Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Morocco
Morocco Ferries Morocco Ferries
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Morocco Topics specific to Morocco, including Western Sahara west of the berm
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree192Likes

Reply
Page 11 of 30 12345678910 11 1213141516171819202122232425 Last »
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #151  
Old 31 Jan 2020
K K is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Spain
Posts: 24
Ferry crossing Spain to Morocco
Hi all,
What’s the best ferry crossing from Spain to Morocco. What are your preferred options?
Can you just rock up and get a ticket, or is it best to get one in advance?
... and what if your early or late at arrivals?
I’m looking to drive down the west coast once into Morocco and looking for ease and time rather than cost

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #152  
Old 31 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,483
No need to book in advance you can just turn up and go, I always get an open return so I don't have to worry about being at the port for a particular time.

Algeciras - Tanger Med is the preferred crossing for many
Reply With Quote
  #153  
Old 7 Feb 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Southampton UK
Posts: 195
Hello all,


Well;

it looks like they're now x-raying vehicles/bikes randomly going into Morocco as well, but using a different x-ray lorry near the entry passport/customs posts. But it only takes 2 vehicles or 1 motorhome, so you can imagine the horn honking etc going on, it took an hour just to get through this part of entry, and only 1 ferry of about 150 vehicles. I can't imagine 2/3 ferries arriving at the same time.



Safe travels.
Reply With Quote
  #154  
Old 10 Feb 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 16
We have soft luggage on our bikes. How concerned need we be for them being left unattended while the ferry is crossing?
Reply With Quote
  #155  
Old 10 Feb 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
There is also another ferry route from Tarifa (a little further south along the coast) to Tanger too - it's a fast catamaran ferry and takes less than an hour.

Security wise, like any ferry, once the ship is under sail the vehicle deck/s are closed to passengers. You're unlikely to have anything stolen by deck crew, but if you're concerned at all, unmount it from your bike and take it with you - electronics in the cockpit area are a given of course.

It might also be an idea (although I've found it by no means essential) to consider something like the pack-safe mesh covers for your soft bags if you plan to spend any time away from your bikes sight-seeing in towns and tourist attractions while en-route south. Nothing will stop the determined thief of course, but most opportunists will move on.

Jx
Reply With Quote
  #156  
Old 11 Feb 2020
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: In Ireland, Working to save for the next trip
Posts: 291
The Tangier-med port is very professional compared to some others, deffo the way to go. No one will touch anything there, booths for changing money, buying insurance. Grand job. Ferries safe as any I might suggest.

The one thing i would say is to go early. Get your ticket first thing in the morning, and get a sailing to arrive earlier in the day rather than later, just so you dont end up driving in the dark on your first spin in Morocco.

Merv.
Reply With Quote
  #157  
Old 11 Feb 2020
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,920
It's worth clarifying that Tan-Med is a modern, purpose-built port 50km east of old Tangier city which I only ever did once. Usual commotion. I think now it's more suited to Tangier residents or foot passengers catching the train south.

For first-timers Tan-Med is by far the least stressful way to enter Morocco with a vehicle and leads straight to the toll motorway south.

I had some stuff pinched off the bike on the longer Almeria-Nador ferry years ago. It was clearly the crew. I think Tim Cullis mentioned recently there's now a locked cage on the car deck for external luggage on this route, so I assume it continues.
On Tan-Med crossing (only an hour), never had an issue.

As suggested; turn up early and buy an open return.

More on Mk ports, including maps:
https://sahara-overland.com/2014/12/...getting-there/
Reply With Quote
  #158  
Old 11 Feb 2020
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhode Trip View Post
We have soft luggage on our bikes. How concerned need we be for them being left unattended while the ferry is crossing?
I don't think you need to worry about that. I've done the trip about 4 times, and access is not allowed to the car decks whilst the ferry is in motion.

