How To Avoid Getting Sick in Tamraght, Morocco

Last Updated on 21st January 2026 by Jessie

A few words of caution for your travels throughout Morocco, plus some tried and tested tips and tricks to help you avoid getting sick.

Bali belly, Delhi belly, Maroc belly. An upset stomach and a few days cooped up in your hotel are part and parcel of travelling to an underdeveloped country. Even the strongest immune systems are no match for the foreign bacteria. Nevertheless, it’s not pleasant, and we would all prefer to take a rain check on a date with the porcelain throne. Here are my top tips for how to avoid getting sick in Tamraght.

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The TL;DR of Avoiding Getting Sick in Tamraght:

• If you’re concerned about getting sick after surfing in Tamraght, avoid the ocean after heavy rainfall.
• Regarding drinking tap water in Tamraght, locals sometimes do — but I recommend bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach discomfort.

1. Don’t swim or surf After Storms.

There are a few surf spots in Tamraght and the neighbouring villages that are notorious for causing crook bellies. The sewerage pipes flow into the ocean nearby, making it risky business for the few stray gulps of seawater you stomach when wiping out. Speak to fellow travellers, and you will hear numerous horror stories of people getting sick after surfing in Tamraght.

The local council has made efforts to remedy this issue in recent years. They have diverted some of the sewage to proper water treatment plants. Plus, the beaches are regularly cleaned of litter. The majority of the time, at the majority of the beaches, you can swim or surf without falling sick in Tamraght.

But still, when a big storm rolls in, the run-off from the land sometimes turns the seawater into a murky brown mess. At these times, the risk of getting sick from the seawater increases. Thus, it’s best to avoid the ocean for a few days after a big storm.

So, the current best advice to avoid getting sick after surfing in Tamraght is to:
A. Avoid surfing after heavy rainfall.
B. Do your best not to swallow any seawater.

The Moroccan Government has an online tool you can use to check the current water quality status of most beaches. Check it out here.

As a side note, always do your part to keep the beaches tidy. As tourists visiting Morocco and putting an added strain on the sanitation system, disposing of our rubbish properly is the least we can do. Nobody likes a soggy chippy packet to the face when taking a plunge.

2. Bring a filtered water bottle.

“Can I drink the tap water in Tamraght?” – This has got to be one of the most frequently asked questions in preparation for travel to this golden land.

The verdict’s mixed on this one. Most locals drink the tap water in Tamraght without getting sick. And, the Moroccan government insists that the country’s water is treated to a high quality, and absolutely safe to drink. Yet, most hostels and travel guides still insist on opting for bottled water to avoid undesirable bacteria.

I can’t verify either argument. All I can give is my highly subjective, anecdotal evidence. Personally, I mostly drink filtered water. However, on many occasions, I have drunk straight from the tap and suffered no immediate negative consequences.

Nevertheless, I am going to offer my advice: buy a filtered water bottle prior to your trip to Morocco. That way, you’ve got the peace of mind of knowing your water is 100% safe, whilst also not adding to the burden of plastic waste that Morocco deals with.

My top recommendation is the LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle. You can fill it straight from any tap, and it filters out almost all bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, etc. Ideal for Moroccan travel. Your arms will thank me when you don’t have to lug 5L water bottles up the hill to your accommodation each day.

3. Be wary of the heat.

While we’re speaking of water, pleaaase make sure you’re drinking enough each day. Morocco is the land of the eternal summer. And the land of very little shade.
You will likely while away many hours of the day in the sun, the sea and the surf.

The sun is fierce, and if you’re not careful, it will knock you for six. Don’t risk forfeiting your precious days falling sick in Tamraght with a case of heatstroke. Slip, slop, slap, and stay well hydrated.

4. Be mindful of the cats and dogs.

I’m not telling you to be fearful of the stray animal population. Just be street smart. There are a huge number of cats and dogs roaming the streets, the beaches, and the cafes and restaurants. The majority of which will be completely harmless.

A little annoying when you’re going toe-to-toe with a determined cat vying for a taste of your tagine, but ultimately harmless. Most dogs just want a little pat and some company, as is their nature.

Nevertheless, they are still wild animals, and as such, a little precaution goes a long way. Don’t get between a mother dog and her puppies, no matter how cute they are. And never try break up a dog fight. If you do happen to get bitten, you will need to visit a medical clinic in Aourir or Agadir. There have been cases of rabies in the area, and you don’t want to take that risk.

5. Just wash your hands.

This piece of advice is probably redundant in a post-COVID era, but nevertheless it’s going to be your greatest measure of defence. Wash your hands after patting the cute kittens, wash your hands before sharing your khobz, and wash your hands before eating. If you don’t want the nasty bacteria entering your body, don’t give them a chance. Safi.

Sick in Tamraght? L’Humdulilah.

If all of the above fail and you do find yourself unlucky enough to get sick in Tamraght, here are your lighthouses in the storm.

Best Medical Centres in Tamraght:

• Tamraght Pharmacy
• Emergency Medical Centre, Aourir
• Dr. Jouker – Dental Clinic, Aourir, or
• Centre Dentaire Sonaba, Agadir
• Medical Clinic, Aourir – For Rabies Injections
  Rabies shots are free; you will need to bring your passport.

Stay smart, stay safe, thala frask.

For more help with your trip planning, check out all the essential Moroccan travel info.

Or for my femme friends, see how to stay safe while travelling Morocco as a woman.

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