Surfing, Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Taghazout Bay

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local surfing coach with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 6 days of surfing sessions with qualified instructors (2 h per day)
    • 2 yoga classes per day (morning and evening)
    • Meditation sessions
    • Agadir Airport transfers, pick up & drop off
    • Accommodation at The Riad (double-occupancy)
    • Breakfast buffet
    • Lunch boxes (sandwich/salad, fruit, cookies and soda)
    • Board and wetsuit hire for the duration of the retreat
    • Soft-top foam board or NSP
    • Airport transfers
    • Wi-Fi

  What’s not included:

  • • International flights
    • Dinners
    • SIngle-occupancy room (available for an additional fee)
    • Travel insurance
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  The best thing about this surf & yoga retreat in Taghazout Bay is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. There is a huge variety to suit most abilities in Morocco. Whether you are looking for small waves to practice on, or larger waves to improve your skills – you will not be disappointed.

  This trip is suitable for beginners who have had little to no experience. Join beginner lessons and get what you need to fall in love with surfing. You can be assured of safety and comfort in the water, as your guides provide one instructor per eight students max. All you need to be able to do is swim and tread water. You’ll learn how to paddle, turn, pop up, correct stance and safety when on the beach and on waves.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

  • • Suitcase or duffel bag for all your personal belongings
    • Beach bag
    • Plastic bag (for transporting your wet wetsuit)
    • Beach towel
    • Beach sandals or flip flops
    • Swimsuit
    • Leisure clothing for free time and dinners
    • Something warm for evenings
    • Water bottle
    • Sunhat
    • Sunglasses
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  If you’re bringing your own surfboard, take your fins off the board and don’t forget the fins, fin screws, fin key, leash and some wax. If not, your guides will give you all the necessary equipment suitable to your height and skill.

• What does a typical day look like?

  This is what you can expect:

  • 08.00 Morning Yoga (30min)
  • 08.30 Breakfast
  • 09.30 Departure to the day’s surf spot
  • 10.00 Surf lesson (2 hrs)
    • Picnic lunch at the beach
    • Free surf (instructors stay on beach)
  • 16:00 Pack up and return to the Riad
  • 18.00 Sunset Yoga (1hr)
  • 19.30 Dinner
• Do I have to surf every day?

  Taghazout is a bit of a mecca for surfing, but there are many other cool things to do. You can go on a hike, sunbathe on sandy beaches, go shopping in the local markets or visit a local Moroccan bathhouse (hammam).

  The most popular hike is located in the ancient Paradise Valley amongst the palm trees and clear blue pools of water. The path through the valley is easily navigable.

  The big souk (market) in Agadir provides the quintessential Moroccan shopping experience with leather goods, woodwork, ceramics, carpets, blankets, jewelry and clothing. Don’t forget to haggle!

  Horse and camel rides and quad biking are all close by and easily organized.

  

• What will the accommodation be like?

  The accommodation is a twin or double sharing room with ensuite bathroom in a traditional Moroccan Riad. Its location is around a 5-minute walk from the beach and offers a pool and free wifi.

  You can share a room or request a single bedroom for an additional fee. Find more info upon booking.

  

• What will the food be like?

  You will start each day with a buffet-style breakfast, typically consisting of pancakes, jams, baguettes, eggs, juice, coffee and tea. Your lunch will mostly be sandwiches, fruit, biscuits and a soda. Some dinners will be in-house, usually consisting of tagines and couscous. Some dinners will be at one of the many highly rated restaurants in the area. Keep in mind that dinners are not included in the price of the retreat.

  Let us know in advance if you have any special requirements, and your guides will do their best to make sure you have what you need. Make sure to let us know if you avoid dairy (milk and cheese) or eggs. Not all specialized food alternatives are available—soy milk and some diabetic products are available but if you are gluten free, please bring your own gluten wraps/bread to be used in your sandwiches for lunch.

  No alcohol is sold or served in town, but taxis can take you for a drink at one of the newer local hotel bars near the town to experience Agadir’s nightlife.

  

   

• Is water safe to drink?

  Tap water at your accommodation is technically safe for drinking, and certainly fine for cooking and brushing teeth, but it is not recommended to drink large quantities. Bottled water is cheap in Morocco (5 dirhams) and is available everywhere. You can also bring a water purifier if you prefer.

• What will the weather be like?

  Taghazout’s temperate climate ensures optimal conditions year-round, promising endless outdoor adventures!

  Morocco is a great destination with over 300 days of sunshine a year. In summer, the temperatures in Taghazout can be around 20 – 35 degrees Celsius. In winter the temperatures can range from 15- 26 degrees Celsius. During the winter months, the waves that have made Morocco famous come to life, so this is the best time for advanced surfers.

  It can get chilly at night, and trousers and jumpers are necessary from fall through spring, and especially winter, so make sure you bring some warm clothes too.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group retreat, the max. group size is 18 people, with a max. 8:1 ratio during surfing lessons.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
    • Solo surfers are welcome – it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

  Surfing in Taghazout Bay can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors older than 14 may be permitted to join the retreat, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to your retreat, most people fly into Agadir airport (AGA) airport, 30 minutes away from Taghazout Bay. You will be collected at the airport anytime on day 1 of your itinerary. We recommend arriving by 4.30pm, to make the most of the first day (your first yoga session starts at 6pm).

  On day 6, you will be dropped off at Agadir airport (AGA) at a time agreed upon with your guides.

  Agadir is served by direct flights from the UK and other major European airports, while US guests can travel via Casablanca or other European airports (London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc.) as there are no direct flights to Agadir.

• Do I need a visa for this adventure?

  EU, US, Australia and New Zealand passport holders with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date do not require a visa to enter Morocco for tourist purposes.

• Safety measures in Morocco

  We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

  Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

  We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. For more information on travel recommendations and restrictions in Morocco please refer to the official website of the Moroccan National Tourism Office.

  If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A $100 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund.
    • For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen (119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
    • For cancellations seventy-five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking.
    • After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non-refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.