COVID-19 Update: Beaches & Borders in Morocco

Morocco has felt like such a special place to be in the last few months. Despite several major National restrictions, life has felt relatively… Normal? 

We feel a little guilt saying it, knowing that countries like the UK has faced a National Lockdown since December, Brazil has a variant of the coronavirus running rampant appearing more deadly than the original strain, and that mainland Europe is facing a third wave of COVID-19 as cases are sharply on the rise. In comparison, new coronavirus cases in Morocco have been steadily declining since last November. 

Of course, Morocco is still in a State of Emergency, the status of which is to be reviewed in the next week or so. The State of Emergency allows Morocco to make and enforce ldecisions regarding curfews, regulating business operating hours, social distancing, and travel restrictions for example. Often these decisions feel like last minute and with no warning.

Guidance from Government of Morocco regarding COVID-19 precautions.

We’re going to be honest, our gut tells us that Morocco’s State of Emergency will be extended. 

While Moroccan borders aren’t fully closed, Morocco has suspended flights to nearly 40 countries as of yesterday, most recently with Spain and France. We encourage everyone who has travel itineraries to Morocco to check with their airlines and local embassies or consulates for the most accurate and up to date information.

These closures are certainly making travel to Morocco and our beloved Taghazout Bay more difficult, but it’s not impossible. The previous travel requirements to enter Morocco of having a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of departure and an official hotel booking still stand, however, check with your departing country’s requirements to travel. Several European countries are requiring their passport holders to have official business in order to travel, so please check your country’s Official Government websites for the most updated information regarding travel. 

We guess you could say that we’re strangely optimistic here at Local Surf Maroc while the coronavirus is still causing problems around the world. This is partly because Morocco’s vaccination campaign is moving forward swiftly and effectively. But mostly because on arrival to Morocco, you won’t need to quarantine and you can engage in a number of pre-coronavirus activities freely: you’re able to sit and enjoy a coffee in a cafe, use the gyms, go to the shops, go to the hammams and spas, and spend time at the beach whether it’s for surfing or relaxing.

You know, “normal” stuff.

Before you ask your next question, let us beat you to it: Yes the beaches are open! All the beaches. 

We’ve been waiting for months to hear the news that the beaches in the Souss-Masa-Draa region are open. Sure, the point breaks have been open around Taghazout since February, but if you’re anything but an experienced surfer this was not exactly helpful. 

The news of the beaches opening was released last Friday, but having gone through the emotional rollercoaster of being told the beaches would be opening only for them to not be open, we were a little gun shy about making the announcement. We also had to see it for ourselves to believe it when we grabbed our boards and paddled out at Crocros, our home beach break on Monday.

Let us assure you, it wasn’t our best surf session, but it was epic. We felt like we were surfing a new surf spot because we hadn’t stepped foot on Imouran Beach sands for about five months. And we can’t wait for our friends to join us on the beaches as they learn to surf when travel restrictions begin to ease. 

While 2021 has the look and feel of 2020 for many people around the world because of COVID-19, we are lucky that 2021 has not looked or felt the same as last year here in Morocco. Of course, some national restrictions are still in place as we mentioned: the use of face masks in public, using hand sanitizer prior to entering public buildings when possible, temperature checks when required, social distancing where possible and minimizing physical contact, adhering to the national curfew requiring everyone to be at home by 9pm, and shops and restaurants have to be closed by 8pm. 

These restrictions can feel like an inconvenience, particularly if you’re used to a nightlife or your natural body rhythm is that of an owl’s. But we are very grateful for the opportunity to have a slice of normalcy for part of the day. Being able to spend our days outdoors and doing what we love is something we have never taken for granted, but since COVID-19, we’ve been extra grateful. 

Of course, with increasing borders closures we feel as though that there will be further delays in seeing our friends travel to enjoy Taghazout Bay and its waves with us. But the ocean waves will always be here, and we look forward to the day we can share them again with our friends.

But until the day we can travel again and all enjoy life normally, stay safe and healthy!