Explore: Marina Smir
General Info
This marina development on the north African coast is just 25 miles from Gibraltar, just south of Ceuta on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. Facilities are reported to be adequate and clearance very straightforward.
Marina Smir is pretty westernised and cruisers report that the normal Moroccan strictures about bare arms for women and shorts for men don’t seem to apply here. If in doubt dress cautiously first and then see what others are doing.
Position 35° 45.0’N, 05° 20.35’W (harbour entrance
Clearance
For full details on clearing into and out of Morocco see Noonsite’s Morocco Formalities.
Formalities are relatively straightforward here as officials are used to dealing with yachts and all are based in the marina. French, English and Spanish spoken.
Initially go alongside the Customs/fuel berth (to port just inside the entrance) and take your boat papers and passports up to the office.
Papers are not now normally retained by the Marina Office.
Ensure that you officially clear out with Police and Customs before leaving the marina. At night, Police handle both, and are said to operate 24 hours. We have received confirmation that clearing out at 0800 was possible.
Last updated September 2017.
Docking
The harbour entrance is very narrow due to silting, but is buoyed. Keep hard to the starboard side of the channel – there are small port-hand buoys in the channel – as the port side of the entry is silted.
The reception dock is immediately to port as you enter, right in front of the conspicuous Marina-Office Tower and “around the corner” from the fuel station.
It is well protected from all weathers and with a good depth. Some berths have lazy lines, others you will have to use your own anchor. Both alongside berthing and Med mooring are possible. If you come here in the “off” season it is more likely you will be permitted to go alongside when more space is available. There is metered water and electricity on the dock.
The Port Captain is said to be very helpful.
The marina is surrounded by restaurants, much more pricey than those in town. Buses run from the marina into town or take a taxi.
For feedback from cruisers who have visited this marina see Marina Smir: Updates from Cruisers.
Last updated September 2017.
