Sandboarding in Agadir – Surfing The Dunes of Timlaline
Agadir is a unique city in the southwest of Morocco because you cannot only enjoy surfing one of the best waves that Africa can offer but also sandboarding (surfing the dunes) in a mini desert 70km northwards in a mesmerizing place called Timlaline. Timlaline is located between Imsouane and Tamri.
So besides surfing, sandboarding in Agadir is another activity worth signing up for.
Ready to experience the thrill of sandboarding in Agadir? Join us at Original Surf Morocco for an unforgettable adventure across the golden dunes!
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Why Timlaline is Agadir’s Hidden Gem for Sandboarding
Timlaline is like an oasis in the middle of the desert except that Timlaline is the mini desert that exists in the middle of a surf haven, the greater region of Agadir.
When you think of surfing, dunes are the last thing that comes to mind, but sand surfing has a joy of its own.
Not only for the pure joy of sliding on a board that feels like cutting through the air like an arrow but also for the magical vibes of discovering this exotic location where the sand meets the sea, surfing through the sunset, lighting a bonfire, and gathering around while eating Moroccan homemade sweets.
How Sandboarding in Agadir Excursion Begins
So, let’s talk about how the sand surfing journey starts at our surf camp.
Everything begins with exuberant excitement because the majority of our guests are having their first time experiencing sandboarding.
Then, comes the preparation of the journey, from picking up the boards to gathering the necessary items for the bonfire to buying the homemade sweets. The whole thing feels like an adventure.
The crazy thing about this trip is the change of scenery within every few kilometers.
We started from the village of Tamraght, which is the home of laid-back vibes, passing by vista roads where the mountains are on one side, and the sea view is on the other side of the road.
To say it’s a breathtaking scenery is an understatement.
On our sandboarding adventure near Agadir, we passed through Taghazout—a town known as the surf mecca of Morocco, then we headed northward, a few kilometers of winding roads and we stopped by the little village of Tamri (it’s one of the private beaches in the region unknown for surfers) where we picked up some homemade sweets, Moroccan tea ingredients, and a bunch of woods that is necessary for making the bonfire, that was our final stop before reaching our destination, Timlaline dunes.
The Arrival to Timlaline
The real hard work began here when we finally arrived at Timlaline.
We parked by the roadside and made our way to the dunes carrying the necessary equipment from the van to the sandboarding spot.
It was a good 750 meters to reach the dunes. It was not an easy feat as the things we needed to carry were not that light plus what made the trek challenging was the windy conditions of that day and our trek was winding uphill and downhill the dunes.
We finally reached our spot, where we made our setup. First, we laid our rug, took out the firewood, and it was time to make some traditional Moroccan tea and prepare the boards for some exhilarating slides on the dunes.
The Original Surf Morocco team was split into two. The first team dug a hole in the sand, constructed a pyramid-like using firewood, and lit them up. Seeing the first embers flying in the air gave us the pleasure of a successful mission. In addition, we lit a small fire to boil the water and prepare the famous Moroccan tea. The second team was busy with getting the board uphill and instructing our guests on the safety measures as well as how to ride the dunes.
Sandboarding Fun Nothing Quite Like It
For first-timers, standing or sitting on the board, while sliding down the dunes, is an adrenaline rush yes, but it may be quite frightening. So for some guests, we ease them into it while others, we let them slide the dunes freely while keeping supervised eye on them. The sensation of sliding down the dunes while feeling the wind caressing your hair as well as your face, throws you back years and years to your childhood when you just have fun without the need to think about anything in life except enjoying the moment right then and there.
Tips for First-Time Sandboarders
If it’s your first time sandboarding, don’t worry—it’s easy to pick up and incredibly fun! Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your experience:
✅ 1. Dress Comfortably
Wear lightweight, breathable clothes that you don’t mind getting sandy. Closed-toe shoes (like sneakers) provide better grip and protect your feet from hot sand. Avoid sandals—they can make climbing the dunes difficult.
✅ 2. Start Small
Begin on gentler slopes to get a feel for the board. Once you’re comfortable balancing and sliding, you can move on to steeper dunes for more of a thrill.
✅ 3. Position Yourself Correctly
- Standing: Keep your knees slightly bent, lean back slightly, and shift your weight to steer.
- Sitting or Lying Down: This is easier for beginners—just hold onto the board’s edges, keep your body centered, and enjoy the ride!
✅ 4. Follow Safety Guidelines
Always listen to your guide’s instructions, especially if it’s your first time. They’ll ensure you’re using the proper technique and staying safe while having a blast.
Once you reach down, you look up, and you see the uphill that you just slid from and you picked your board up and start the slow and tiring climbing up. However, you don’t care as much because the slide downhill worth every step up the strenuous dunes.
Post Agadir Sandboarding Exhilaration
After sliding for countless times, our bodies started to scream for rest. That’s when we gathered around the bonfire that begun to glaze and that’s when the tea was served with the homemade sweets. It was a well-deserved break filled with laughs, chit-chat about what was experienced, and just giving our bodies the rest they needed.
