Imsouane, Morocco is a small town in the Agadir-Ida Ou Tanane Prefactue of Morocco. The permanent population of Imsouane is less than 10,000. But at any time of year the temporary resident numbers can swell like the surf with keen surfers from all over the world heading to catch the famous waves of Imsouane.
When we arrived mid-afternoon in January the place was fairly well packed with vans and motorhomes. (I would give a safe estimate at 50+ camperhomes of varying – seriously varying – styles, sizes and shapes).
The small surf town was buzzing!
- *Update 2024: Despite the demolition of many buildings in early 2024 the surf town of Imsouane, Morocco is still buzzing and it is possible to park for the night.
Read on for everything you need to know about parking, eating, sleeping and surfing in Imsouane, Morocco!
So what is the attraction of Imsouane? Why is it so talked about in vanlife circles?
Imsouane has become a favourite coastal destination in Morocco not only for its waves (more on that specifically) but for its charm as a small, laidback rural Moroccan town.
When you are arriving in the area it takes about 3km to descend from high up on the cliffs and wind down towards the small town itself. There are magnificent views from a panoramic viewpoint up on the cliffs that gives an idea of the small size of Imsouane and of the iconic surf wave that Imsouane is famous for.
About the famous Imsouane Morocco wave…
It is in fact the longest surf wave in Africa.
The Imsouane surf is seriously legendary!
And, even if you aren’t an avid surfer (ok; we confess we aren’t surfing pros either) you can’t help but marvel at the view down to this small town and the beautiful, curved wave. It appears from all angles to wrap right around the length of the bay and just seems to continue over and over and over…
The Imsouane surf beach (actually there are two) is known for this incredible l-o-o-o-n-g surfing wave that you can ride for the entirety of its near-900m length!
That’s pretty incredible.
And the views only get better as you head on down into the Imsouane surf town itself…
So, what is there to do in Imsouane, Morocco?
Surfing. Obviously. This is what Imsouane is known for. And do know; if you haven’t got surf boards attached to the top or side of your vehicle you are likely in the minority here.
But do not worry. One of the main things to do in Imsouane is to rent a surfboard and learn to surf.
There are options for that everywhere.
And aside from surfing in Imsouane, what else can you do there?
Aside from surfing in Imsouane there are beautiful spots to just take in the incredible Atlantic Ocean. So many it’s hard to choose one. (And trust me; it makes it hard to leave). It’s busy with vans and surfers but theres much sunny open space to spread your yoga mat or lie on a towel; play your Shamanic drum – or whatever floats your boat.
You can check out the small seafood market in town and see the iconic blue fishing boats that come in each afternoon to be towed up the beach by tractor, full of freshly caught fish.
There are small market stalls selling the usually colourful Moroccan souvenirs, mats, jackets, hats and all kinds of trinkets.
You can wander the rock pools at low tide and wonder at the never-ending patterns left behind by the small sea snails. (Oscar insists I add this one into the blog and I have to agree it is notable as one of the cool-but-lesser-known things to do in Imsouane).
There are paths at each end of the beach that head uphill to various veiwpoints and offer a different perspective looking back at the town (and surfers).
And, there are many restaurants and cafes to choose from.
Restaurants and cafes in Imsouane
Imsouane has a great multitude of mostly basic restaurants and cafes. By European standards they are small (or quaint?) but exactly what you would expect to find to feed a hungry surfer. (And plenty of course with vegetarian and vegan options to boot).
Some specific info (all you need to know) about vanlife in Imsouane
And just a heads up before we get into the details; you may never want to leave. Imsouane in Morocco is an absolute haven for vanlifers from all over Europe (and those keen travellers from down under looking to ride the famous Imsouane surf).
Parking your van at Imsouane Morocco is free. Gratuit. There is no charge.
You will see the friendly guy in a bright yellow high-vis vest on as you pull into town and he will ‘very helpfully’ guide you into a vacant parking spot. A tip (or perhaps it is a donation) and amount to give him is up to you.
On a separate note it’s interesting to see how the motorhomes and vans rocking up to Imsouane have changed as we made our way down Morocco’s coast.
