Excellent trip to and from Morocco on this ferry! We found the ferry port in Tarifa, Spain very easily. It's at the end of the road in an area known for some of the best wind-surfing in the world because they way the continents, Africa and Europe naturally create a wind tunnels of sorts. If you have extra time, head to the beach nearby and watch kites and windsurfers!
There are two companies at the port to choose from. We chose this one honestly just because it was leaving sooner, and it worked out very well...
We parked for €17/day right there in a secured lot and we bought our tickets at the port because we didn't know an exact time we would be traveling. (They are available online, but only until a certain date and some may say "no open ticket", which means you need to commit to a return time. If you purchase them at the port you have an open return ticket valid for one year after the date you sail. We also found the prices to be cheaper in person than online too. Under €200 for 4 people, children are less expensive... €27 for children. €60 for adults.)
The ferry was not open air, was much larger than I had anticipated, and was air conditioned! The seats were very comfortable and did recline. They have booths and tables too. I was so afraid the ferry would be like the littler ones I'm familiar with in Europe like ones from Naples to Capri where people get sick. Definitely not the case here. Smooth sailing!
Onboard food and beverages, including alcoholic were reasonably priced. Nothing crazy, but enough to satisfy a craving for a quick snackeroo. The fam enjoyed fresh squeezed OJ, croissant and other cakes, which were said to be delish. The chocolate especially.
I suggest bringing a card game or magazine to pass the time, which was about 70minutes.
The windows are large and the views of the turquoise water are lovely! We enjoyed our window seats very much. They are all first come, first serve and plentiful!
You will be handed two papers for each person the same time you receive your tickets. The white must be filled out onboard in order to enter Morocco and the yellow should be filled out prior to boarding on the way back. You will not be able to pass through customs back to Spain without it being filled out so if you're short on time, you may as well fill them as soon as you get them on your initial trip and when you're already filling out the white ones.
The customs officer leaving Spain was a bit intimidating, but the one leaving Tangier was super nice and even opened up a new window for us as he saw we were in a hurry.
I HIGHLY recommend taking even just a day trip to Morocco from this ferry if you find yourself in the south of Spain! To be able to take a quick boat ride to visit Africa is unreal!! We actually stayed overnight in Tétouan, which is an hr (€50) cab ride from this port in Tangier. I would absolutely recommend doing this is you have more time. The vibe and the scenery are completely different, plus you pass through the Berber Mountains en route and see the women picking Berber to make into carpets! Very, very cool!! We stayed near the King's palace in a gorgeous riad for close to nothing, comparatively speaking.
Be forewarned, you will be hassled the second you step off the ferry in Morocco. The Medina and shuks are about a 10 minute walk from port, but you will most likely get lost because the streets are unmarked, winding and can be confusing. You can grab a taxi for €3 and I highly recommend it, especially if you're only visiting a short while. It wouldn't hurt to grab a guide for no more than €15 right off the boat too, even if just to keep others from harassing you. We chose ours from 3 men who approached us, and we're so glad we did...
Stay calm when you arrive in Morocco. Try to not get overwhelmed, because at first it can me a bit much. The men who approach you will certainly remind you, you are now in Africa. And you certainly feel that immediately. Keep your valuables secure and your voice and demeanor firm.
Ladies, I heard that if you cover up and respect the native Moroccans Ana their culture and religion, they will respect you, which is what I did and felt much more comfortable in the new environment. I would also note, I personally wouldn't go alone as a women.
Amazing trip!!
Easy, relaxing boat ride.
Simple to purchase tickets.
We thought they were somewhat reasonable.
Would do it again in a heartbeat!
It was incredible!!
Thank you for the transportation and the bucket-list check! read more
