Banana Beach: Morocco’s Sweet Spot for Surfing and Chillin’
Banana Beach is hands-down one of Morocco’s coolest surf spots—and way more than just a cute name. Tucked between Aourir and Tamraght, this stretch of golden coastline near Agadir offers sunny skies, laid-back vibes, and waves perfect for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.
It’s the kind of place where you can escape the crowds in Taghazout, grab a fresh banana smoothie (fitting, right?), and paddle out into mellow but fun waves. And if you’re keen to level up your surf game, check out my Surf Lessons in Taghazout — perfect for learning the ropes or fine-tuning your skills.
Table of Contents
Banana Beach, Morocco: A Surfer’s Delight
A. Location and Overview
So, where exactly is Banana Beach? It’s nestled along the Atlantic coast, just outside Agadir, close to the chill towns of Aourir and Tamraght. It’s technically a river break, meaning the river flowing into the ocean helps shape those smooth, rideable waves we all love.
Even when the surf is on, Banana Beach tends to stay less crowded than places like Anchor Point or Devils Rock. The vibe here? Super laid-back, with plenty of space to spread out your towel, sip some Moroccan mint tea, and watch perfect Moroccan sunsets.
B. Optimal Surfing Conditions
Let’s talk surf stats, because timing is everything:
- Best Time to Surf: Winter’s the prime season, especially January when clean surf rolls in about 60% of the time. Blown out 25% of the time, too small 15%—not bad odds!
- Wind Direction: Works best with offshore winds from the northeast.
- Swell Direction: Most swells come from the northwest, bringing solid groundswells perfect for Banana Beach’s setup.
- Tide: The sweet spot is around high tide.
- Sea Temp: Hovers around 22.2°C — pretty comfy!
- What to Wear: Boardshorts, a shorty, or a thin wetsuit will do the trick since the air temp is usually around 24°C.
- Crowds: Surprisingly chill, even when there’s good surf.
- Safety Tip: Keep an eye out for rips. Not the end of the world, but worth knowing if you’re new to the spot.
C. Nearby Surf Breaks & Surf Culture
One of the best parts about Banana Beach is how many other awesome surf spots are right nearby. If you’re feeling adventurous (or the conditions aren’t quite right at Banana), you’ve got:
- Banana Point: About 2km away, great point break.
- Devil’s Rock: Also around 2km away, fun sandbar waves.
- Tamghart Beach: Another beach option just 2km away.
- Panoramas: 3km out, offering beach and reef breaks.
- Hash Point: 4km away, famous point break for a reason.
Plus, the whole area is buzzing with surf schools, rental shops, and a community of local Moroccan surfers who are super passionate about sharing their love for the waves.
And don’t forget: Taghazout and Imsouane are both close enough for a day trip, giving you even more spots to explore if you’re surf-hungry!
Banana Valley, Morocco: The Sweet Heart of Aourir
A. What is Banana Valley?
Ever wondered why it’s called Banana Beach? Well, you’ve got Banana Valley (aka Banana Village) to thank for that. Aourir, a chill little town right behind Banana Beach, is known for its lush banana plantations. Seriously — there’s bananas everywhere. Roadside stalls, markets, you name it.
It’s a small, laid-back place where time seems to slow down—a perfect pit stop on your way back from the beach.
B. A Culinary and Cultural Journey
If you’re a foodie, Banana Valley is your jam. The markets are brimming with:
- Fresh fruits and veggies
- Local fish
- Moroccan specialties like tajine and couscous
- Exotic fruit juices like coconut, orange, and pomegranate
Fun fact: Moroccan bananas have a unique taste thanks to the sunny climate and sustainable farming. You’ll often find them as the star of healthy breakfast bowls, or just grab a bunch for your surf snack.
Don’t miss trying a classic tajine in one of the local eateries—it’s the perfect way to refuel after a surf session.
C. Banana Valley as a Travel Destination
Aside from epic surf and delicious food, Banana Valley is a wonderful spot if you’re looking for a relaxing escape. You’ll find mountain views on one side and the sea on the other. It’s perfect for:
- Travelers wanting to soak up authentic Moroccan vibes
- Photographers chasing beautiful landscapes
- Foodies exploring local flavors
The best part? It’s close enough to Agadir to make it an easy day trip, yet feels miles away from the hustle and bustle.
Planning Your Trip: Logistics & Local Insights
A. Getting There
- Closest Airport: Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA) — only 21 km (13 miles) away.
- Next Closest: Sidi Ifni Airport (SII), 136 km (84 miles) out.
Either way, getting to Banana Beach is a breeze by taxi, rental car, or shuttle.
B. Accommodation Insights
Looking for a place to stay? Drarga, near Agadir, has a solid Airbnb scene. Here’s the quick lowdown:
- Mostly Entire Homes: About 83% of listings.
- Popular Types: Houses are most common, many with 2-3 bedrooms, perfect for surf trips with friends.
- Prices & Seasons: October’s usually the best for revenue, but May sees the most bookings. December has higher nightly rates.
- Regulations: Drarga’s pretty chill about short-term rentals.
- Guest Profile: Loads of international travelers, especially from France and the UK.
Wherever you stay, make sure it’s got Wi-Fi, a hot shower, and room to stash your surf gear!
C. Exploring Beyond Banana Beach & Valley
If you’ve got time, check out these gems around the Agadir region:
- Paradise Valley: Natural pools, waterfalls, and stunning hikes.
- Dades Valley: Breathtaking mountains and canyons.
- Souk El Had in Agadir: Perfect for local shopping.
- Argan Oil Cooperatives in Tamanar: Learn how argan oil is made (and stock up on gifts!).
Clearing Up the “Banana” Confusion
Let’s clear up one thing: there’s only one Banana Beach in Morocco, and this post is all about it!
- Banana Beach, Morocco: The legendary river break in Central Morocco.
- Banana Beach, South Africa: Totally different. Sharks and all. Not the same vibe!
- Banna Strand, Ireland: Historical spot in North Kerry. Gorgeous but no surf here.
- Bananas, Beaches and Bases: That’s a feminist book about global politics. Not a surf spot!
- Man Bananas Stock Vectors: Just clip art on Shutterstock.
So if you’re searching for the perfect surf getaway, stick with Banana Beach in Morocco!
Conclusion: Experience the Moroccan Banana Coast
Banana Beach is truly a slice of Moroccan magic — waves for days, sunny skies, local bananas by the bunch, and a surf community that’s as welcoming as it gets.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or brand new to the sport, there’s no better place to catch a wave, enjoy some tajine, and live the good life on the Atlantic coast. And if you’re ready to turn your surf dreams into reality, don’t miss out on my Surf Lessons in Taghazout. It’s the perfect way to boost your skills and make some unforgettable memories!
Have you ever surfed Banana Beach or explored Banana Valley? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your stories!
