Anchorages on Morocco's Mediterranean Coast

LEVANTE WARNING — Advanced sailors only

The Levante is the defining hazard of Morocco's Mediterranean coast: an ENE gale of 25–50kt generated by pressure gradients across the Strait of Gibraltar, with minimal advance warning. It can make any exposed anchorage untenable within hours and trap vessels for days. Rule: Never transit the Moroccan Mediterranean coast without a clear 48-hour Levanter-free forecast. Nador's Mar Chica lagoon is the finest Levante refuge on this coast — know its position before departing east from Ceuta. Ceuta and Melilla (Spanish enclaves) offer fully sheltered marinas as safe waiting areas.