As the year 2023 draws to a close and 2024 is approaching, we are astounded at how quickly this past year came and went. And just when we didn’t think time could pass any faster, December feels like it’s racing to get to the end of the year.
December in Tamraght, Morocco doesn’t feel much different than the rest of the year. But for many visiting this month, the holiday festivities and obligations can feel overwhelming, and the lack of holiday feel while surfing in some winter sun is exactly what our guests were looking for.
To help make your trip to Local Surf Maroc more manageable we have updated our top travel tips for visiting Local Surf Maroc in Taghazout Bay during 2024.
INSURANCE
We have mentioned the need for travel and health insurance in our FAQ. However, with the increasing amount of surfers in the water around Taghazout Bay, there has been an increase in the number of accidents requiring medical attention.
And while Local Surf Maroc does have insurance, your medical expenses aren’t covered should an accident occur. Morocco doesn’t have a public health system, so before you pack your bags and your surfboard, it’s worth making sure that you have some kind of insurance in place before traveling to Tamraght for your surf holiday.
Nobody is invincible, make sure you have insurance in place for your Moroccan surf holiday.
TRAVEL MEDICATIONS
Regardless if you’re staying at the Surf House, Villa, or Riad in Tamraght, there’s a pharmacy close by to purchase any medications for any minor illnesses. But having some basic Over-The-Counter medications on hand such as Paracetamol or ibuprofen, along with anti-nausea and diarrhea medication is very helpful should something hit you suddenly.
If you are on medication regularly, make sure you pack those too!
AIRPORT SECURITY CHECKS
Now that you’ve packed, flown, and arrived in Agadir Al-Massira Airport, the next hurdle is the airport security checks.
More airport staff are able to speak a little bit of English so communicating with the Border Security isn’t as daunting as it used to be. Some typical questions they will ask include where are you flying from, what do you do for work, and where are you staying while you’re in Morocco.
We provide contact information in our welcome e-mail a few days before you arrive so you can answer those questions with ease.
Once you pass Border Security with your passport stamped there can be anywhere from 2 to 6 extra security checks until you leave the airport. Don’t worry, this is normal across all airports in Morocco.
AIRPORT WIFI & SIM CARDS
All major airports in Morocco offer free WiFi for a short period of time. The quality varies depending on how many people have arrived, but it’s sufficient to send a quick WhatsApp message or e-mail.
If your arrival lands in Agadir Al Massira Airport, it’ll be a short walk to the baggage pick up area. Whether you’ve checked a bag or not, you can still access the currency exchange desks, duty free shops, and 1 or 2 phone companies offering free SIM cards in this part of the airport.
If you want to be connected during your stay our recommendation would be grabbing an INWI SIM card. There’s no real price difference between providers, but in our experience the coverage by INWI is best throughout Taghazout Bay and surrounding area.
As the Surf House, Villa, and Riad all offer free, high speed WiFi most of our guests have found 1 GB top up for their SIM card at the airport plenty for their week long surf holiday.
Free WiFi offered in all major Moroccan airports.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
If you’ve booked 5 or more nights with us, we cover your airport transfers as part of your Surf Experience.
Once you’ve passed through Border Security and picked up your bags you can head right outside of Agadir Al-Massira Airport. Here a taxi will be waiting for you with a sign that has either your name or LOCAL SURF MAROC on it. The taxi driver will know where to go and which accommodation you have booked with us.
If you’re staying less than 5 nights, it’s not a problem for us to arrange the taxi for you for your peace of mind. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are taxis queued outside the airport and ready to take you anywhere. Just let us know at the time of booking.
CASH & CASHPOINT WITHDRAWALS
Morocco is still largely a cash based economy, and it’s handy to have a bunch of Moroccan Dirhams on hand. Unless it’s really urgent, we recommend not to pull out cash at the Agadir Al-Massira Airport cashpoint or change money and the exchange desks as the fees and rates are quite a bit higher than in Tamraght.
Tamraght has a currency exchange on the main street with reasonable rates and the petrol station has a cashpoint inside that has a large withdrawal limit. If you need to make a stop here just let us know.
CHECK IN & OUT
Check in time for all of our accommodations is 14:00 and check out is 11:00.
But we get it: flight arrivals and departures often don’t align to these times. It can be an added stress to think of what to do, where to eat, and where to keep your luggage in these situations.
It’s not a problem to keep your luggage in the office until your room is ready, or while you spend the afternoon around Tamraght until you’re ready to depart for the airport.
Great views to chill with while you wait at the Surf Riad.
Any other questions about your travels to Local Surf Maroc for your Surf Holiday, don’t hesitate to get in touch!