Imsouane is a small fishing village at the end of a road that drops down the cliffs to the ocean, between Agadir and Essaouira. Surfers from all over the world know it for its bay, home to one of the longest waves in Africa, and other travellers come for its harbour, its sunsets and its very slow pace. The village is poorly served, though: no station, no direct bus, and a minor road for the last few kilometres. Here is how to reach Imsouane from Agadir airport, Taghazout or Essaouira, with or without a board.
Where Imsouane is
The village lies on the Atlantic coast, about 90 kilometres north of Agadir and roughly the same distance south of Essaouira. You reach it by the coast road, which follows the ocean after Taghazout, crosses Cap Ghir and the banana plantations of Tamri, then leaves the main road for a winding road of about fifteen kilometres down to the bay.
| From | Approximate distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Taghazout or Tamraght | About 70 km | 1 h to 1 h 15 |
| Central Agadir | About 90 km | 1 h 30 |
| Agadir Al Massira airport | About 115 km | 1 h 45 to 2 h |
| Essaouira | About 90 km | 1 h 30 |
Option 1: the bus, then a taxi
Buses linking Agadir and Essaouira along the coast road pass the Imsouane junction on the main road. Depending on the company, they can drop you there, but there are still about fifteen kilometres to the village, with no regular transport: you need to find a local taxi or wait for a car heading down. It is the cheapest option, but it takes time and patience, and it does not work well with a surfboard bag.
Option 2: the grand taxi
From Agadir or Aourir, grands taxis head to Tamri and the north coast. You often have to change on the way, then negotiate the last stretch to Imsouane. You can also hire a whole grand taxi for the full journey: it is quicker, but the price is negotiated, comfort is basic, and boards travel on the roof when the driver agrees.
Option 3: the private transfer
This is the simplest way, especially when arriving on a flight or with surf gear.
- From Agadir airport, the driver waits in the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, follows your flight in case of delay and takes you to the door of your surf camp or guesthouse.
- Boards travel inside or on a board rack, with no extra haggling.
- The price is fixed and per vehicle: for a group it often works out cheaper per person than two grands taxis in a row.
- Stops are possible on the way, to shop in Taghazout or withdraw cash.
Surfing in Imsouane
The village has two main spots:
- The Bay, a long right-hander peeling along the point, popular with beginners and longboarders. On a good swell you can ride several hundred metres on the same wave.
- Cathedral, north of the harbour, more powerful and hollower, for experienced surfers only.
The best season runs from October to April, with the winter swells. In summer the waves are smaller and the wind stronger in the afternoon, which suits beginner lessons well. Many schools rent equipment and give lessons in the bay.
What to do in Imsouane if you do not surf
- The harbour, with blue boats coming in late in the morning and the catch sold on the quay; several small restaurants grill the fish of the day.
- The cliffs, where you watch the surfers and the sunset over the ocean.
- The coast road, with the Cap Ghir lighthouse, argan trees that goats sometimes climb and empty beaches around Tamri.
- The calm: no nightlife, few cars, days set by the tides.
Combining Imsouane with Taghazout or Essaouira
Imsouane is often a stop between two stays. Many surfers spend a few days in Taghazout or Tamraght, then move up to Imsouane when the swell is right. Others make the Agadir – Essaouira journey with a night or two there: our article on the Agadir to Essaouira coast road describes the route and its stops. If you arrive through Essaouira airport, see our Essaouira Mogador airport guide.
For short trips around Agadir, our article on taxis in Agadir explains how petits and grands taxis work, and our guide Agadir airport to Taghazout and Tamraght covers arrivals at the other surf villages.
When to go
- October to April: the wave season, with mild days and cool nights.
- May to September: busier, smaller waves, ideal for learning.
- All year round: the climate stays temperate thanks to the ocean, rarely above 30 degrees.
Booking
Our Agadir airport transfer runs 24 hours a day, surfboards included; for Imsouane the price is worked out from the distance, and our article on private transfer prices explains how. Imsouane is also on the route of the private transfer from Agadir to Essaouira, which can stop there or drop you off on request. If you arrive via Essaouira, the Essaouira airport transfer takes you to the village. Ask for a quote from the contact page.
