Explore: Saidia
General Info
This purpose built marina development on the North African Moroccan coast is 33nm east of Melilla and 6nm west of the Algerian border.
The marina is located 4nm west of the town of Saidia and the breakwater is visible in clear weather, the entrance faces northeast, and will come into view when closed. Depths at the entrance vary, and there might be some silting, approach with some caution. There is also some sitting inside the marina; the shallow areas are clearly marked. After passing through the outer basin, you’ll turn left and will see red balls marking BOTH sides of the channel to the inner harbour. The Quai d’Accueil/Welcome dock is on your right as you enter. This harbour is very secure.
The marina is still “under development” with a plan for 850 boats never quite materialised with only one-third of the marina being utilised, and the marina now has an unfinished, abandoned air about it. It is however well protected from all weather with virtually no chance of any swell within the marina.
Its close proximity to Spain yet being out of the EU means it is a useful place to visit for VAT or Schengen purposes.
Position 35° 07.0’N, 02° 17.52’W (harbour entrance)
Clearance
Saidia is a port of entry.
See Morocco Formalities for full details on clearing in and out and permitted a length of stay.
All the authorities are conveniently located right at the marina office and the welcome dock. The Customs officials will come to your boat, make a brief inspection and ask if you have any firearms. Then you go to the office to fill out all the paperwork. Immigration officials will take the passports to make copies and then return them an hour or so later.
It’s very helpful if you speak French, although some English is spoken. Officials are reported to be polite, courteous and professional. Cruisers reports are mixed as to whether or not you will be asked to give a ‘gift’, so best to come prepared.
Only the captain is allowed ashore until the clearance process is completed.
Last updated August 2018.
Docking
The marina here is surrounded by restaurants and bars, however despite that, many of the pontoons are not used. Access to the pontoons is not secured, but security guards patrol the entire marina 24 hours a day.
Marina personnel will indicate the berth to use. Mooring is bow or stern to with lazy lines, but with only a few boats in the marina, it is also possible to moor alongside. Water and power are available at every berth. The electrical outlets on the first 2 pontoons are 32A, so most boats will need an adaptor. The 3rd pontoon in has smaller 16A plugs. Bathrooms are basic.
Charges are low and the WiFi is good but at extra cost. During high season – July and August – costs are 60 per cent higher.
The fuel dock accepts cash only, no credit card. They do sometimes run out of diesel so enquire about availability on arrival.
The marina itself accepts credit cards, but apparently they don’t always work.
There is a reasonably well-stocked supermarket in the marina although most of the other storefronts are empty, and there are 3 ATMs on site (although all may not work).
The large town of Saidia is a 10-minute bus ride away or there are taxis from the marina.
Last updated February 2018.
