As the sun dips below the horizon, a golden glow is cast over the rugged North African coastline. For those who live to ride the perfect barrel, Morocco should not be missed as it is a glowing gem holding some of the best waves on the planet. It is an irresistible playground for those seeking that hollow vision, and is an absolute treasure trove for wave enthusiasts.

From the legendary Anchor Point to hidden gems along the Taghazout Bay, this North African haven promises an unparalleled surfing experience. Join us on a journey through the labyrinth of Morocco’s best barrelling waves, and discover the heart of tube riding in this vibrant land.

The best time to barrel hunt in Morocco is during the European winter months of November to March. During this time of year, the biggest groundswells come through, along with the best glassy conditions and offshore winds.

In the area of Taghazout alone, there are four breaks you should not skip on your trip to Morocco. Facing the western Atlantic ocean, this part of Morocco is surrounded by golden beaches, exposed headlands, and world-class barrelling waves.

Beginning in South Taghazout, we have a break known as Spiders. Close to the better known Devil’s Rock, this right-hander produces epic and smooth barrelling waves that break over rocky reef. Producing the best waves when the swell is 6 feet in size and rolling in from the N-NW, Spider’s will be sure to turn on during the mid to high tide, giving you the ride of your life with take-off pull-in tubes.

A short ways up the beautiful Moroccan coast is the well-known Anchor Point - A fast, peeling, long, right-hand wave with several barrel sections. Beginning to work with about 3 feet of swell, this spot can hold anything in between, and up to 15 feet. Sometimes giving rides as long as 300 to 500 meters, it is the most iconic break in Morocco. And because of this, it is probably the most crowded wave. Producing rolling perfection in NW, WNW and W swells, Anchor Point is paradise for barrel hunters on the low and pushing tide.

Farther north, at Killer Point you will find a heavy (of course right-hand) point break, packed with fast sections, bowls and barrels. Working best on NW, WNW and N swells, during low and mid tides, Killer Point can produce rippable waves from shoulder high swells, and can handle size of up to triple overhead. Named by some as the gnarliest break in town, this spot is power-packed and definitely more challenging than Anchor Point’s cleaner lines - It is also a good spot to go to when Anchor Point get’s too crowded.

North of Killer Point is the alluring break of Boilers. Well sheltered from the wind, this wave provides fast take-offs, dangerously close to the hull of an old shipwreck that gives this spot its name. It is one of the most consistent waves in Morocco, with uninterrupted lines that start to produce clean cover-ups with swells above 6 feet, and can hold up to 10. This wave packs a big punch and is extremely fast. It works best on the same swell directions as Killer Point and Anchor Point, and during the low and mid tides. Boilers is an amazing Moroccan barrel wave that should not be missed by experienced surfers, and is also an epic break to surf when the swell is too small for other spots.

And finally, we come to Safi, our last stop on searching for the best barrels in Morocco. Farther up the Moroccan coast, a little ways from all the other breaks, Safi is the best wave to surf when there are BIG swells (triple overhead). It is a fickle wave, however when the stars align (W swells and low tide), it might be the best tube in Morocco. It’s a brilliant wave for slab-lovers and absolute chargers.

If you’re into big waves and big barrels, Morocco is your ideal surf trip destination. It is the quintessential barrel hunting and wave hound playing ground for the European winter season.
 

Written by Kayli Wouters

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