Surf Trip Packing Checklist for Morocco

Surf Gear — The Essentials

This is why you are coming to Morocco. The surf gear you pack — or choose to rent — will define your experience in the water. Here is exactly what to consider, organised by necessity level.

Must-Bring Surf Items

• Wetsuit: 4/3 mm sealed-seam for winter (Nov–Mar), 3/2 mm for spring/autumn (Oct, Apr–May), boardshorts plus optional 2 mm top for summer (Jun–Sep). See our wetsuit guide for full seasonal details.
• Reef booties (3 mm): Non-negotiable for the point breaks. Pack these even in summer — the reef at Anchor Point and Killer Point does not care about the water temperature.
• High-SPF zinc sunscreen (SPF 50+): Bring enough for your entire trip. One 100 ml tube per week of surfing. Water-resistant, reef-safe zinc formulations are hard to find in Morocco. Do not rely on buying locally.
• Ear plugs (SurfEars or similar): Prevents surfer's ear (exostosis), a real risk when surfing cold water daily. A small investment that protects your hearing for life.

Bring or Rent (Your Decision)

• Surfboard(s): Read our board guide for the full analysis. Short version: bring if you are advanced and picky about your equipment; rent if you are intermediate or below, or if you book a surf camp.
• Leash: If you bring your own board, bring a spare leash. If renting, the rental shop provides one — but inspect it before your first session. A comp leash (6') for point breaks, a regular (7') for beach breaks.
• Wax: Bring cool-water wax for winter (water 16–18°C) and warm-water wax for summer. One bar of each covers a week of daily surfing. Available in Taghazout surf shops if you forget.

Useful Extras

• Ding repair kit (Solarez or similar): A small tube of UV-curing resin weighs nothing and can save a session if you ding your board on the reef.
• Spare fin key and fin screws: Costs pennies, saves a trip to the surf shop.
• Change robe or surf poncho: A game-changer for changing in windy car parks at dawn. Also works as a warm layer between sessions.
• Mesh bag or dry bag: For transporting wet wetsuits and separating damp gear from dry clothes.

Clothing & Footwear

Morocco's coastal climate is mild year-round but with significant day-to-night temperature swings. The key principles: lightweight layers, quick-dry fabrics, and minimal footwear.

Toiletries & Sun Protection

Morocco has pharmacies and supermarkets, but familiar European brands are not always available. Bring what you rely on.

• High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+, water-resistant, zinc-based): The single most important non-surf item in your bag. One 100 ml tube per week of surfing. Reapply every 90 minutes in the water.
• Lip balm with SPF: Sunburned lips are painful and avoidable.
• Aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion: Treat sun exposure at the end of the day. Available locally but bring your preferred brand.
• Insect repellent (DEET or natural): Mosquitoes are present in summer evenings. Low risk of disease, but bites are annoying.
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash: Travel-size versions if you are picky; basic toiletries are available at any Moroccan hanout (corner shop).
• Wet wipes or hand sanitiser: Useful for beach days and roadside stops.

Medical Kit

A small, well-chosen medical kit costs nothing in weight and can save your trip. Here is what our guides carry and recommend:

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen: For headaches, muscle soreness, and general aches. Two-a-day surfing will find muscles you forgot you had.
• Antihistamines: For insect bites, allergic reactions, or unexpected food sensitivities.
• Anti-diarrhoea medication (Imodium/loperamide): Traveller's stomach is common. A couple of tablets can save 24 hours of your trip.
• Rehydration salts (Dioralyte sachets): Pair with the above. Dehydration after stomach issues in a hot climate is dangerous.
• Antiseptic cream (Savlon, Bepanthen): For reef cuts and minor scrapes. Salt water is not sterile, and reef cuts can become infected quickly.
• Waterproof plasters and sterile gauze: The Moroccan sea will test any plaster you apply — bring the heavy-duty waterproof kind.
• Micropore tape: Sticks to wet skin and covers reef cuts better than plasters alone.
• Tweezers: For sea urchin spines and splinters.
• Motion-sickness tablets: The winding coastal roads between spots can challenge even strong stomachs.
• Prescription medications: In original packaging, with a copy of the prescription. Check that your medication is legal to bring into Morocco.

Electronics & Gadgets

• Phone + charging cable: Your camera, map, surf-forecast tool, and communication device. A waterproof phone pouch adds peace of mind.
• Universal power adapter: Morocco uses Type C and Type E sockets, 220V. EU plugs work directly. UK, Irish, and North American plugs need an adapter.
• Portable power bank: For long beach days. A 10,000+ mAh bank charges a phone 2–3 times and is worth its weight.
• Headphones (wired or wireless): For the flight and for solo sessions reviewing surf footage.
• GoPro or waterproof camera + mounts: If you want to capture your waves. Bring a mouth mount or board mount and a spare battery.
• E-reader or tablet: Downtime between sessions is part of the surf-trip rhythm. A Kindle or tablet loaded with books is lighter than paperbacks.

