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Morocco Topics specific to Morocco, including Western Sahara west of the berm
Photo by Lois Pryce, fueling up in Tunisia

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
fueling up in Tunisia



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  #1  
Old 10 Feb 2020
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We have soft luggage on our bikes. How concerned need we be for them being left unattended while the ferry is crossing?
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  #2  
Old 10 Feb 2020
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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
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Old 11 Feb 2020
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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.
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Old 11 Feb 2020
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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/
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Old 11 Feb 2020
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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,
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Old 16 Feb 2020
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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.
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  #7  
Old 11 Feb 2020
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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
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