Explore: Essaouira
General Info
This small port approx. 131nm south of El Jadida, is not an official port of entry, but yachts may call there.
This ancient port still has its battlements with cannons mounted on top. Its harbour is an interesting and bustling fishing port. A prominent feature is a beach, which stretches south from the town for about two miles.
Position 31° 30.30’N, 09° 46.52’W (harbour entrance)
Clearance
For full details on clearing into and out of Morocco see Noonsite’s Morocco Formalities.
The Immigration Office is at the harbour gate by the beach. The captain must present passports and ship’s papers.
Also visit the Port Authority and the Harbour Master to fill out the various forms. Officials all very friendly.
It is likely the officials will find you first.
Last updated April 2016.
Docking
Harbour Entrance
The entrance is shallow as well as narrow, so careful pilotage is required when entering here. The harbour itself is well protected but quite shallow.
Photo courtesy of SY Moya (visit October 2017).
Docking
Currently the harbour is under going modifications and the Harbour Office and associated floating pontoon for yachts have been destroyed.
There is no security here and the police insist that someone sleeps on the boat. Water can be obtained on request.
Anchoring
There is a good anchorage outside the harbour breakwater, in about 5m over a sandy bottom. Subject to some swell and, usually, a fairly strong breeze. In the winter, when the swell is often greater than 3m, this is not a safe anchorage. There is no charge for anchoring here, however some cruisers have reported being told to move into the harbour for safety reasons.
As the yacht dock has now been destroyed, it’s currently unknown as to where dinghies can be left when coming ashore from the anchorage. Do not leave dinghies unattended over night.
Last updated: October 2018
