Rabat-Salé

About This Anchorage

Rabat is Morocco's capital and one of its UNESCO World Heritage cities — the Kasbah des Oudaias, the Hassan Tower (a 12th-century minaret left unfinished at 44m), the Chellah Roman-Muslim necropolis, and the Almohad city walls are extraordinary together. The anchorage is inside the Bou Regreg River, which separates Rabat (south bank) from the ancient medina of Salé (north bank). Entry across the river bar requires careful timing — depth at low water can be 1.5m with breaking swell if any Atlantic swell is running. At mid-flood in calm conditions, depths of 3m+ are available. Inside, the anchorage is completely sheltered and the setting — between two UNESCO medinas with a working riverside life of fishing boats and ferries — is memorable. The Royal Nautical Club of Rabat may have visitor berths; contact ahead.

Hazards

• !River bar 1.5–2m at low water with possible breaking swell — dangerous approach if swell > 1m
• !Only attempt bar crossing at mid-flood (half tide rising) in calm conditions; contact VHF 16 first
• !Tidal current 0.5–1kt in river — account for set when anchoring and swinging
• !River traffic: fishing boats and inter-bank ferries — keep clear of fairway
• !Tidal range 2.5–3m — anchor scope must account for 3m rise; re-check at low water

Skipper's Tips

• →Time arrival for 2 hours after local low water — bar will be accessible and depth increasing
• →Contact the Royal Nautical Club of Rabat (RCNR) ahead — they may have a pontoon berth available
• →The Hassan Tower and unfinished mosque are a 20-minute walk from the river bank — unmissable
• →Chellah necropolis (3km south) is one of Morocco's most atmospheric sites — storks nest in the Roman ruins
• →Salé medina across the river is older and less touristy than Rabat — cross by the local ferry (small fee)

Nearby Anchorages