Tangier Port

About This Anchorage

Tangier is the gateway between Europe and Africa — the point where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic and where the continents are separated by just 14 kilometres of some of the most treacherous water in the world. Tangier Ville harbour is the historic ferry terminal; the newer Tangier Med (30nm east) handles large commercial traffic. For cruising sailors, Tangier Bay provides the first Moroccan anchorage and the mandatory customs clearance point for Atlantic arrivals. The city itself — the medina, Kasbah, and the legendary Grand Socco — is one of North Africa's most atmospheric, with a long history of European artists, writers, and expatriates drawn to its unique blend of cultures. The Strait of Gibraltar crossing from Tarifa takes 2 hours; plan for the 2-knot eastgoing surface current and TSS obligations.

Hazards

• !Levanter (ENE gale 25–50kt) — anchorage untenable; escape to Ceuta or Tarifa immediately
• !Heavy ferry traffic Tangier–Algeciras and Tangier–Tarifa: 12+ ferries/hour at peak — constant wash
• !TSS (Traffic Separation Scheme) in Strait — cross at 90 degrees; monitor VHF 10 (Tarifa Traffic)
• !Strong tidal currents through the Strait — 0.5–4kt eastgoing surface current; plan transit timing
• !Unlit fishing nets from Tangier fleet — time coastal approaches for daylight

Skipper's Tips

• →Eastbound Strait transit: depart 2 hours after local low water for the weakest current; surface current always runs E
• →Westbound transit: motor hard at slack water only — hire local pilot knowledge if inexperienced in the Strait
• →Tangier marina (Club Nautique de Tanger) may have berths — contact ahead; more sheltered than bay anchorage
• →Tangier Med port (30nm east) is commercial only — do not enter without prior permission
• →The Kasbah and medina above the port are extraordinary — taxi from port gate; negotiate fare before departure

Nearby Anchorages