As soon as I arrived in Anza, I was greeted by the warm coastal breeze and the unmistakable hum of surf life. My first task was to sort out transportation – a taxi from the airport to Blue Waves Surf House is a flat 200 dirhams, no more, no less. I quickly learned the in Drive app was the way to go for getting around locally, and that the official taxi rate from Anza to Agadir was 100 dirhams. For trips within Agadir, I hopped into small red taxis, where any ride cost up to 25 dirhams.

The K Surf Spot in Anza was a dream. Stretching about 120 yards wide, it was flanked by rocks on either side. I even spotted some dinosaur prints in the rocks during low tide, which happened to be in the morning and evening. The forecast wasn’t amazing, but the spot was perfect for smaller waves. For those looking to explore further, a trip to Imsouane – famous for its long rides – was just €30, a small price for a surf paradise.

At Blue Waves Surf House, board rentals were a steal: €15 for the full day or €10 for half a day. You could also take group surf lessons for €60, where they’d whisk you off to different breaks – though I opted to explore solo.

Meals were an easy affair. Breakfast was included every morning at 8 AM, and while dinner at the surf house cost €30, it was more about the social vibe than the food itself. For a cheaper alternative, I found Cafe Sliman, just next door, serving up pizzas for 30 dirhams. I learned early to avoid the dreaded "tourist tax" by checking menus before sitting down – Snack 37 was the worst offender, with overpriced and low-quality food. A quick walk to the Carrefour around the corner, or Super Marche Anza for drinks, saved me quite a few dirhams!

Money management was simple. I looked for Al Barid/Post Marroc ATMs (there was one conveniently in Anza) because they didn’t charge transaction fees and gave fair exchange rates. I exchanged only enough cash at the airport for my taxi, and got myself a tourist SIM with 1GB of free data. Extra gigabytes were only €1 each, and you could even ask for free minutes, which were super handy for booking rides on inDrive.

When the surf wasn’t cooperating, I ventured into Agadir City, just a 20-minute ride away. The bustling Souk was a sensory overload, and the beach areas were lively. On a particularly mellow afternoon, I treated myself to a traditional Hammam, which cost between 300-400 dirhams and was worth every penny for the experience.

Anza itself didn’t have any alcohol shops or bars, so we stocked up during our trips to Agadir. The Marina was the place to be for nightlife, with Les Blancs charging around 60 dirhams for a pint – not the best beer, but it hit the spot after a day in the waves. For something different, we hit up La Parisienne Lounge for shisha, which cost 100 dirhams.

Back at Blue Waves Surf House, the setup was ideal for surf travelers. Most rooms were en-suite, except for one with bunk beds, and there was a wetsuit corner with showers to rinse off after a session. The rooftop terrace was perfect for catching the sunset. The house also had a small restaurant attached, making meals easy when you didn’t feel like venturing out.

Locking up wasn’t a major concern – while they recommended bringing your own lock for lockers, I never had any issues leaving my valuables in the room, and neither did the other guests. Speaking of which, the vibe was super social, with travellers from France, Spain, Canada, and the U.S. all hanging out after dinner. UNO became the go-to game, and it made for some fun, light-hearted competition.

The surf coaching was hit or miss, but I lucked out with Simo, one of the instructors. He was genuinely passionate and knowledgeable, giving tips that made a real difference on the board.

My time at Anza, with its laid-back surf lifestyle, friendly vibes, and stunning coastal landscapes, was everything I hoped for. It wasn’t just about catching waves – it was about the connections, the adventures, and the moments in between.