Contrebandier (Harhoura/Temara)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Empty
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Contrebandier (Harhoura/Temara) is a reef break in Harhoura producing both left and right waves, described as a very consistent regional classic. Multiple sources note it holds size on Atlantic swells, with the break starting to work around roughly 1.5–2 m and being able to hold up to about 5 m and beyond. For best results, conditions are repeatedly linked to the tide: mid to high tide (including rising and falling tide windows) is reported to provide the most reliable shape. Normal ride lengths are commonly described around 50 to 150 m, with longer rides possible (up to roughly 150–300 m) on good or optimal days. Exposure and hazards are key factors. The break is described as exposed with sharp rocks/submerged reef sections throughout, and strong rip currents are specifically reported as common when swell exceeds about two meters. Sources also mention sea urchins among the hazards, so careful entry/lineup awareness is important. Wind can influence the surf mainly by grooming the face rather than acting as a primary wind-sport driver. East to Northeast winds are described as favorable, while west winds are associated with choppier conditions, and stronger winds can come with gusts. Crowds are reported as very low on weekdays, with only a few surfers on weekends.
- Very consistent surf frequency
- Long rides (often 50–150 m; up to ~150–300 m reported)
- Mid to high tide typically best
- Very consistent surfing location with long ride potential
- Works across a broad swell window (starting around 1.5–2 m and holding up to ~5 m and over)
- Mid to high tide is repeatedly noted for best wave shape
- Reef/rock bottom with sharp hazards and submerged reef sections
- Rip currents are reported common when swell exceeds about two meters
- Wind availability for wind sports is described as low; it mainly helps groom surf
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE, ESE
- Offshore directions
- E, NE
- Wind Range
- 5–14 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — East to Northeast winds are reported to suit grooming/offshore conditions for surf; a sea-breeze type pattern is also referenced regionally.
- Reliability
- fairly consistent
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gusts reported up to about 28 km/h.
- Best Months
- January, February, March
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Sources describe rocky/reef bottom; one provider reports mixed composition.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Swell starts working around 1.5–2 m and can hold up to ~5 m and over; general conditions described as medium.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — West winds are described as creating choppy conditions.
- Launch
- Sandy entries may be available between rocky sections with immediate water access.
Through the year
Quiet on weekdays; becomes popular with local surfers from Rabat on weekends.
Rain is most common between November and January.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Contrebandier is a reef surfing break in Harhoura producing both left and right waves. It’s described as very consistent and regionally a classic for Atlantic swell, with best performance around mid to high tide.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW, NW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Sources describe it working best at mid and high tide; rising/falling tides are also referenced.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Reported as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Best with east to northeast winds; west winds are reported to create choppy conditions, while east onshore/north wind is noted as onshore in at least one source.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds larger swell and remains surfable on very big days.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Regional classic/quality surf character is reported.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as fast, powerful and capable of holding larger Atlantic swells.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed shape is reported; other descriptions also note peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Peel speed is described as fast; other descriptions also mention peeling qualities.
- Ride Length
- Long — Normal rides commonly described around 50 to 150 m, with longer rides up to about 150 to 300 m on good/optimal days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal rides described around 50 to 150 m; longer rides reported around 150 to 300 m on good days/optimal days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Contrebandier (Harhoura/Temara) in the full forecast view.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- submerged reef sections
- sharp rocks
- reef
- strong rip currents
- sea urchins
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence is reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability is reported as no.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services are available in Temara and Rabat (about 15–20 minutes away).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Local surfing lineups are referenced as having mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local surfers in the lineup.
- Wait for the incoming tide for the best wave shape.
- Check the rocky bottom at low tide to understand the layout before surfing.
- Take care in exposed reef sections and watch for rip currents on larger swells.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Rabat
- Nearest Town
- Harhoura
- Parking
- Street parking and designated lots are available along the beach front; take a car.
- Access
- Direct access reported from the beach area; access described via the coastal road.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Arabic, French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous villas, apartments, and hotels are available in Harhoura and Temara.
- Food & Drink
- Cafes, seafood restaurants, and snack bars are reported within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through local surf clubs and seasonal kiosks; rental is also referenced via local surf schools.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage is available through local surf clubs for long-term members or students.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs can be found in nearby Temara shops; basic repairs are referenced.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Contrebandier (Harhoura/Temara)?
The best overall months at Contrebandier (Harhoura/Temara) are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Contrebandier (Harhoura/Temara)?
Contrebandier (Harhoura/Temara) works with E, NE, ESE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.
What skill level is Contrebandier (Harhoura/Temara) suitable for?
Contrebandier (Harhoura/Temara) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.