
Getting to Essaouira for a Weekend
From Casablanca: The best option is the CTM or Supratours bus from Casablanca (Gare Routière) to Essaouira. Journey time approximately 5 hours, cost around 120–150 MAD (€12–15). Departs several times daily. Arrive Friday evening, depart Sunday evening or Monday morning.
Alternatively: fly Casablanca–Essaouira if timing allows (check RAM schedules), or drive the N1 south via Marrakech (5.5 hours).
From Marrakech: Supratours bus takes 3 hours and costs around 80–90 MAD. This is the classic Marrakech–Essaouira route and very reliable. A private transfer costs €80–100 each way but is faster and more convenient for groups.
From Agadir: 2-hour drive north on the coastal road. Beautiful route, drive it once if you can.
The Perfect Weekend Surf Itinerary
Friday evening: Arrive Essaouira. Check into your riad. Walk the medina, eat at the port (grilled sardines and sea bass — the best cheap meal in Morocco). Sleep.
Saturday morning: Book a full day surf trip to Sidi Kaouki. Pickup from your riad, drive to Sidi Kaouki, 2-hour surf lesson, Moroccan beach lunch, 2.5 hours free surf, return to Essaouira by 5pm. This is the best single surf day you can have in the region.
Saturday evening: Explore the medina, visit the ramparts at sunset, dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
Sunday morning: Second surf session — either another lesson at Sidi Kaouki or an early morning session on Essaouira beach if you want to stay in the city. Back to the medina by midday.
Sunday afternoon: Argan oil cooperative visit (on the road back to Marrakech), or just a long lunch at the port before departure.
What to Bring for a Weekend Surf Trip
- Swimwear and a towel (wetsuit provided by us)
- Sunscreen
- Light jacket for evenings — Essaouira is windy and can be cool after sunset
- Cash — no ATM in Sidi Kaouki, withdraw in Essaouira
- Nothing else — we provide surfboards, wetsuits, and transport to the beach
Weekend Surf Trip Budget
- Bus Marrakech–Essaouira return: €16
- Riad accommodation (1 night): €30–60
- Full day surf trip (lesson + lunch + transport): €50
- Second surf lesson: €30
- Food for the weekend: €30–40
- Total: approximately €160–200 per person
Book Your Weekend Surf Trip
WhatsApp: +212 643 806 655 — tell us your arrival day and we’ll fit your lessons around your schedule. Same-day bookings available. Full day surf trips €50. Surf lessons from €30. 🤙
Sidi Kaouki vs Essaouira Beach: Your Surfing Questions Answered
Sidi Kaouki is generally better for surfing, with longer, cleaner, and more consistent waves thanks to direct Atlantic swells. Essaouira Beach is more sheltered, offering smaller waves that are ideal for beginners but often affected by wind.
Both spots are suitable for beginners, depending on conditions. Essaouira Beach is perfect for your first lesson with smaller, softer waves. Sidi Kaouki is also beginner-friendly, with a sandy bottom and multiple surf peaks that allow instructors to find the best waves for your level.
The best time for surfing is from September to April, when Atlantic swells are more consistent. During summer, Essaouira becomes very windy, which is great for kitesurfing but less ideal for surfing. Sidi Kaouki often still offers good surf conditions even when Essaouira is windy.
Most surfers choose to stay in Essaouira and surf in Sidi Kaouki. Essaouira offers more accommodation, restaurants, and cultural experiences, while Sidi Kaouki provides better and more consistent surf conditions. Many surf schools offer day trips between the two.
