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9 day trip to Morocco: 9 Day Trip to Morocco: Surf Coast & Agafay Desert
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9 days · Coast & surf

9 Day Trip to Morocco: Surf Coast & Agafay Desert

The Atlantic coast at an easy, sporty pace: Essaouira, the surf village of Taghazout and the palm canyon of Paradise Valley, with a desert night in Agafay to finish.

See the day-by-day route
9 days / 8 nightsStarts in MarrakechEnds in MarrakechPrivate tour
Marrakech→Essaouira→Sidi Kaouki→Imsouane→Taghazout→Paradise Valley→Tamraght→Agafay→Marrakech

About this 9 day trip to Morocco

This 9 day trip to Morocco follows the Atlantic coast, with a desert night to finish. It is an easy, sporty holiday for active travellers.

First, you drive from Marrakech to Essaouira and walk its ramparts at sunset. Then you try kitesurfing or a horse ride at Sidi Kaouki. After that, the coast road takes you past Imsouane to Taghazout. Next, two surf lessons, Paradise Valley and sandboarding fill your days by the sea. Finally, you ride camels in the Agafay desert and sleep in a camp. In short, our 9 day trip to Morocco is a private trip on the dates you choose.

Highlights of this 9 day trip to Morocco

  • Essaouira ramparts
  • Kitesurf or horse ride at Sidi Kaouki
  • Coast road via Imsouane
  • Two surf lessons
  • Paradise Valley pools
  • Sandboarding near Tamraght
  • Night in the Agafay desert

9 day trip to Morocco: day by day

  1. 1day
    Day 1

    Marrakech

    Arrive in your riad and spend the evening on Jemaa el-Fna.

    Stay: Riad in Marrakech
  2. 2day
    Day 2

    To Essaouira

    Drive to the coast with a stop at an argan cooperative, and walk the ramparts at sunset.

    On the road: about 3 h with the argan stopStay: Riad in Essaouira
  3. 3day
    Day 3

    Sidi Kaouki

    A kitesurf lesson or a horse ride on the wide beach of Sidi Kaouki, south of Essaouira.

    On the road: about 30 min each wayStay: Riad in Essaouira
  4. 4day
    Day 4

    Coast road to Taghazout

    Down the coast past the long wave of Imsouane, with lunch by the sea, to Taghazout.

    On the road: about 3 h with stopsStay: Surf house in Taghazout
  5. 5day
    Day 5

    Surf lesson

    A lesson on a beginners’ beach, with board and wetsuit, and sunset in the village.

    Stay: Surf house in Taghazout
  6. 6day
    Day 6

    Paradise Valley

    Walk in the palm canyon and swim in the natural pools.

    On the road: about 45 min each wayStay: Surf house in Taghazout
  7. 7day
    Day 7

    Surf & sandboarding

    A morning surf session, then sandboarding on the coastal dunes near Tamraght.

    Stay: Surf house in Taghazout
  8. 8day
    Day 8

    North to the Agafay desert

    The motorway north, then a sunset camel ride and quad in Agafay and a night in a desert camp.

    On the road: about 3–3.5 hStay: Desert camp in Agafay
  9. 9day
    Day 9

    Agafay morning & Marrakech

    Breakfast in the camp with a view of the Atlas, then a short drive to Marrakech.

    On the road: about 45 min

What’s included in this 9 day trip to Morocco

Included

  • 8 nights of accommodation as listed (riads, guesthouses and a desert camp)
  • Breakfast every morning
  • Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
  • Transfers as described in the programme
  • Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel, riad, airport)
  • Camel ride as described in the programme
  • Surf lessons with board and wetsuit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums
  • Optional activities (for example quad, buggy or balloon) unless listed
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for drivers and guides

Draft based on this programme – our team confirms the exact list with your quote.

Where you stay

  1. Night 1Riad in Marrakech
  2. Night 2Riad in Essaouira
  3. Night 3Riad in Essaouira
  4. Night 4Surf house in Taghazout
  5. Night 5Surf house in Taghazout
  6. Night 6Surf house in Taghazout
  7. Night 7Surf house in Taghazout
  8. Night 8Desert camp in Agafay

Comfort level: Standard + – comfortable riads, guesthouses and a traditional desert camp, chosen by our team. Luxury camps and riads are possible on request.

Best time for this trip

Autumn to spring brings the best waves and wind on this coast. Summer waves are smaller and gentler, which suits beginners, and the Agafay night is warm.