Common sense suggests you don't leave your passport, Rolex watch, & money in your soft luggage (you can't leave your passport in the luggage anyway, you'll need it to do immigration pre-clearance on the ferry). Beyond that, I think the odds are very low that anyone would go digging through your luggage.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #159  
Old 11 Feb 2020
Pastourer's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Madrid
Posts: 27
Now I prefer to cross from Tarifa to Tanger Ville. Ferries are smaller, so not so crowded. You can even get your passport stamp while in the ferry, when crossing the Estrecho.

Border entrance is quicker too, as there are only a few vehicles to cross.

If you stay at Tarifa, ask for "Morilla" restaurant to eat incredible tuna dishes.

Only thing you must consider is that in case of really bad weather, port could be closed. That's not a serious problem, as you can go to Algeciras, which is 1/2 hour from Tarifa, as it's usually open, even with bad weather,
Reply With Quote
  #160  
Old 16 Feb 2020
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Wales
Posts: 7
My friend and me done Barcelona - Nador in September 2019 for £90 one way including a shared cabin. Ferry looked dated from outside, but in good condition inside with good reasonable priced food.
Didn't bother riding all the way through Spain. Cheaper and in comfort from Barcelona.
Barcelona port was chaotic and boarding took a while.
Nador port is small compared to Tanger Med. Also chaotic, but that's how it is.
Bought our 10 days bike insurance at port with AXA Insurance.
Exit out of port was easy and simple.
All depends where you want to travel to in Morocco.
Reply With Quote
  #161  
Old 2 Mar 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 138
Ferry Company for Morocco
Hi Everyone

A south African friend needs to book a ferry ticket to Morocco in order to get his Spanish visa. Has anyone got any recommendations

Thanks,
Reply With Quote
  #162  
Old 2 Mar 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,483
Balearia, FRS, Trasmeditteranae, and Africa Morocco Link (AML) all cross Spain to Morocco
Reply With Quote
  #163  
Old 2 Mar 2020
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
The ferry trip from the Gibraltar area to Morocco is short, in some cases it only takes about 90 minutes.

For that reason, I don't really think it matters what ferry company your friend uses - it's not like he will be depending on the quality of the food or the comfort level of the bed in his cabin.

Do be aware, though, that there are two different ferry terminals in Morocco. The biggest one, and the one most ferry companies use, is called "Tanger Med". It is quite a long distance from Tangier city. The other ferry terminal, used only by one or two companies, and with less frequent service (meaning, not every 60 to 90 minute departures like Tanger Med) is very close to Tangier city.

So, if your friend has to go to Tangier city to get his visa, it would be more convenient for him to take a ferry to the smaller port near Tangier city.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #164  
Old 10 Mar 2021
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,920
Talk of new UK > Morocco freight ferry
https://www.niferry.co.uk/new-brexit...-to-uk-checks/

I suppose such routes must exist already and it's not a passenger ferry, but new deal/greater frequency and direct to Mk might ease shipping vehicles to or from Mk?

I don't know what the status of Malaga van delivery vans is right now either, and if prices have been affected by Brexit complications.
Reply With Quote
  #165  
Old 10 Mar 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,483
Initially it sounds interesting but when you dig deeper its not so perfect.

It will likely be freight service and possibly no passengers
Company behind it was only formed in December (I think) and has no ships

It would also have to come in at under £1000 for a vehicle and a passenger to get from the UK to Tanger Med to be a viable alternative to the current options.

I have a friend who runs a shipping company keeping me informed of the developments
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 11 of 30 12345678910 11 1213141516171819202122232425 Last »

Tags
bikes, customs, tangier med

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 4 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 4 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Norway to Morocco, Spain, Portugal and Eastern Europe Hkon89 Route Planning 6 17 Sep 2019 20:34
Ferries from Spain to Morocco Mongolian Explorer Morocco 28 2 Sep 2017 19:59
Suggestions please for a week in Morocco... MarchHare Morocco 13 13 Aug 2017 21:43
Morocco Via Ferry to Tangier Med schmidtle Morocco 3 19 Apr 2016 20:16
UK - Morocco adventure tour anyone? Flyboy1 Travellers Seeking Travellers 9 19 Aug 2014 13:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:13.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top