Rabat : Profile

Location

This capital city of Morocco lies about 125 NM south of Tangier on the Bouregreg River. Its clean, wide streets presenting a very different atmosphere to other Moroccan cities. Even so, there is plenty of atmosphere to be found in the old part of the city, in the Medina, and the Kasbah.

Bouregreg marina is a secure place to leave your boat and explore Morocco. If going by train, use Salé station, it is much closer than Rabat.

Clearance

Clearance is carried out at the reception pontoon just outside the marina. All the officials will visit you there and procedures are straightforward. Paperwork takes approx. 2 hours.

It is best to organise exit papers the day before planning to leave as the Immigraton official has to come from the airport to stamp the documents.

Last updated October 2011.

Docking

Rabat´s once busy port has suffered from the silting of the Bouregreg River but dredging is now taking place and this activity is something to be aware of when approaching the port. Also watch out for fishing nets in the river and crab pots on approaching the entrance. The port is about a mile from the river entrance.

Extreme care should be exercised when entering Rabat harbour (a tidal river channel) when a strong swell is running and at low tide. Entry with a strong westerley wind would be dangerous. Large swells will break between the breakwaters at the harbour entrance. It is also wise to watch out for sand reefs on the port side if there are strong tides when entering. This website www.windguru.cz has the swell forecast for Rabat. If it is more than 2m then it is likely that the port will be closed.

The advice is to telephone or radio (VHF Ch:10) the marina on arrival, and they will send a pilot boat out to escort you up the river. This is part of the marina service and it is available 24/4. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

The marina, which was opened in March 2008, lies on the northern side of the city at Sale. There is complete shelter here.

Beware of the strong current in the river and the low bridge just beyond the marina entrance. Entering at slack water might be advisable. Cruisers visiting the marina have reported seeing no less than 3 metres in the channel.

Last updated October 2011.

Bouregreg Marina
7 rue Abou Inane, , Hassan, Rabat
Tel:+212 537 849900 , Fax:+212 537 785858, VHF Channel 10
marinabouregreg@gmail.com
Position 34°02.5’N, 06°50.3’W.
A new marina with all facilities, reported to have plenty of space. All finger pontoons 5.7m long. Fuel berth (credit cards accepted), laundry, small supermarket, 3 restaurants (one serving alcohol but expensive), 24hr security. 24hr Zodiac ferry to The Medina. Free WiFi (slow). Prices reported to be rising June 2011: up to 11.49m DH 16.07/m/day (inc. electricity and water but excl. tax at 20%).
Slipway and boatyard now open.