Not only two hours north in Essaouira the campgrounds were filled with brand new motorhomes and retirees from France, Belgium and Germany. But here in Imsouane the style of vehilces has changed completely and whatever you pull up in is just right. No ones going to turn their nose up. And in fact; the older the cooler.
This town is full of full-time vanlifers making their way as slowly and cheaply along the best surfing coastline in North Africa.
So what kind of services are there for motorhomes in Imsouane, Morocco?
With the description of vehicles above you might assume instantly there wouldn’t be facilities or services for motorhomes in Imsouane. But that’s where you’re wrong.
It feels like some kind of secret. Like a treasured surfers-Narnia.
(Perhaps they should leave the 3km descent to Imsouane in it’s unfinished and unsealed state as that could put off the hoards that might otherwise be expecting full campground services).
But Imsouane actually has everything you need to park your van, live, wash, refill and surf to your hearts content.
Are there shops to restock?
Yes. There are several small mini-market type shops in Imsouane with (what we believe) everything you need to make your stay comfortable. (Gavin reckons the shops have just the perfect stocks to feed a hungry surfer or yoga-chasing vegetarian).
Seriously though there’s fresh produce, milk and cheese, pasta and sauces, LPG for your motorhome, cleaning products, toiletries and every day the beautiful fresh Moroccan bread for a dirham or two.
Can you refill freshwater?
We initially thought this would be a problem with wanting to park up at Imsouane. But in fact, you have a couple of options to refill with fresh water here.
At the public toilets and showers there is a hose, and you can take a jerry-can or water container and fill up from there and carry it back to your van by hand.
Or, if you have a smaller vehicle or van in Imsouane you can actually drive down to the shower area and they have a hose you can attached and fill up with water.
The cost is negotiable with the staff at the public toilets.
We used water containers to fill a few loads up and walked them back to the campervan. (It’s lucky we have two small staff to help ferry such loads of water!).
Are there toilets and showers?
Yes. There are public toilets and showers just above the entrance to the main surf beach.
- Toilet: 5 MAD
- Shower: 10 MAD
What about emptying grey water?
This is not a problem. There is a drain at the bottom of the street and it’s easy to pull over and park right above it to empty grey water.
You might want to save your parking spot though so you can empty the grey and park right back where you were…
And what about emptying the cassette?
Ahh. The question you wanted to know about parking your van in Imsouane but didn’t want to ask. But YES. It is possible to empty your toilet cassette in Imsouane. You just need to speak to the staff at the public toilets and they will point you in the right direction and unlock the septic lid for you.
It costs 10 MAD to empty your cassette toilet.
Getting to Imsouane, Morocco
Because of it’s remote location on the coastline there are limited options for public transport when travelling to Imsouane.
If you are heading to Imsouane in your own vehicle you are in luck.
It is a slow but scenic drive from Essouaira and Sidi Kaouki to the north. And an equally scenic drive heading south towards the larger town of Tagazhout. (Many visitors have likened it to Tagazhout in the 60’s and 70’s!).
Getting to Imsouane, Morocco by car, van or motorhome
There are no public buses to Imsouane so the options are hiring a car, self-driving by van/motorhome or catching a taxi from Agadir, Essaouira or Taghazout.
There is a Souk-to-Surf shuttle bus that runs from Imsouane to Taghazout that costs 80 MAD per person. Ask in one of the surf shops or mini-markets and they will point you towards the taxis and shuttle.
Enjoy the surf in Imsouane, Morocco – and the uniqueness of this small Moroccan town
Happy surfing! And enjoy all that Imsouane offers in slowing down and taking the time to enjoy Morocco with a feeling like you really are stepping back in time…
More useful links for your travels in Morocco and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Hostelworld – The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
Read more about Morocco
- Taking the vehicle ferry from Spain to Morocco with your motorhome.
- Driving in Morocco: Everything you wanted to ask.
- Crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Motorhome services in Morocco: What is it like?
- A guide to campsites in Morocco.
- Visiting the famous Guelmim Camel Market.
- Buying a SIM card in Morocco (and how to get unlimited data!).
