Banana Beach (Plage Imourane) — Beginner to Intermediate
Banana Beach is the heart of Tamraght's surf scene. This long, sandy crescent stretches for over a kilometre, offering consistent, mellow waves that peel both left and right. The sand bottom is forgiving — wipeouts are soft, and you will not find reef, rocks, or urchins here. It is the perfect learning environment, which is why nearly every surf camp in the region brings its beginner groups to Banana Beach.
Do not dismiss it as purely a beginner wave, though. On a solid winter swell, Banana Beach can produce head-high to overhead peaks with surprising punch. The beach is long enough that you can always find a quieter section away from the surf schools. The north end of the beach tends to have steeper, faster waves; the south end is consistently mellower.
Best conditions: NW to WNW swell, 2–6 ft at 8–14s. All tides, though mid-tide gives the best shape. Light offshore E/SE wind. Works year-round.
Crocodile Beach — Intermediate
Just north of Banana Beach, Crocodile Beach takes its name from the distinctive rock formation on the cliff that resembles a crocodile's snout. This is the spot where Tamraght's intermediate surfers graduate to after mastering Banana Beach. The waves here are steeper, faster, and break closer to shore, offering a more dynamic ride.
Crocodile Beach handles bigger swells better than Banana — when the points are maxing out and Banana is closing out, Crocodile often offers clean, shoulder-to-head-high peaks that are perfect for progression. The sandbank shifts seasonally, so the exact peak location moves around. Watch a few sets before paddling out.
Best conditions: NW to WNW swell, 3–8 ft at 10–14s. Mid to low tide for best shape; high tide for softer waves. Offshore E/SE wind. Handles cross-shore wind better than Banana Beach.
Devil's Rock — Advanced
Devil's Rock is Tamraght's most challenging and rewarding surf spot. This exposed reef break produces powerful, hollow lefts and rights that barrel on their best days. The take-off is steep and critical — there is no time to hesitate. The reef is shallow, especially at low tide, and the currents can be strong.
This is a wave for experienced surfers only. If you are not comfortable in overhead waves, do not paddle out here. If you are, Devil's Rock offers some of the best barrels on this stretch of coast — and with far fewer crowds than the Taghazout points. A local guide is essential for your first session. They will tell you the exact take-off spot, the tide window, and how to navigate the reef entry and exit.
Best conditions: NW swell 310–330°, 4–10 ft at 12–16s. Mid-tide (rising preferred). Offshore E/SE wind essential. Best October–April. Do not attempt at low tide — the reef is dangerously shallow.
Devil's Rock has injured surfers who underestimated it. The reef is sharp, the currents are strong, and the take-off zone is small. Always surf it with a buddy, ideally with a local guide who knows the spot. Wear reef booties. Check the tide. Check the swell direction. Do not paddle out on a big day without watching the lineup for at least 15 minutes from the cliff.
Spider Beach — Intermediate to Advanced
Spider Beach sits between Banana Beach and the Taghazout points, offering a reef break that is more forgiving than Devil's Rock but still demands respect. The wave breaks over a mix of rock and sand, producing fun, rippable rights and lefts that intermediate surfers can handle on smaller days and advanced surfers can push on bigger ones.
Spider Beach is often overlooked — while crowds pack into Anchor Point and surf schools fill Banana Beach, Spider sits in a happy middle ground. On a good day, you might share it with only a handful of surfers. It is a favourite of local guides who want a quality wave without the stress of a competitive lineup.
Best conditions: NW swell, 3–8 ft at 10–14s. Mid-tide. Offshore E/SE wind. Works best October–April but can produce fun waves year-round.
Spider Beach is the guide's secret weapon. When Anchor Point is a zoo and Banana Beach is too small, Spider often delivers clean, uncrowded waves. Ask your guide if Spider is working — they will check it on the drive past and make the call.
Spot Conditions Comparison Table
| Spot | Level | Bottom | Best Swell | Best Tide | Best Wind | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banana Beach | Beginner–Intermediate | Sand | NW 2–6 ft @ 8–14s | All tides | Offshore E/SE | Moderate |
| Crocodile Beach | Intermediate | Sand | NW 3–8 ft @ 10–14s | Mid–Low | Offshore E/SE | Low |
| Devil's Rock | Advanced | Reef | NW 4–10 ft @ 12–16s | Mid (rising) | Offshore E/SE | Low |
| Spider Beach | Intermediate–Advanced | Reef + Sand | NW 3–8 ft @ 10–14s | Mid | Offshore E/SE | Very Low |
How to Choose the Right Spot for Your Level
- Absolute beginner (never surfed or <1 year): Banana Beach only. Book a camp with daily lessons. Let your instructor choose the best section of the beach for your ability.
- Improving beginner (catching unbroken waves, riding down the line): Banana Beach main peak, or the mellower sections of Crocodile Beach on small days.
- Intermediate (confident on green waves, working on turns): Crocodile Beach and Spider Beach. Ask your guide if conditions are suitable for a first point break session at Hash Point.
- Advanced (comfortable overhead, reef experience): Devil's Rock and Spider Beach on their best days, plus the Taghazout point breaks (Anchor Point, Killer Point) which are a 10-minute drive away.
Seasonal Spot Guide
- Winter (Dec–Feb): The reef breaks (Devil's Rock, Spider Beach) light up with NW groundswells. Banana Beach becomes powerful — beginners should stick to the inside reforms.
- Spring (Mar–May): A golden window. All spots work well. Reef breaks are consistent but less intimidating. The weather is glorious.
- Summer (Jun–Sep): Banana Beach and Crocodile Beach are the go-to spots. The reef breaks are generally too small to break properly.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): The season reignites. All spots come back to life. A fantastic time for intermediates to surf the reef breaks on manageable swells.
A Spots Sampler Day
Guide checks conditions. Small NW swell, light offshore — perfect for a mixed-level group.
Beginners dropped at Banana Beach south end. Intermediates at Crocodile Beach for steeper waves.
Advanced surfers continue 5 more minutes to Spider Beach — uncrowded, glassy, head-high peaks.
All groups reconvene at Banana Beach cafe for mint tea and a debrief. Everyone scored.
Afternoon session. Beginners stay at Banana. Intermediates try Spider Beach on the dropping tide.
Rooftop dinner. Comparison of wave counts. Planning which spot to hunt tomorrow based on the forecast.
Spot-Hopping Checklist
- Check the daily forecast — swell direction and size determine which spots work
- Bring reef booties even if you plan to surf Banana Beach — you might end up at Spider
- Trust your guide's spot selection — they know which break works on which conditions
- Be honest about your level — a guide cannot keep you safe if you overstate your ability
- Check the tide chart — reef breaks have specific tide windows
- Bring water and snacks — some spots have no facilities
- Watch the lineup for 5–10 minutes before paddling out at a new spot
- If it looks too big or you feel uncomfortable, speak up — there is always another spot
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Explore Tamraght's Best Breaks?
Our local guides know every peak, every tide window, and every secret section. From €450 for 8 days all-inclusive with daily transport to the best spots.
Last content review: July 2026. Periodically reviewed by our Tamraght-based guides.
Information that may change over time: Sandbanks shift seasonally — exact peak locations may move. Wave heights and conditions are typical ranges and vary with each swell event. Always check the daily forecast and consult a local guide before paddling out.
We recommend: Never surf an unfamiliar reef break alone. Always wear booties at Devil's Rock and Spider Beach. Check conditions from the cliff before committing.