Documents & Money

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date. This is non-negotiable — airlines will deny boarding if your passport is close to expiry.
• Travel insurance certificate (printed): Keep a paper copy. Phone batteries die, screens crack, and you want your policy number and emergency helpline accessible at all times.
• Flight booking confirmation (printed or offline on phone):
• Surf camp or accommodation booking confirmation:
• Photocopy of passport: Keep separately from your actual passport. If your passport is lost or stolen, the copy accelerates the replacement process.
• Cash (Euros or Moroccan Dirhams): Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas but at a poor exchange rate. Withdraw Dirhams (MAD) from ATMs at Agadir airport or in Taghazout for the best rate. Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid a card block.
• Credit/debit card: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and surf camps. Smaller shops, cafés, and market stalls are cash-only.
• Driving licence + International Driving Permit (if renting a car): An IDP is recommended alongside your home licence for car rental in Morocco.

What NOT to Bring

Many first-time Morocco visitors overpack. Here is what to leave at home:

• Expensive jewellery or watches: Unnecessary, a theft risk, and will sit in your room all trip.
• Hood or gloves for surfing: The water does not get cold enough. Do not waste the luggage space.
• Heavy winter coat: Daytime winter temperatures on the coast are 15–22°C. A light fleece and a wind jacket are sufficient.
• Multiple pairs of jeans: Heavy, slow to dry, and you will live in shorts and boardies. One pair at most.
• Hard-shell suitcase: Moroccan streets, stairways, and riad entries are not suitcase-friendly. A backpack or soft duffel is far more practical.
• Hairdryer or straighteners: Most riads and camps have hairdryers. The salt-air, surf-hair look is part of the experience.
• More than 2 pairs of shoes: Flip-flops plus trainers is all you need. Booties cover you in the water.
• Guidebooks: Heavy and outdated. Download offline maps and save articles on your phone instead.

Special Items for Women Surfers

Female surfers have a few additional considerations for a Morocco trip:

• Comfortable surf swimwear: A well-fitting surf bikini or one-piece that stays in place during wipeouts. Bring at least two so you can rotate.
• Neoprene rash guard or surf top (1–2 mm): Provides sun protection and prevents wax rash on your chest and stomach. Essential for summer sessions when you are not wearing a full wetsuit.
• Sanitary products: Tampons and pads are available in Moroccan pharmacies and supermarkets, but brand selection is limited. If you have a preferred brand, bring enough for your trip.
• Lightweight sarong or cover-up: Multi-purpose: beach cover-up, changing robe, sun shield, respectful layer for walking through villages, and a picnic blanket.
• Hair conditioner or leave-in treatment: Salt water and sun are punishing on hair. Bring a deep conditioner and a leave-in spray or oil.
• Hair ties and a wide-tooth comb: For managing salt-tangled hair post-surf.
• Feminine hygiene wipes: For beach days when showers are not immediately available.

For Families & Kids

Travelling with children to Morocco's surf coast is straightforward and rewarding, but requires a few extra items:

• Kids' reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+): Children's skin is more sensitive. Bring a dedicated kids' formula — do not assume adult sunscreen is suitable.
• Child-sized rash guards and sun hats with chin straps: Sun protection for children is not optional. A hat that stays on during beach play is essential.
• Water shoes: For rocky entries and protecting small feet from hot sand and sharp shells.
• Kids' snorkel and mask: The bay areas around Taghazout and Imsouane have calm, clear sections where children can explore rock pools and see fish. Hours of entertainment for a small packing cost.
• Specific snacks or food items: Moroccan supermarkets carry staples but not specific European children's brands. If your child relies on a particular snack, cereal, or formula, bring it.
• Children's paracetamol/ibuprofen (age-appropriate): Calculate dosages in advance and note them on the packaging.
• Entertainment for downtime: Colouring books, tablet with downloaded content, travel games, a football — between surf sessions there is downtime, and happy kids make for a happy trip.
• Car seat or booster: If renting a car, bring your own child seat — Moroccan rental agencies may not provide them or the quality may not meet your standards.

What You Can Buy Locally

Do not pack your bag to bursting point. Many items are available in Morocco:

• Basic toiletries: Shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, deodorant — available at any hanout or supermarket.
• Bottled water: Widely available and cheap (approx. 6 MAD / €0.55 for 1.5 litres).
• SIM cards: Maroc Telecom, Orange, and Inwi all sell tourist SIM cards at Agadir airport and in town. 10 GB of data costs around 100 MAD (€9).
• Surf wax: Available in Taghazout and Tamraght surf shops. Limited brand selection but functionally fine.
• Basic clothing: T-shirts, flip-flops, and boardies are sold everywhere. Quality varies.
• Snacks and food: Supermarkets in Agadir and Tamraght stock international items. Taghazout's smaller shops cover the basics.
• Argan oil: Buy it here — it is local, authentic, and a fraction of the European price. Great for skin and hair after sun and salt exposure.