192Likes
|
|
31 Jan 2020
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Spain
Posts: 24
|
|
Ferry crossing Spain to Morocco
Hi all,
What’s the best ferry crossing from Spain to Morocco. What are your preferred options?
Can you just rock up and get a ticket, or is it best to get one in advance?
... and what if your early or late at arrivals?
I’m looking to drive down the west coast once into Morocco and looking for ease and time rather than cost
Thanks
|
31 Jan 2020
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
|
|
No need to book in advance you can just turn up and go, I always get an open return so I don't have to worry about being at the port for a particular time.
Algeciras - Tanger Med is the preferred crossing for many
|
7 Feb 2020
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Southampton UK
Posts: 195
|
|
Hello all,
Well;
it looks like they're now x-raying vehicles/bikes randomly going into Morocco as well, but using a different x-ray lorry near the entry passport/customs posts. But it only takes 2 vehicles or 1 motorhome, so you can imagine the horn honking etc going on, it took an hour just to get through this part of entry, and only 1 ferry of about 150 vehicles. I can't imagine 2/3 ferries arriving at the same time.
Safe travels.
|
10 Feb 2020
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 16
|
|
We have soft luggage on our bikes. How concerned need we be for them being left unattended while the ferry is crossing?
|
10 Feb 2020
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
|
|
There is also another ferry route from Tarifa (a little further south along the coast) to Tanger too - it's a fast catamaran ferry and takes less than an hour.
Security wise, like any ferry, once the ship is under sail the vehicle deck/s are closed to passengers. You're unlikely to have anything stolen by deck crew, but if you're concerned at all, unmount it from your bike and take it with you - electronics in the cockpit area are a given of course.
It might also be an idea (although I've found it by no means essential) to consider something like the pack-safe mesh covers for your soft bags if you plan to spend any time away from your bikes sight-seeing in towns and tourist attractions while en-route south. Nothing will stop the determined thief of course, but most opportunists will move on.
Jx
|
11 Feb 2020
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: In Ireland, Working to save for the next trip
Posts: 291
|
|
The Tangier-med port is very professional compared to some others, deffo the way to go. No one will touch anything there, booths for changing money, buying insurance. Grand job. Ferries safe as any I might suggest.
The one thing i would say is to go early. Get your ticket first thing in the morning, and get a sailing to arrive earlier in the day rather than later, just so you dont end up driving in the dark on your first spin in Morocco.
Merv.
|
11 Feb 2020
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,928
|
|
It's worth clarifying that Tan-Med is a modern, purpose-built port 50km east of old Tangier city which I only ever did once. Usual commotion. I think now it's more suited to Tangier residents or foot passengers catching the train south.
For first-timers Tan-Med is by far the least stressful way to enter Morocco with a vehicle and leads straight to the toll motorway south.
I had some stuff pinched off the bike on the longer Almeria-Nador ferry years ago. It was clearly the crew. I think Tim Cullis mentioned recently there's now a locked cage on the car deck for external luggage on this route, so I assume it continues.
On Tan-Med crossing (only an hour), never had an issue.
As suggested; turn up early and buy an open return.
More on Mk ports, including maps:
https://sahara-overland.com/2014/12/...getting-there/
|
11 Feb 2020
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhode Trip
We have soft luggage on our bikes. How concerned need we be for them being left unattended while the ferry is crossing?
|
I don't think you need to worry about that. I've done the trip about 4 times, and access is not allowed to the car decks whilst the ferry is in motion.
Common sense suggests you don't leave your passport, Rolex watch, & money in your soft luggage (you can't leave your passport in the luggage anyway, you'll need it to do immigration pre-clearance on the ferry). Beyond that, I think the odds are very low that anyone would go digging through your luggage.
Michael
|
11 Feb 2020
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Madrid
Posts: 27
|
|
Now I prefer to cross from Tarifa to Tanger Ville. Ferries are smaller, so not so crowded. You can even get your passport stamp while in the ferry, when crossing the Estrecho.
Border entrance is quicker too, as there are only a few vehicles to cross.
If you stay at Tarifa, ask for "Morilla" restaurant to eat incredible tuna dishes.
Only thing you must consider is that in case of really bad weather, port could be closed. That's not a serious problem, as you can go to Algeciras, which is 1/2 hour from Tarifa, as it's usually open, even with bad weather,
|
16 Feb 2020
|
Gold Member
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Wales
Posts: 7
|
|
My friend and me done Barcelona - Nador in September 2019 for £90 one way including a shared cabin. Ferry looked dated from outside, but in good condition inside with good reasonable priced food.
Didn't bother riding all the way through Spain. Cheaper and in comfort from Barcelona.
Barcelona port was chaotic and boarding took a while.
Nador port is small compared to Tanger Med. Also chaotic, but that's how it is.
Bought our 10 days bike insurance at port with AXA Insurance.
Exit out of port was easy and simple.
All depends where you want to travel to in Morocco.
|
2 Mar 2020
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 138
|
|
Ferry Company for Morocco
Hi Everyone
A south African friend needs to book a ferry ticket to Morocco in order to get his Spanish visa. Has anyone got any recommendations
Thanks,
|
2 Mar 2020
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
|
|
Balearia, FRS, Trasmeditteranae, and Africa Morocco Link (AML) all cross Spain to Morocco
|
2 Mar 2020
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
|
|
The ferry trip from the Gibraltar area to Morocco is short, in some cases it only takes about 90 minutes.
For that reason, I don't really think it matters what ferry company your friend uses - it's not like he will be depending on the quality of the food or the comfort level of the bed in his cabin.
Do be aware, though, that there are two different ferry terminals in Morocco. The biggest one, and the one most ferry companies use, is called "Tanger Med". It is quite a long distance from Tangier city. The other ferry terminal, used only by one or two companies, and with less frequent service (meaning, not every 60 to 90 minute departures like Tanger Med) is very close to Tangier city.
So, if your friend has to go to Tangier city to get his visa, it would be more convenient for him to take a ferry to the smaller port near Tangier city.
Michael
|
10 Mar 2021
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,928
|
|
Talk of new UK > Morocco freight ferry
https://www.niferry.co.uk/new-brexit...-to-uk-checks/
I suppose such routes must exist already and it's not a passenger ferry, but new deal/greater frequency and direct to Mk might ease shipping vehicles to or from Mk?
I don't know what the status of Malaga van delivery vans is right now either, and if prices have been affected by Brexit complications.
|
10 Mar 2021
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
|
|
Initially it sounds interesting but when you dig deeper its not so perfect.
It will likely be freight service and possibly no passengers
Company behind it was only formed in December (I think) and has no ships
It would also have to come in at under £1000 for a vehicle and a passenger to get from the UK to Tanger Med to be a viable alternative to the current options.
I have a friend who runs a shipping company keeping me informed of the developments
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|