Sandboarding is just one of the adventures that make a trip to this part of Morocco so memorable. If you want to combine it with a full surf experience, Original Surf Morocco runs sandboarding excursions as an extra to a weekly surf camp stay in Tamraght, just 70km from the dunes.
The treat of the day was lying on the sand, dunes behind us, the rocky sea shores in a panoramic, and enjoying a delicious cup of tea.
It truly feels like you’re transported in the world of Dunes.
🌟 “Imagine yourself gliding down sun-kissed dunes with the ocean on the horizon—sounds like a dream, right? Make it a reality with our guided sandboarding excursions!”
📅 Reserve Your Spot Now – Let the Adventure Begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How hard is sandboarding?
Sandboarding is relatively easy to learn, especially if you have experience with similar board sports like snowboarding or surfing. Beginners can quickly grasp the basics, such as balancing and sliding down gentle dunes. However, mastering advanced tricks or navigating steep dunes requires practice. The difficulty also depends on the sand’s texture—softer, dry sand tends to be slower and easier, while harder sand allows for faster rides.
2. Can you sandboard in Agadir?
Yes, you can sandboard in Morocco! The country offers stunning desert landscapes perfect for sandboarding adventures. Popular spots include the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga and the Erg Chigaga dunes near M’hamid, which provide vast sand hills ideal for sliding. Additionally, there are smaller coastal dunes near Agadir where you can enjoy sandboarding with an ocean view. Many tour companies offer sandboarding experiences combined with desert excursions.
You can also book sandboarding as a day excursion directly through our Agadir excursions page.
3. How much is sandboarding in Agadir?
The cost of sandboarding in Morocco varies depending on the location and the type of experience. On average:
- Half-day tours range from €40-€50 ($45-$55 USD).
- Full-day excursions or sandboarding combined with camel rides and desert exploration range from €60-€120 ($65-$130 USD).
- Some surf and adventure camps near Agadir, like Original Surf Morocco, offer sandboarding as an excursion that costs €40.
4. Is sandboarding safe?
Yes, sandboarding is generally safe if you follow basic safety guidelines. The soft sand provides a natural cushion, reducing the risk of injury. However, it’s essential to:
- Wear protective gear like helmets (for steep dunes).
- Start on smaller dunes if you’re a beginner.
- Follow instructions from professional guides if it’s your first time.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially in the desert.
5. Do you wear shoes when sandboarding in Agadir?
You can sandboard with or without shoes, depending on your comfort:
- With shoes: Provides better grip and protection from hot sand, especially in the desert during the day.
- Without shoes: Offers a more natural feel, and some people find it easier to balance, but the sand can get very hot in direct sunlight. Lightweight, closed-toe shoes or sneakers are recommended for the best balance and safety.
6. What age is sandboarding for?
Sandboarding is suitable for a wide range of ages, typically from 5 years old and up. Younger children can enjoy gentler slopes with supervision, while older kids and adults can take on more challenging dunes. Most tour companies offer equipment and guidance to accommodate beginners and children, making it a family-friendly activity.
Ready to experience the thrill of sandboarding in Morocco? Join us at Original Surf Morocco for an unforgettable desert adventure—book your spot today!
New Year’s Eve in Moroccan Surf Camp – Experience Like No Other
New Year’s Eve in Moroccan surf camp sounds like a heck of a plan, especially when everybody wants to celebrate the end of the year with a bang.
Original Surf Morocco offers a big bang for the New Year’s celebration, a two-day event full of fun activities and Moroccan traditions for the New Year’s Eve.
In this post, you’ll find how our guests spent the last couple of days of 2024. It was a wonderful fusion of emotions, adventures, good laughs, and happy moments.
The First Day of New Year’s Eve in Moroccan Surf Camp
Breakfast with a Panoramic View
The morning began with a homemade Moroccan-style breakfast that included Moroccan mint tea, steamed milk, black coffee, and orange juice for drinks. Our primary staple is bread, and American pancakes were also served. Omelette, charcuterie, and salads were the main dishes alongside Amlou—our guests’ favorite, an almond paste made out of honey and Argan oil. Honey, jam, and cheese were presented as complementary.
The guests enjoyed breakfast at our beautiful panoramic terrace overlooking the whole of Tamraght village and left countless flattering comments for the chef.
After breakfast, the preparations begin, and during this time our surf camp feels like a beehive. Everyone gets so busy. From picking up personal wetsuits to filling up filtered water, strapping boards, and getting in the vans to head to where suitable waves are.
A Trip To Imsouane, A Magical Destination
After breakfast, we made the choice of visiting Imsouane.
