Packing Guide for Morocco’s Surf Coast
Last Updated on 21st July 2025 by Jessie
Packing for Morocco’s surf coast? This guide has you covered with tested tips on what to wear, what to bring, and how to pack smart – no matter which season you’re going.
Morocco’s surf coast is hot, dry and dusty most of the year round. Unless you’re paying for the luxury of door-to-door delivery from the airport to your accommodation, you’re likely going to be dragging your luggage through a dusty street (often sweaty, lost and grumpy). So, my key piece of advice in this packing guide is to pack light. And if you’ve got a backpack – opt for that. Wheelie suitcases will not be your friend in these pot-holed streets.
This packing guide is more-or-less tailored towards a certain type of traveller. The kind who is okay getting by with the bare minimum (See: budget backpacker). Whether this is your usual modus operandi or not, I think it’s a travel style worth adopting for Morocco. Particularly in rural parts of Morocco where the average wage is 2,580dh (€258) per month; gallivanting around with an excess of stuff just feels a bit off. Plus, it’s a good reminder of how little we actually need, and how much of it is just junk that we buy into.
Anywho, here is my complete minimalist packing guide for Morocco’s surf coast.
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Moroccan Travel Essentials
- First and foremost, get travel insurance with SafetyWing. They’re super affordable and one of the few companies that let you buy insurance mid-trip.
- Book the dreamiest Moroccan abode on Booking.com. They’re my go-to for accomodation because you can save loooaads with their loyalty discounts.
- Or if you’re after the one-stop-shop, BookSurfCamps is the best place to find surf camp packages in Morocco.
- Find the best local tours with GetYourGuide. It’s the easiest way to visit places like Paradise Valley or Timlalin Dunes.
- Make sure you’re connected as soon as you get off the plane with Airalo’s Moroccan eSIM.
- Set up a Wise travel card to save on international transaction fees.
- And if you’re working online (or want to watch Netflix in your downtime) I highly recommend getting set up with a SurfShark VPN.
And you’re sorted.
Tech/Essentials
- Passport
Obviously. But remember to keep it handy when checking into your accommodation. (Not at the bottom of your bag). - Camera
Your phone will suffice. But some sort of camera is vital when the whole of Morocco is so damn photogenic. - Portable power bank
A freak baby wave rolled into Taghazout Beach one day and soaked mine, so I’m currently going without. But they’re super handy nonetheless. - EU travel adaptor
Disregard if you’re an EU traveller. - Sleep mask
You will look like a dork, but you’ll be the dork getting the best night’s sleep in the whole hostel. - Coin purse
Cash is king in Morocco, so you’ll want a few dirhams on hand at all times for mint tea and msemen. But rather than carting around your whole wallet, I recommend using a little coin purse for both safety and practicality. You can find them in all the handicraft hotspots throughout Morocco. - eSIM
If it’s a short trip, I recommend getting an eSIM. That way the data is ready as soon as you get off the plane, and you don’t need to worry about losing your physical sim card.
See my full post on SIM cards and my favourite eSIMs for Morocco. - A sturdy tote or day bag
You want something that’s big enough to fit your towel, water bottle, snacks and knickknacks. And something that’s gentle on your shoulders as you traipse around the village each day.
- Filtered water bottle
It’s not recommended to drink the tap water in Morocco. I also personally recommend not buying disposable plastic water bottles each day. Instead, pack a filtered water bottle. My favourite is the LifeStraw Go Series – Water Filter Bottle. You can fill it straight from any tap and it filters out all bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, etc. Ideal.
Find more tips on avoiding getting sick in Morocco here. - A good novel, journal, sketchpad or watercolours
Choose whichever creative endeavour suits you best. But you’ll want something to while away your leisurely hours at the beach.
Clothes
- Comfortable shoes that can get dirty
The days tend to be too hot for sneakers on Moroco’s surf coast. But you want something comfy that you can trot around all day in that you don’t mind getting dusty. Tevas are great. I stomped around in a pair of Birkenstocks for months. But when they busted and I couldn’t afford a new pair, a cheap pair of knock-off Havaianas did the trick just fine. - Hat, sunnies and sunscreen
Slip, slop, slap. - Sarong or light scarf
Something versatile that you can throw on for warmth in cold airports; wear as bathers or for a touch of modesty; and also use as a beach towel. - Swimwear
Or find yourself a vintage pair at the Anza souk. - Summer clothes
Minimal. You’ll want light fabrics and things that you don’t mind getting dusty and sweaty. Pack some thin shirts that you can throw over slinkier tops and dresses, for both sun protection and a little cultural respect. - Winter clothes
Pack a jumper, jacket and long pants. One of each will be enough. The mornings and evenings get cold (nothing compared to northern Euro winter temps), but the days still tend to be warm.
See the full breakdown of temperatures for each season.
Toiletries
- Armaforce
If you know, you know. Travelling exposes you to a cocktail of germs and bacteria that your body is not accustomed to. So a little back-up immune support can go a long way. - Hydralyte
Or any kind of hydration salts. Good to have on hand for the dreaded Maroc belly. - Other first aid
BandAids, a bit of antiseptic and painkillers wouldn’t go astray. But don’t stress too much on this. All of the villages on Morocco’s surf coast will have a pharmacy with the essentials. - A good body oil or moisturiser
Or stock up on some argan oil in Morocco. The combination of sun, salt and heavily treated tap water will quickly turn your skin lizard-like. For some next level nourishment, treat yourself to a hammam while you’re there. - Light bath towel
Many hostels and rental apartments don’t include bath towels. I know I said pack minimal, but you don’t want to be double-dipping on your salt-crusted beach towel. - Shampoo bar
Takes up minimal space, is eco-friendly and can double as soap.
More tips:
- 10-Day Moroccan Surf Itinerary
- Visas for Morocco
- Tips for Respecting Moroccan Culture
- Month-by-Month Surf Guide
FAQS for Packing for Morocco
Should you bring your own wetsuit and surfboard?
This depends on how keen a surfer you are and how much of your trip you expect to spend in the waves. If you’ve got your own much-loved gear and you’re heading to Morocco on a pure surf mission, then it’s a no-brainer. But if you’re a beginner surfer or you’re just going to be dabbling during your stay, then it will be far less of a hassle to simply rent a board and wetty while you’re there.
For the said keen surfers, check out the complete list of surf spots near Tamraght and Taghazout.
What should I wear in Morocco as a tourist?
Morocco is a conservative country, so it’s best to dress modestly. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is ideal, especially in rural areas. In big cities and coastal towns, tourists have more flexibility, but respectful attire is always appreciated.
For more Maroc info and a little less of my own opinions, I’ve created a travel wisdom-sharing hub over on Facebook. Join the group here.