  • JanBest
  • FebBest
  • MarGood
  • AprGood
  • MayGood
  • JunPossible
  • JulPossible
  • AugPossible
  • SepGood
  • OctBest
  • NovBest
  • DecBest

What to bring for this trip

  • Swimsuit (two if you can)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • High-factor water-resistant sun cream
  • Rash vest for the surf
  • Windproof jacket for Essaouira
  • Flip-flops and light shoes for Paradise Valley
  • Warm layer for the Agafay night
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle

Booking & payment

How to book
Send your request; we confirm the programme and the price in writing on WhatsApp or by email.
Payment
A deposit secures your booking and the balance is paid on arrival.
Cancellation
Our cancellation conditions are sent with your quote, before you pay anything.
Weather & changes
If the weather stops an activity, we adapt the day or replace the activity.

9 Day Trip to Morocco: your questions

Is this 9 day trip to Morocco good for beginner surfers?

Yes, both lessons are for beginners, on beaches chosen for the day’s waves, with a board and wetsuit.

Does the 9 day trip to Morocco include the Sahara?

No, it includes a night in the Agafay stone desert near Marrakech. The dunes of Merzouga are far from the coast, so they need a different route.

How far is Taghazout from Essaouira?

About 2.5 to 3 hours by the coast road. We stop in Imsouane for lunch by the sea.

When is the best season for a 9 day trip to Morocco on the coast?

Autumn to spring brings the best waves. Summer waves are smaller and gentler, which suits beginners, and the coast is pleasant all year.

Can we end in Agadir instead of Marrakech?

Yes, and you can skip the Agafay night. Agadir airport is about 45 minutes from Taghazout.

Local team in MoroccoYour trip is planned and run by our own team on the ground.
Private, on your datesOnly you and your travel companions, starting when you want.
Every day can changeAdd a night, an activity or a slower pace – the plan adapts to you.
Answers on WhatsAppAsk us anything before you book: +212 600 643 098.

What our travellers say

TA5.0 ●●●●●
Moroccan Active Adventures on Tripadvisor
●●●●●

A holistic experience

Booking a trip with Moroccan active adventures gave us the most memorable new years celebration of our lived. Our guide Mouhssin was especially talented at turning down deserted mountain/desert roads and finding beautiful riads…
A
Read all reviews on Tripadvisor

Activities on this trip

Read more about each experience – what to expect, who it is for and what to bring.

Quad & buggy ridesQuad & buggy ridesDay 8 – North to the Agafay desertDetails →Camel & horseback treksCamel & horseback treksDay 3 – Sidi KaoukiDetails →Desert camping & stargazingDesert camping & stargazingDay 8 – North to the Agafay desertDetails →Hiking & trekking adventuresHiking & trekking adventuresDay 2 – To EssaouiraDetails →Surf & kitesurf experienceSurf & kitesurf experienceDay 5 – Surf lessonDetails →Kite surfing lift-offKite surfing lift-offDay 3 – Sidi KaoukiDetails →

Optional activities

Add one or more of these to your 9-day trip. They are not included in the price – ask us and we add them to your programme.

Windsurfing adventureOptional · extraWindsurfing adventureWindsurfing sessionSee the activity →Jet ski adventure on the coastOptional · extraJet ski adventure on the coastJet ski on the bay of AgadirSee the activity →Boat cruise along the coastOptional · extraBoat cruise along the coastBoat trip along the coastSee the activity →Hot air balloon rideOptional · extraHot air balloon rideSunrise flight before or after your tripSee the activity →Authentic culinary experiencesOptional · extraAuthentic culinary experiencesCooking class or food walk in the medinaSee the activity →Private yacht charterOptional · extraPrivate yacht charterPrivate yacht charter for the daySee the activity →
Quick request

Request this 9-day trip

Fill in the form and press send: your request comes straight to our team’s inbox (or WhatsApp, if you prefer) and we reply with the full programme and a clear price.

  • No payment to send a request
  • Private tour on your dates
  • Or write to us: +212 600 643 098

More ideas for 9 days in morocco

9 days in Morocco: A family in front of the golden doors of the Royal Palace in Fes9 Days Morocco Highlights: Marrakech to CasablancaPrivate tour · Marrakech to Casablanca · Cities & desertThe big sights in one line across the country: Marrakech, Aït Benhaddou, Skoura and the Dades, the Sahara at Merzouga, Fes, Volubilis and Meknes, Rabat and the Hassan II Mosque. 9 days in Morocco: Atlas, Sahara & Essaouira9 Days in Morocco Itinerary: Atlas, Sahara & EssaouiraPrivate tour · Round trip from Marrakech · Mountains, desert & coastA round trip from Marrakech that has it all: Telouet and Aït Benhaddou, cycling in Skoura, the Dades and Todra gorges, a night in the Sahara at Merzouga, and two days on the Atlantic in Essaouira. 9 days in Morocco: Bab Bou Jeloud gate and the old medina of Fes9 Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca: Imperial Cities & SaharaPrivate tour · Casablanca to Marrakech · Cities, desert & mountainsFrom the Atlantic to Marrakech the long way: Rabat, two nights in Chefchaouen with the Akchour hike, Volubilis and Meknes, a full day in Fes, a 4x4 day and camels in the Sahara, then the gorges and the kasbahs.

