M'Diq / Restinga
Mdiq · M'Diq Bay · Restinga Smir · Cabo Negro
35°40.8'N 05°19.5'W
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m on clean sand — good holding in moderate conditions. Levante exposure is the critical risk: in any Levanter forecast, proceed immediately to Ceuta (15nm W, fully sheltered) or enter Restinga Smir marina.
About This Anchorage
M'Diq is the beginning of the Moroccan Rif coast — a long crescent bay backed by the foothills of the Rif Mountains, popular with Moroccan families as a beach resort town. The Spanish influence is strong here: proximity to Ceuta and Tetouan means the coast has a mixed character, with modern hotels alongside traditional Moroccan fishing harbours. The anchorage in M'Diq Bay is pleasant in settled weather — clean sand bottom in 4–8m, good holding, protected from the predominant W and SW Mediterranean breeze. The nearby Restinga Smir marina (3nm south) is a modern purpose-built complex with full facilities. Tetouan, the beautiful whitewashed medina of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 15km inland — accessible by taxi. The Rif Mountains visible to the south are Morocco's second mountain range after the Atlas, with peaks to 2,456m.
Protected From
W · SW · S
Exposed To
N · NE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; Restinga Smir marina fees if berthing
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Customs clearance at Ceuta or Nador if arriving from outside Morocco; Levante escape plan essential — Ceuta 15nm W.
Hazards
- !Levante (ENE) — anchorage fully exposed; escape immediately to Ceuta (15nm W) at first forecast
- !Moroccan beach resort — swimming zone marked with buoys; do not anchor in swimmer areas
- !Chergui (Saharan S/SE wind) can raise dust and reduce visibility sharply
- !Fishing vessels from M'Diq harbour — morning departure 04:00–06:00; anchor clear of harbour approach
- !Tidal range 0.3–0.5m only — depth planning straightforward on Mediterranean coast
Skipper's Tips
- →Restinga Smir marina (3nm south) is the better overnight option — fully sheltered with facilities; call VHF 9
- →Tetouan UNESCO medina is 15km inland by taxi — the whitewashed architecture is extraordinary and largely tourist-free
- →Approach M'Diq from the west — the bay opens to W, easier navigation than the eastern approach past Cabo Negro
- →The Rif coast from here to Al Hoceima is one of the most scenic in the Mediterranean — dramatic mountains to sea
- →Spanish spoken widely (Ceuta proximity) — easier communication than further east on the Moroccan Med coast
Facilities
M'Diq town has restaurants and cafes — seafood focus. Restinga Smir marina (3nm south) has fuel and water. Provisions in M'Diq market.
Nearest provisions: M'Diq town market (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
May–October. Western Mediterranean approach — spring (May–June) and autumn (Sep–Oct) are ideal. Summer (Jul–Aug) can be very hot with Chergui episodes. Levante risk is year-round but highest December–March. Winter not recommended for anchoring here.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
On Morocco's Mediterranean coast, the Levante can develop overnight and turn a calm anchorage into a dangerous situation. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — wake up before you drag, not after.
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