Entry at Rabat

This was very easy & straightforward.

You are directed by the entry guide onto the reception pontoon just outside the marina and all the officials (Marina, Policia x 2 & Customs) come down on mass to see you aboard. Apart from doing their individual paper-works (same questions, different forms/formats!), they were only interested in whether you had firearms aboard. They were generally very welcoming.

It took 12-24hrs to get entry papers & passports back, but ships papers were photocopied & returned within minutes.

Exit papers are best organised the day before as they have to be stamped by the airport officer who comes down to the port on request to do this.

Agadir Entry & Marina

This was a different experience.

Firstly we were intercepted by a Moroccan naval vessel who requested us to turn 180 deg & return to see – they eventually accepted a change to the course but insisted we stay 6 miles offshore (a little tricky as we approached the port!!-they were bored by then).

Entry was again very straightforward as we were directed straight onto a berth & we were barely tied up before the same 4 groups arrived for their paper-work ritual. The fact we had exited Rabat & wanted to come into Morocco again caused them some disquiet as the customs do not have the correct entry form!

They informed us that they would still have exit papers ready for us when we left the next day & not to worry. The Policia kept our ships papers & required 24hrs notice of leaving.

The Marina here was disappointing. No hot water or closing shower doors in the communal washroom, electricity very spasmodic, & fees not especially cheap (approx £15/day after the “discount”). We had a marked southwesterly storm which caused many boats to break ropes, burst fenders etc, & the marina staff had no idea what to do so went into their office, leaving resident yachties to sort out unoccupied boats etc!

Morocco is a wonderful country to visit (our 1st time) & very friendly. You just have to be firm with bartering especially in the obvious “tourist traps”.

Steve Millard