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How do you get from the Mediterranean to the Canary Islands?
Gibraltar is the obvious choice, but there's the issue with the orcas – so we looked for alternatives.
Although information on sailing in Morocco was hard to come by, we wanted to take this route.
Our trip took us from the south coast of Spain (Almeria) to the north coast of Morocco.
Our conclusion: despite some unfamiliar procedures – we'll be back, and can recommend it with a clear conscience: Morocco is worth the trip

Sailing area: Atlantic
Country: Morocco
Departure: Saidia
Destination: Agadir
Route: Saidia-Smir-Tangier-Rabat-Mohammedia-El Jadida-Essaouira-Agadir
Nautical miles: 600
Travel dates: 16.11.2024 – 30.11.2024
Sailing yacht: Monohull, Bavaria 50 Cruiser, 50 ft
Organiser: mein-segelurlaub

Trip report: Morocco
You are welcome in Morocco – this phrase greeted and bid us farewell many times.
Twice we sailed delivery passages from the Adriatic to the Canaries and back along the Moroccan Atlantic coast – and on both occasions we experienced the country in a way that left a lasting impression. Morocco is a sailing area that's easy to underestimate. The combination of reliable infrastructure, genuine hospitality and rich culture makes every shore visit rewarding.
The route was originally planned differently. But the orca 'interactions' reported in recent years off southern Portugal made a direct passage too risky for us. So we deliberately chose the Atlantic route along Morocco – and were well rewarded for it.
Our stages took us from Saidia in the north-east via Smir, Tangier, Rabat, Mohammedia and El Jadida to Agadir; along the way we anchored in the broad bay of Essaouira. The harbours are largely well organised, the marinas secure and maritime procedures well established. Modern facilities particularly impressed us in Tangier and Rabat. We always encountered helpful staff.
One point that concerns many people beforehand: clearing in. Our specific recommendation and experience: allow about an hour each when arriving at and when leaving a harbour. Have all crew passports ready; a prepared crew list and copies of the boat papers are very helpful and save time. In practice, customs and often other authorities come aboard, inspect the boat and ask routine questions — typically about alcohol, drugs, weapons and drones.
Drugs and weapons are strictly prohibited. Anything that does not exceed normal personal requirements for alcohol is unproblematic; however, turning up with several cases of spirits will raise suspicion — it could give the impression that you intend to trade in alcohol, and is therefore not recommended. On one occasion we experienced a drug search with a dog during inspection: calm, professional and completed in less than 10 minutes. Overall, we gained the impression that the authorities work in a matter-of-fact and friendly manner — no trace of corruption; on the contrary, usually very cooperative.
A small but important note: if you are carrying a drone, you may be required to hand it in to the harbour master until you move on. Take such local formalities in your stride — they are part of the procedure and are handled fairly.
Berth prices are the equivalent of between €30.00 and €70.00 per night for a 50ft monohull. Card payment is not possible everywhere. You should have some local currency with you, which can be easily withdrawn from a cash machine in any town.
Beyond the formalities, Morocco showed its hospitable side. Ashore, we met open, interested people; from the medina in Rabat to the market stalls in Agadir, we felt welcome. The encounters felt genuine, not forced — often characterised by curious exchanges and real helpfulness.
In sailing terms, the coast offers plenty of variety: calm stretches alternate with more challenging passages, wind and waves can be strong, but there are also sheltered bays for anchoring. When anchoring, always obtain permission by radio beforehand – it worked perfectly for us.
Our verdict after two delivery trips: Morocco is trustworthy, safe and hospitable — a sailing area we would head for again without hesitation. The combination of good harbour services, straightforward clearance (if you're prepared) and genuine hospitality makes it a real alternative for trips in the North-East Atlantic, especially if you want to avoid risks in other areas.
We'll be back — because sailing here brings down-to-earth encounters, reliable procedures and genuine experiences. And because a sailing area where you're welcomed so openly is worth visiting again and again.