See all 10 ideas for 9 days

A similar trip, shorter or longer

All Morocco itineraries, 4 to 30 days · Luxury tours · Small group tours · Women only tours · Activities · Travel tips · About our team

Quad & buggy rides
Land adventure

Quad & buggy rides

On this trip: Day 8 – North to the Agafay desert

Quad biking Marrakech style means leaving the city noise behind in minutes: dusty palm grove tracks, Berber villages and the rocky hills of the Agafay desert, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. Our guides ride in front, set the pace to the slowest rider and stop for photos and mint tea. You do not need any experience – we show you the controls and do a short practice loop before we leave.

Where
Marrakech palm grove (Palmeraie), Agafay desert, Merzouga dunes
Duration
1 hour to 6 days
Level
Beginner friendly, no experience needed
Minimum age
Drivers usually 16+; younger children ride as buggy passengers
  • Desert right next to the city
  • Quad or buggy, your choice
  • Real landscapes, not a track
See the full activity page
 Camel & horseback treks
Land adventure

Camel & horseback treks

On this trip: Day 3 – Sidi Kaouki

Camel trekking Morocco’s Sahara is the slow, quiet way into the desert: a line of camels led by a guide on foot, swaying over the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga as the light turns soft. Most of our guests ride at sunset to a camp in the dunes and come back at sunrise. It is calm, not sporty – anyone who can sit on a saddle for an hour can do it.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), Agafay desert, Marrakech palm grove
Duration
1 hour to 6 days
Level
Easy, no experience needed for camels
Minimum age
Children ride with an adult; ask us for small kids
  • The classic Sahara moment
  • Local camel men
  • Slow travel
See the full activity page
 Desert camping & stargazing
Land adventure

Desert camping & stargazing

On this trip: Day 8 – North to the Agafay desert

Sahara desert camping in Morocco is about one evening you will not forget: arriving at a camp hidden between the dunes of Erg Chebbi, climbing a ridge for sunset, eating tagine by the fire while drums play, then lying on a rug under more stars than you thought possible. Our camps near Merzouga range from simple nomad-style tents to comfortable tents with real beds and private bathrooms.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Agafay desert near Marrakech
Duration
1 to 3 nights
Level
Easy, for all ages
Camp types
Nomad-style, standard and luxury tents
  • Real dunes
  • A sky full of stars
  • Choose your comfort
See the full activity page
 Hiking & trekking adventures
Land adventure

Hiking & trekking adventures

On this trip: Day 2 – To Essaouira

Hiking Morocco’s High Atlas is a walk through a lived-in landscape: terraced fields, walnut trees, flat-roofed Berber villages built from the same red earth as the mountains, and mule paths that people still use every day. Our local mountain guides grew up around these valleys. They choose the route, set a steady pace and arrange lunch or a night in a village house.

Where
High Atlas (Imlil, Ourika, Toubkal), Dades & Todra gorges, Merzouga dunes
Duration
Day hikes to 5-day treks
Level
Easy valley walks to challenging summit treks
Minimum age
Valley walks for families; Toubkal for fit teens and adults
  • Real mountains near Marrakech
  • Toubkal, the big one
  • Village life on the trail
See the full activity page
 Surf & kitesurf experience
Water adventure

Surf & kitesurf experience

On this trip: Day 5 – Surf lesson

Surfing Morocco means long right-hand point breaks, sandy beach breaks for learning and warm sun when Europe is cold. The coast north of Agadir – Taghazout, Tamraght and the fishing village of Imsouane – is the heart of it, with Essaouira and its windy beaches further north. We organise lessons and surf guiding with licensed local surf schools and instructors, from your first wave to your first point break.

Where
Taghazout, Tamraght, Imsouane, Essaouira
Duration
Half-day lesson to a week-long surf camp
Level
Complete beginners to experienced surfers
Minimum age
Children who swim well, in lessons suited to them
  • World-class point breaks
  • A great place to learn
  • Surf in winter sun
See the full activity page
 Kite surfing lift-off
Air adventure

Kite surfing lift-off

On this trip: Day 3 – Sidi Kaouki

Kitesurfing Morocco means steady Atlantic wind, long beaches and two very different playgrounds. In the far south, the Dakhla lagoon offers wide, flat, shallow water that is ideal for learning and for freestyle. Further north, Essaouira is known for its strong trade winds in spring and summer, with choppy water in the bay and powerful waves on nearby beaches for experienced riders.

