Why Its More Adventurous To Visit Morocco By Ferry

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Morocco is one of the most tourist-friendly and safest countries on the continent of Africa. It is a North African country located just off the coast of Spain (it is visible from the Spanish coast) and is deeply connected to Spain and Europe. Most people fly to Morocco, but the more adventurous can consider taking the ferry.

There are plenty of ferry connections with Morocco; these are modern, safe, and easy. So much so that it is even possible to go for a day trip to Morocco from Spain. If one is planning to explore Spain and Morocco, then consider going by ferry - or even do it as an impromptu excursion while road-tripping through Spain.

The Three Ways To Get To Morocco

There are only three ways to get to Morocco.

By land - this is the most difficult option as the border with neighboring Algeria is closed (and has been closed for a long time). The only land route to Morocco is via Western Sahara into Mauritania (this is the easiest and coolest route to cross the Sahara as it follows the coast and the roads in Morocco are well maintained). This was also the route that the Dakar Rally used to take (it is the ultimate road trip but is now held in Saudi Arabia). It is also possible to enter Morocco through the Spanish cities on the Moroccan coast of Ceuta and Melilla.

The most popular (and arguably least adventurous) way to enter Morocco is by air. Morocco has plenty of international airports and is very well connected with Europe and beyond. There are international airports in all of its major cities as well as the major oasis city and getaway to the Sahara of Marrakesh. From Marrakesh, people discover the ancient Berber culture, architecture, and the Sahara. Tourists go camel trekking in the Sahara, staying at Bedouin camps from Marrakesh.

The third way to get to Morocco is by ferry. There are plenty of ferries linking the country with Spain. One of the main ferry routes is from the Spanish coastal city of Algeciras (just across from British Gibraltar) to Tangier (there are also ferries to the Spanish North African city of Ceuta). This has the advantage of being the shortest route as it just crosses the narrow Straits of Gibraltar (Morocco is visible from Spain across the straits).

There are other places one can take a ferry to Morocco, too; these include Montril and Almeria in Spain and from Sete in France near Montpellier.

Related: Why Morocco Is The Best Country From Which To Explore The Sahara

Algeciras, Spain To Tangier, Morocco - The Shortest Route

The ferry from Algeciras to Tangier is the shortest and fastest route. It can be an excursion for anyone visiting southern Spain and Gibraltar. The ferry ride is only an hour long, and there are multiple sailings every day. It is possible to hop over to Morocco and Africa just for the day (but really, one should spend more time there). Along the way, passengers get great views of Gibraltar and understand why it is called the "Rock." Tangier is one of the touristic and atmospheric cities of Morocco.

To Tangier (Port Tanger Med):

There are sailings between the Algeciras - Tangier route around the clock. So don't stress about the sailing times, as the ferry sails every three hours all through the day and night. The duration of the crossing is around one and a half hours.

• Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
• Departure Times: 3.00 am, 6.00 am, 9.00 pm, noon, 3.00 pm, 6.00 pm, 9.00 pm, midnight
• Cost: 36.50 Euros ($40) One Way Foot Passenger

To Spanish Ceuta:

There are also sailing to the Spanish North African city of Ceuta - it is a part of the European Union but in Africa.

• Duration: 1 Hour
• Departure Times: 9.30 am, 1.30 pm, 5.00 pm & 8.00 pm (From Spain)

Related: This Is Why Everyone Should Visit Morocco (And What To Watch Out For)

The Ferry Is Comfortable, Modern, And Easy

FRS ferries are also flexible, with passengers able to change the date and time of their ferry ticket for free. FRS is a German ferry company operating around the world (including the USA and Canada).

Moroccan immigration is on board the ferry, so one can clear immigration and be free to just disembark the vessel and get a taxi into town on arrival. Moroccan immigration is very tourist-friendly and hassle-free. American citizens and all other Western Passport holders are permitted to enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days.

• Visa Policy: Visa Free for 90 Days

The two ferries on this route are The Kattgat - a boat with a capacity for up to 1,000 passengers and 340 cars and The Tangier Express (with the same capacity). They both come with an onboard cafeteria and a duty-free shop. The ferries operated by FRS are pleasant with onboard Wi-Fi. They have an open-air snack bar.