Report from SV Taipan – September 2018

Report from Stan Luyten – February 2015

We visited Tangier in February 2015.

Work continues on the re-conversion of the port into a brand new marina. However, no facilities are available for visiting yachts at the moment.

The pontoons of the local yacht club are occupied by local boats. Upon arrival (in daylight), people on shore pointed to an available spot in the E part of the harbour, next to a floating pontoon with pilot craft, near the fishing fleet. Two other visiting yachts were also moored there. The spot consists of a section of wall between the pilot boats and a permanently moored (disused) ferry. Mooring is best-done stern-to. While the other boats used their anchor, we preferred to simply tie up to one of the pilot craft. The bottom is foul. Larger vessels may be able to moor at the stern of the ferry.

During our three days in Tangier, the pilot craft never left the pontoon. Depths are of no concern. Security is good with a couple of guarded gates. However they are not closed, no IDs are checked and thieves can still come aboard by dinghy. It is therefore recommended to employ an inexpensive guard. The guard that watches over the ferry is also available to guard your yacht. Since he’s not paid to watch over yachts, he’ll expect a tip. He’s very friendly and helpful and can communicate in a few languages.

No electricity. No water tap within a hose’s reach, but it can probably be arranged. We heard of showers available in private facilities for a small tip but preferred to wash on the boat and simply move on to Rabat.

Formalities were quick and officials were friendly. No tips seemed to be required, so we have none. Fees are due to the harbour master (capitanerie). We didn’t pay anything because we came to check-out late in the afternoon when the accountant was no longer in the office.

In spite of the lack of facilities, I recommend a visit: the city is very lively and hassle is tolerable, especially if you arrange a Moroccan companion or hire a (professional) guide.

Stan Luyten

SV Noctiluca

Facebook Page: “Cruising Vagabonds”

Blog: stanluyten.wordpress.com

Report from Johan Prison – September 2011

We visited Tangier with our Najad 34 ”Savita” in the beginning of September this year. As a result, we want to give you the following info about the current situation:

There are no facilities for visiting yachts whatsoever.

At the far end of the fishing, the harbour is two pontoons, overcrowded with local yachts, even moored on double rows at the head of the pontoons.

On arrival, we were directed in different directions with the words “no mooring here”! Finally, we were allowed to moor at the 2m wide head of the pontoon of the rescue boat.

We stayed 4 nights without any problem. Some yachts arrived later on and moored on our outside or along fishing boats. However, they did not have the possibility to go ashore.

There is no water, no fuel, no toilets or showers, and no wifi in the harbour, but several internet cafés in town. The harbour fee is about 250 dirhams a/night (about 25 euro/night) after some discount.

The yacht club has been deserted for several years. However, there are toilets on the ground floor open during the daytime. Large boards show a new marina development to come, but it is just dreams.

On arrival, you have to go directly with all passports to the border police whose office is on the second floor in the white building next to the closed yacht club. The passports are exchanged for entry permits which must be carried all the time when ashore. The Customs came to the pontoon. They do inspect some yachts.

Tangier is a lovely city! Especially the medina which is close to the harbour. Do not get lost in the winding alleys. A real Arabic touch! The other parts of the city are modern. We took long walks in the medina and the modern parts both at daytime and night and felt both safe and secure.

Johan Prison

SV Xavita

www.syxavita.se

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