Paradise Valley is a river gorge in the hills inland from Agadir. After a few days of surf, it is the most popular rest-day trip from Taghazout and Tamraght, and for good reason: orange limestone walls, palm trees along the river, and pools of green and blue water in smooth grey rock. This guide explains what you will see, when to go, what to bring and how to plan the day.
Where it is
The valley lies in the foothills of the High Atlas, north-east of Agadir. The road leaves the coast and climbs into dry hills before dropping down to the river. From Tamraght the drive takes about an hour, depending on the road and where you start.
It is not a surf spot. It is the opposite of a beach day, which is exactly why it works so well in the middle of a surf trip.
What you will see
The photos on this page were taken by the Tayri team on our trips.
The gorge
The river has cut a deep gorge through layered limestone. The walls glow orange and red in the sun, and the rock is striped where the layers were laid down. In places the gorge is wide and open; in others it narrows to a passage of dark green water between high walls.
The pools
The pools are what most people come for. The water collects in hollows in the pale grey rock, polished smooth by the river. On a bright day the colour ranges from deep green to turquoise. Some pools are shallow enough to sit in; others are deep.
The palms and the terraces
Palm trees grow along the river, and here and there small terraces with rugs and low tables look over the water. They are simple places to rest in the shade.
When to go
The valley is good all year, but the water level depends on the rain in the mountains.
- After a wet winter or spring, the river runs well and the pools are full.
- At the end of a long dry season, some pools can be low or still.
- After heavy storms, the river can rise quickly and become dangerous. Trips are moved on those days.
Mornings are cooler for walking and the light in the gorge is softer. In summer, the middle of the day can be very hot on the rock.
How the day works with us
Our trip takes about five and a half hours, door to door. The programme is still being finalised, but it looks like this:
- Pick-up at your accommodation in Agadir, Taghazout or Tamraght, around 08:50.
- A short stop at an argan cooperative on the way, to see how argan oil is made.
- An easy walk up the valley, through palms and between the limestone walls.
- Time to swim in the rock pools, or just to sit with your feet in the water.
- Back at your door around 14:00.
The details, the current price and the booking button are on the Paradise Valley trip page.
How hard is the walk?
Easy. There is no long climb, but the path crosses uneven rock and some of it is slippery near the water. Shoes with grip matter more than fitness. Children who are used to walking manage well, with care near the deep pools.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a small towel
- Shoes with grip that can get wet (sandals with straps or old trainers)
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- Water, more than you think
- A little cash in dirhams for drinks or snacks at the terraces
- A dry bag or plastic bag for your phone
Swimming safely
- Only swim where the guide says it is safe. Some pools are deep, and the rocks around them are slippery.
- Do not jump into water when you cannot see the bottom clearly.
- Watch the weather in the mountains. If it rains upstream, the river can rise.
Food and drink
Small terraces near the pools sell drinks and simple meals, and some have shaded seating with rugs looking over the valley. Prices are modest, but bring cash: cards are rarely accepted. If you have dietary needs, bring snacks of your own.
Photographing the valley
- The orange walls look best in the morning, before the sun is high and the shadows are short.
- For the colour of the pools, stand above them and shoot down. The angle cuts the reflection off the surface.
- Keep your phone in a dry bag near the water. Wet rock and phones do not mix.
- Ask before photographing people who live and work in the valley.
Respect the valley
Paradise Valley is a natural place and a home for the people who live there. Take your rubbish back with you, keep music to yourself, and ask before photographing people.
Combine it with surf
A morning in the valley still leaves time for an afternoon on the beach, or simply for rest. It is a good plan for a day when the sea is flat or your shoulders need a break. Our other excursion, the Timlaline sunset trip, is in the evening, so you can do both in a week without missing a session.
Ready to go? See the Paradise Valley day trip or message us on WhatsApp with your dates.