Imsouane is an exotic, pristine fishing village located north of Taghazout that captures the essence of the local culture, laid-back atmosphere, friendly and down-to-earth locals, and pure love of the sea and its crashing waves. The small town is famous for its tiny harbor, fresh seafood, golden sunlight, and endless waves. It is a charming village where you lose the sense of time, and you feel the magical vibes of the place in the air. It’s the epitome of a surfer’s haven.
Beware once you go there, you may never want to come back. a few people never do.
A complete travel guide to Imsouane is in this blog where the authors capture the magical vibe that fuels the place.
Once we arrived at the town, we quickly unpacked our boards and got in our tight wetsuits, and jogged for 10 minutes as a warmup exercise. We had dogs as our jogging companions and the sounds of squawking seagulls as our morning run playlist!
After the warm-up and stretching, we practiced paddling out and balancing, then hit the waves.
The weather was perfect, the temperature was a solid 25 degrees Celsius, but the water was a bit chilly. The waves were good suitable for both beginners and intermediate surfers. Imsouane village is known for being the home of the longest waves in Morocco.
Lunch at a Local Fish Restaurant
When you have this much fun on the beach, hunger hits you harder than a 6-foot-tall crashing wave.
When you’re in an authentic fishing village, fish for lunch is the obvious and the best option. And we did it in style, we had lunch in a restaurant that overlooked the rocky shores of the town providing a breath-taking view of the port, where fishermen sail their boats on and off the bay in hopes of a full fishing creel. Some were sad with their catch while others were wearing the brightest smiles grateful for their fishing luck.
After lunch, we walked to a small coffee kiosk, we grabbed a few cups and explored the town barefoot but coffee at hand.
Celebrating The New Year’s Eve in Moroccan Surf Camp: From Waves To Sand Surfing
After exploring the charming streets of Imsouane, we set off on a joyful drive to Timlaline Dunes, a stunning oasis at Tamri where the desert meets the ocean in a breathtaking fusion of golden sands and turquoise waves.
This place looks out of One Thousand and One Nights. It’s a sight to behold. It’s where the desert meets the ocean. Amazing golden dunes with an even more amazing sunset. Before catching the sunset, we have other plans, not surfing waves but surfing those golden dunes. We sand-surfed, faceplanted a few times, and brushed the sand off our bodies.
Back To Tamraght Village
We changed to the our evening outfit and gathered around the dinner table for some succulent and delicious beef Cousous. After dinner, we were on the hunt for some street food. We ended our evening by munching on French crepes and sipping our dairies (Raib), while strolling down the corniche.
This was a wrap for how our first day at the New Year’s Eve in a Moroccan surf camp from the point of view of our guests.
The Second Day of New Year’s Eve in Moroccan Surf Camp
The next day, breakfast was as amazing as it was day before. We substituted the American pancakes with the Moroccan ones (we call them beghrir), the omelette with traditional homemade blend of eggs and tomato, and orange juice with avocado and cucumber juice.
Morning at The Souk
After breakfast. we went to one the biggest traditional market (souk) not only in Morocco but also in Africa. It’s the old blending with the new. Souvenirs, traditional garments, leather goods, you name you can find it here. Some bought souvenirs for their closed ones, others bought something for themselves, and the rest explored the charms of the souk.
Afternoon at The Beach
For the afternoon, we made way to Devil’s Rock Beach nearby our surf camp to surf and chill. The moment we got our feet in the sand some of our excited surfers ran for the attractive waves, while others chose to chill and played some laid-back volley ball but then everyone wanted to end the year surfing through the last sunset of the year.
When the sun began to dip in the ocean for the last time in 2024, we gathered around a bonfire, wrote our new year’s wishes or something we wanted to leave behind in small notes, and threw them in the fire while watching the embers ascending our desires to the crimson sky.
As it began to be filled with stars, we headed back to the surf camp for the big night.
Celebration of New Year’s Eve in Moroccan Surf Camp
With a body full of sand and hair full of salty waters, we hit the showers and changed to our night outfits. We gathered around the rooftop terrace and waited for dinner to be served.
The dinner was a feast, fish tagine was made, Soussy-style (Souss is the region where the city of Agadir is located), with those wonderful native-to-the-region spices while using organic regionally-grown vegetables.
After dinner, there was a band waiting for us in the terrace, Gnawa band to be exact. Gnawa is a Moroccan-native traditional genre of music that has deep roots in West Africa and Sub-Saharan countries. This folklore music is known for repeating a few lines over and over for a long period of time to create a sort of a trance atmosphere.
We let the music fills the air, joined in the band in the terrace, and danced the night away, we kept dancing till the sun light stated seeping through the fabric of the sky.
Seeing those few first sun rays, made us realize how tired we were but how fun we entered the new year, and we hoped that the feeling extended for the year around.
New Year’s Eve in our Moroccan surf camp is a tale of a couple of magical days that were etched in the memories of everyone’s around.
If you want to have similar experiences, head to our booking page now and select which package meets your need.
Even though the New Year is behind us, we are always on the lookout for the biggest waves to catch and we are organising incredible excursions all the time.