In spite of its strategic position close to the sailing routes between Europe, the Mediterranean, Madeira and the Canary Islands, many yachts don't visit Morocco.
In recent years however, yachting facilities have improved here, particularly on the Atlantic coast where there are new marinas in the capital Rabat, Mohammedia and Agadir. A new marina in Casablanca is due for completion in 2019.
The Atlantic coast of Morocco stretches for 1,000 miles down the coast of Africa from the Straits of Gibraltar to the Sahara. There are long distances between ports of refuge and inside the 100m contour yachts should be alert to the dangers of snagging fishing nets.
Most of the large ports have a yacht club and there are a certain number of locally owned yachts, but the facilities do not compare with those of the neighbouring countries.
Formalities appear to be more straightforward than in the past, although clearance is required in every port visited.
Although the coastline and harbours offer limited cruising, the attractions ashore (such as the old quarters "medinas" and markets of some ports and the country beyond them) make a visit to Morocco worthwhile.
Provisioning is good in all major ports, although imported goods are expensive. The fresh produce markets are excellent everywhere.
In some ports men calling themselves "shipkeepers" offer their services. They will deal with everything and also ensure that nothing is stolen off the yacht.
Repair facilities in the bigger ports are adequate and there are small boatyards in both Tangiers and Casablanca which have dealt with yachts in the past and carried out simple repairs. Camping gaz is widely available.
Local customs mean that shorts for men both and women, and brief or skippy tops and skirts for women are not appropriate for wearing in public.
There is no way of avoiding "baksheesh" in Morocco, it is a way of life. Essentially it is nothing more than a tip, a thank you for services rendered, but you'll be expected to pay it even if you didn't want the service in the first place. The key is to be prepared with some small change to avoid an unpleasant altercation.
Check travel advice on a site such as the UKFCO website.
Although generally safer than other North African countries, there has been unrest in the northern cities, including Al Hoceima (mid summer 2017).
Safi has no facilities for yachts and cruisers who have visited here have only reported unpleasant experiences (corruption and a break-in/burglary).
Note that although there be no facilities in many harbours, yachts are now subjected to a fee ranging from €22 to €30 for a 12m boat. They may also be forced to pay an 'anti-terrorist' tax of €90, although it is uncertain whether this is an official charge.
On the coast the climate is one of hot summers and mild winters. Westerly winds predominate on the North African coast in winter, while most of the summer the winds are ENE. On the Atlantic coast summer winds are mostly northerly.
Sailed the coast of Morocco from Tangier to Erikousa on our way to the Canaries. Beware of unexpected wind and stream behaviour in the strait of Gibraltar. We had a very easy crossing, avoiding all larger ships, but when following the Moroccan coast 10NM east of Tangier, suddenly we had a 3 NM current from west fighting against wind from east, making the ocean pretty untidy, resulting in us arriving in Tangier later than expected.
There are a lot of fishing nets and boats within 3-5NM from the coast, night and day. During night boats often fish in formation, also with nets reaching 100m from the boat, so stay clear when you see multiple lights (they may blink lights at you). Did also se a couple of fishing boats with no or very weak light.
We exchanged some cigarettes and whiskey for fresh fish, and one of my crew members joined one of the larger vessels, exchanging stories and pictures with 15 Moroccoan fishermen. Most of the fishing boats seemed very friendly and were waving. Some were asking for money and cigarettes, but we never felt threatned. I think you will be very unlucky to meet anyone that would do any actual harm.
Be aware that in a lot of areas inshore there are loads of small fishing traps, consisting of empty bottles as markers, with lines with weights and hooks on them. Even in daytime, in rougher seas they are difficult to see. The weights consist of metal tins with concrete in them, as I can tell from experience. They are usually laid in clusters. Keep a sharp lookout.
4 men on app. 25' open vessel with outboard approached at high speed from east, shore line app 5.2 NM east. Upon approaching they began signaling for water, food, cigarettes, whiskey. When denied, they attempted to come alongside on the aft port quarter. Evasive maneuvers of swing my stern towards and into their vessel dissuaded further attempts. They followed my vessel two-three boat lengths astern for approximately one (1) hour, returning toward shore prior to night fall.
Sitting in Smir on the fuel dock waiting for the customs who won't clear you until 10.00 local time. So much for an early start. Smir is expensive to moor. They have put up their prices for 2017. The alongside mooring was very noisy with loud music at night. The café's are three times more expensive than in the city. Wifi is only available in the office, unless you have an expensive cup of coffee in a café and get a code for their wifi. Marina staff are friendly and helpful. The complex and surroundings are ultra tat. It is after all a holiday complex. I certainly wouldn't go again. M'diq looked more interesting.
Oh, and they had no diesel. If you do decide to go, Tetouan is worth a visit. We flagged down a blue and white car which is a public taxi. You cram in with the locals and pay 10 dirham to the city. At 12.5 to the pound thats cheap travel.
The entry to the port has plenty of water if you keep the red buoys to port as per norm.
- between Al Hociema and Melilla the current varied E or W, not noticeably linked to wind or tide.
- there was a set of 1.5kts S into the Baie Betoya, and 1.5 kts E around Ras Tleta Madari N of Melilla.
Headlands were uncomfortably choppy even in light airs, but we could detect no quieter waters closer to or further from the headlands.
Mohammedia (12 nm). Mohammedia is safe to enter (port entrance light out of order too), visiting yachts are welcome in the small marina, but there are few places for boats with 2m draft. A good place to leave the boat for land trips.