Where
Dakhla lagoon, Essaouira and other Atlantic spots
Duration
Single lessons to a full kite week
Level
Beginner courses to independent riders
Minimum age
Set by the school – children need enough weight to control a kite
  • Reliable wind
  • Flat water for learning
  • Waves for advanced riders
See the full activity page
 Windsurfing adventure
Water adventure

Windsurfing adventure

Optional extra: Windsurfing session

Windsurfing Morocco starts with one word: wind. Essaouira is nicknamed the Wind City of Africa, because the trade winds blow along this coast for much of the year, strongest in spring and summer. The wide bay is a good classroom, Moulay Bouzerktoun to the north is a famous wave spot, and far to the south the Dakhla lagoon offers flat water on the edge of the Sahara. We organise lessons and rentals with licensed local windsurf centres and instructors.

Where
Essaouira bay, Moulay Bouzerktoun, Sidi Kaouki, Dakhla lagoon
Duration
2-hour lesson to a week-long windsurf camp
Level
Beginners (lessons) to advanced wave sailors
Minimum age
Children who swim well, with kids’ rigs where available
  • Reliable wind
  • Spots for every level
  • Wave sailing at Moulay
See the full activity page
 Jet ski adventure on the coast
Water adventure

Jet ski adventure on the coast

Optional extra: Jet ski on the bay of Agadir

A jet ski Agadir session is the quickest way to feel the Atlantic up close: open throttle across the wide bay, the kasbah hill behind you and the long beach shrinking in the mirror. We organise rides with licensed local operators, always with a briefing and a guide on the water, so first-timers can enjoy it as much as people who have ridden before. Availability depends on the season, the sea state and the operator.

Where
Agadir bay, Taghazout coast, Lalla Takerkoust lake (Marrakech)
Duration
20 minutes to 1 hour on the water
Level
Beginners welcome, guided ride
Minimum age
Driver age set by the operator; children can ride as passengers
  • A big, open bay
  • Coast and mountains in one view
  • A lake option near Marrakech
See the full activity page
 Boat cruise along the coast
Water adventure

Boat cruise along the coast

Optional extra: Boat trip along the coast

A boat trip Agadir style is the slow side of the coast: you leave the marina, follow the long curve of the bay and look back at the kasbah hill, with sea air and a glass of mint tea on deck. Some trips stop for a swim or a little fishing, others are timed for sunset over the Atlantic. We arrange cruises with licensed local boat operators; routes and availability depend on the season, the sea and the operator.

Where
Agadir bay and coast; Essaouira on calm days
Duration
1.5 hours to a half day
Level
Easy, for all ages
Minimum age
All ages; life jackets for children
  • Agadir from the sea
  • Relaxed and easy
  • Fishing for fun
See the full activity page
 Hot air balloon ride
Air adventure

Hot air balloon ride

Optional extra: Sunrise flight before or after your trip

A hot air balloon Marrakech flight is the quietest way to see Morocco wake up. You leave the city in the dark, watch the burners light up the envelope, and lift off just as the sun climbs over the Atlas Mountains. Below you, red-earth villages, olive groves and dry riverbeds turn gold, and on clear winter mornings the snow on the High Atlas shines on the horizon.

Where
Countryside outside Marrakech (launch site set by the pilot each morning)
Duration
About 1 hour in the air, 4-5 hours door to door
Start time
Very early pick-up, before sunrise
Level
No experience needed
  • Sunrise over the Atlas
  • Silent, slow flying
  • Rural Morocco from above
See the full activity page
 Authentic culinary experiences
Moroccan experience

Authentic culinary experiences

Optional extra: Cooking class or food walk in the medina

A Morocco food tour is the quickest way into the country’s heart. With one of our local guides you taste fresh msemen pancakes at breakfast, follow the smell of cumin through the spice souk, try harira and grilled meat at the stalls of Jemaa el-Fna, and learn why a tagine needs time. We take you where locals actually eat, not where the menus are in five languages.

Where
Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Atlas villages, Merzouga
Duration
3-hour food walk to full-day class
Level
Easy – come hungry
Diets
Vegetarian options on request
  • Street food you would not find alone
  • Markets as a lesson
  • Cooking with real cooks
See the full activity page
 Private yacht charter
Water adventure

Private yacht charter

Optional extra: Private yacht charter for the day

A yacht charter Morocco day gives you the coast on your own terms: a private yacht with a professional skipper and crew, your group only, and a route chosen around the sea and your wishes. Swim off the back when the water is calm, eat lunch on deck, or wait for the sun to drop into the Atlantic. We arrange charters with licensed local operators, mainly from Agadir, and on request on the Mediterranean side; availability depends on the season, the sea and the operator.

Where
Agadir; Mediterranean coast on request
Duration
2-3 hours to a full day
Type
Private, skippered day charter
Level
No experience needed
  • Only your group on board
  • Skipper and crew included
  • Choose your rhythm
See the full activity page
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