Morocco — Atlantic Coast

Agadir

Agadir Marina · Port d'Agadir

30°25.5'N 09°37.8'W

Depth

35m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

70m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

70m

70m in sheltered marina — alarm mainly as safety net if lines part. If anchoring in outer harbour, use 90m radius on sand in 4–7m. Tidal range 1.5–2m at Agadir — adequate scope essential.

About This Anchorage

Agadir is Morocco's most modern city — rebuilt entirely after a catastrophic 1960 earthquake (15,000 dead in 15 seconds) that destroyed the entire historic medina. The rebuilt city is a resort town with a 10km sandy beach, modern infrastructure, and Morocco's best marina for cruising sailors. Agadir Marina (Port de Plaisance) is the preferred base for Canary Islands passages — 160nm to Gran Canaria, 200nm to Tenerife, usually a comfortable 24–30 hour passage on the NE trade winds. The marina has good fuel, water, provisions, and an active sailing community gathering for the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) departure in November. The city's fish market, beach restaurants, and souk are all accessible by taxi.

Protected From

N · NW · W · SW · S · E

Exposed To

None (fully sheltered)

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Marina fees 25–35 EUR/night for 12m; outer harbour anchoring free
Permit required
No

Restrictions: Customs clearance at Agadir port; marina check-in required; commercial port rules apply in approach.

Hazards

  • !Canary Islands passage: 160nm offshore — ensure fully provisioned, fuel tank full, all safety gear checked
  • !Calima (Saharan dust cloud): Mar–May can reduce visibility to near-zero; carry radar and delay if Calima forecast
  • !Outer harbour exposed to swell in SW conditions — marina interior fully sheltered
  • !ARC season (October–November) marina can be very busy — book ahead
  • !Tidal range 1.5–2m — plan departure timing for bar areas south of Agadir

Skipper's Tips

  • Canary Islands passage: depart with stable high pressure, NE trades 12–18kt forecast; 24–30 hours to Gran Canaria
  • Fuel here before Canary Islands — diesel cheaper in Morocco than Spain/Canaries (~0.80 EUR/L vs 1.20+ EUR)
  • Agadir fish market (Souk El Had): wholesale section opens 0600–0800 — extraordinary selection at remarkable prices
  • ARC October briefings held at Royal Nautical Club of Agadir — connect with rally fleet for crossing support
  • Western Sahara southbound: specialist pilot essential; visa requirements complex

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Full city facilities. Marina has chandlery, mechanic contacts. Fish market (souk fish) 10 minutes by taxi — best fresh fish in Morocco at wholesale prices. Carrefour supermarket accessible by taxi for full provisioning.

Nearest provisions: Agadir Souk El Had / Carrefour (1.5nm)

Best Months & Season

Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov

Year-round harbour access. Best Canary passage months: October–November (ARC fleet) and April–June (spring crossing). Summer (Jul–Aug) Alize 20–28kt provides fast southbound sailing. Agadir is comfortable in winter as it is 600km south of Gibraltar — milder than northern Atlantic.

Recommended Anchor Types

DeltaRocna/Manson SupremeCQR/plow

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m

On Morocco's Atlantic coast, tidal range and Atlantic swell can change anchorage conditions significantly overnight. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.

Download Free for iOS