Ferry to Morocco
 

Does anyone know how to get hold of schedules for the ferry going from Algeciras to Tangier and back in May?

Spanish and Moroccan Tourist offices. <BR>Trip lasts less than couple of hours. Water is not too rough. <BR> <BR>.

We did this day trip a few years ago. It is quite easy. We bought a 1 day tour including the boat ride and all transportation. Check at any travel agent for spur of the moment tours.

I took the ferry from Tarifa (about 1/2 away from Algeciras) to Morocco last summer. I definitely recommend this route. There were no crowds or lines during the height of the summer and Tarifa is a nice little town. Algeciras is a noisy, dirty port. Tour companies are Marruecotur and Tour Africa. You can also get just boat tickets at the dock from the Isnasa boat company. <BR> <BR>However, PLEASE be prepared for a not particularly worthwhile experience. The tour is a crock of s--t, not to mention a monetary rip off at almost $50. You will probably be repeatedly warned not to go alone and go with the tour but in retrospect, that might not be the way to do it. I went on the tour and I literally did not see anything of note. The tour shuttled us on a bus from the camels to the snake charmer to the "view of Tangier" to the rug store. Those are the highlights. There was a complete mess getting off the boat and into Tangier and they held about 50 people's passports for the day for "safekeeping." Needless to say, our fellow Americans, Germans, French, and Spaniards did not feel very safe without our passports, especially when we found out they were in a plastic bag in an unlocked drawer. <BR> <BR>Like I said, if you are just the slightest adventurous, go on your own and get a private guide which will cost about $5 or $10 and could turn out much better. <BR> <BR>Please email for more info.

Correction on the boat company: Transtours <BR> <BR>Also, you can email Marruecotur at: <BR>[email protected]

Correction on the boat company: Transtours <BR> <BR>Also, you can email Marruecotur at: <BR>[email protected] <BR> <BR>Typo correction: Tarifa is 1/2 hour east of Algeciras.

Ella, I have posted this information countless times before, but from first hand experience, DO NOT GO TO TANGIER ON YOUR OWN. I saw and experienced a lot of harrasment at the Market, and been on your own makes you a direct target for that type of behavior. Typically, the tours will take you on a bus ride around some houses area in Tangier. Then to a Camel ride stop, a visit to a kashbah (sp?) where there are snake charmers at the main square, then lunch and the afternoon is shopping. For this, they take you to a rug manufacturer outlet for a LONG demonstration and sales pitch. If you do go on your own to the market, be extremely careful. I did learned a lot about the culture, and you come back appreciative of running water and other things taken for granted.

For Art's Sept. trip.

For Joy who's looking for this info. <BR> <BR>To reiterate, if you don't have a lot of time in Spain, DO NOT waste it in Tangier. It was a nasty city. Otherwise, it could be educational, but rest assure it will not be all pleasant.

<BR> The moroccan tourism board should forbid the tourists to enter Tangiers. Staying a day in this town is the better way to deter anybody from ever visiting Morocco again.

We went from Algecera to Morroco. Short boat ride and esessently avoided Tangier but spent most of our time in a city next to it(can't remember the name right now.) It was very interesting. The people are very poor. We walked inside the old walled city where the roads? are so narrow some times its hard to wald 2 abreast. Lots of shops and markets. We also ended our tour in a Rug shop where I bought a small area rug. It fits perfectly in my house. If you express any interest they jump all over you. If you do have interest in any of them (they are beautiful) make sure that you bargen. The orig price for mine was $3000 and I got it for $600. Have a great trip. <BR>Art <BR>

An alternative to Tangier if you just want to say you were in Africa is the ferry trip to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which is on the coast east of Tangier. You can do this in a day as well, and get the feel for Morocco without all the hassles, as it's real laid back, and after all still Spain.

Strong personal opinion: Do NOT waste your time going to Tanger (Tangier) <BR>Trip is a complete ripoff.

I have never had any trouble in Tangiers. I admit it's dirty and you have to have the right attitude for the trip. I've stayed at Hotel Continental many times and from there if I wanted a tour, the hotel would get me a guide who would not simply stop in all their family's stores. Madini's perfume shop is so nice to visit. And to buy from. The only oil from there that i don't like is clavel (carnation). It reminds me too much of a funeral. <BR>The American Legation Museum, which unfortunately no tour goes to, is wonderful. There are early works by many artists of their works in North Africa, and lots of other historical information in that place. Morocco was first country to officially recognize the US so it's a National Historic Landmark, one of I think 2 outside the US. <BR>If you can find someone (even a tour guide who does private tours) who has been to Tangier numerous times, then Tangier isn't that bad. I prefer overnights. Then the trip is not as rushed. <BR>I do agree with previous posts. If you are only in Spain a limited time, a day trip to Tangier is a waste.

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...this whole Tangier/Day Trip thing is really bothering me...<BR><BR>My husband is obsessed with the novelty of going to "Africa" acknowledging fully that Tangier is basically going to be no more than the "Tijuana" of Africa. I think our time would be better spent somewhere like Ronda (we are traveling with Malaga as a jump off point), which I only seem to read great things about on this discussion forum and others...maybe I could appease him with Gibraltar?...and seeing the apes and scenery there...?<BR><BR>...I think I will be so nervous about being in Tangier that I couldn't even appreciate the place for what it is...<BR><BR>help?...should I try harder to dissuade my husband from the day trip to Tangier?...or give in?...<BR><BR>Thanks<BR> -T

If you decide to go (for the experience), don't take anything of value and take just enough $ to hire a tour guide ($20 for the day tops), eat and a little souvenior. The tour guide you hire, if you so choose, will no doubt take you to a rug store (I'm sure he gets a cut of any profit) and INSIST that you do not want to buy a darned rug so that you will save an hour demonstration and then on to his buddy's little restaurant. Try the coos-coos (sp?) Everyone you speak to there wants your money!!!!

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Has anyone any experience with Julia Tours day trips to Morocco