Al Hoceima’s cruise port is nestled right between the Rif Mountains and Mediterranean Sea at 35°14’0″N, 3°55’0″W.
For other Call in Morocco Cruise Ship Ports of Calls check out our Cruise Ship Ports of Call in Morocco page.
You’ll dock at a pretty modern terminal with a 320-meter quay, Wi-Fi, and all the services you might need.
The lively waterfront is packed with seafood joints serving the day’s catch and places to rent boats.
Want to explore? Check out Al Hoceima National Park or hit the gorgeous Cala Iris beach.
The best part? The port is super close to the city center, so you can easily wander around this Mediterranean Moroccan gem.
This coastal spot has a special charm you’ll definitely want to discover.
Map of Al Hoceima Cruise Ship Port
Port Location and Transport Connections
Tucked away at 35°14’0″N, 3°55’0″W, Al Hoceima’s cruise port sits perfectly between the stunning Rif Mountains and the blue Mediterranean Sea. It’s just a nice walk to the city center, so you can easily check out local spots without messing with complicated transportation.
The port is right on the Mediterranean Bypass (N16), which links up Tangier and Nador. No trains run here, but you’ll find regular CTM buses getting around the area. Flying in? Cherif Al Idrissi Airport is only 18km away, with flights to Casablanca and several European cities.
Passenger Facilities and Terminal Services
Passenger Facilities and Terminal Services
The Al Hoceima cruise terminal has got you covered with all the practical stuff you need when arriving by sea. There’s plenty of space to chill – about 4,600 m² of shaded waiting areas and comfy reception halls split between two passenger terminals. The 320-meter quay can handle all sorts of boats, and they’ll help you dock with piloting and towing services.
Need to stay connected? No problem – grab the Wi-Fi while you’re there. If you’re feeling under the weather, medical services are available too. And if you need a place to crash, there are hotels nearby with gorgeous Mediterranean views. Hungry after your journey? Hit up the waterfront restaurants for some amazing fresh seafood.
Ready to check out the town? Just hop in one of the fixed-price taxis waiting outside, or if you’re feeling like stretching your legs, you can walk to the city center – it’s not far from this handy maritime gateway.
Exploring the Waterfront and Local Cuisine
When morning light hits Al Hoceima’s busy waterfront, you’ll catch the fishing boats coming back loaded with fresh catch – it’s a pretty cool sight that feels real, not staged for tourists.
Take a walk on the Moro Viejo boardwalk or grab a boat rental to check out the super clear waters where you might spot dolphins playing around. Hit up the evening fish market by the port – it’s hands-on fun where you pick your fish and nearby restaurants will cook it up for you.
Club Nautique serves awesome seafood with sweet bay views, or try local stuff like sardine kefta and those seafood tagines with tangy preserved lemons. Grab a seat on one of the terraces by the port for killer sunset views while you dig into Morocco’s tasty coastal food.
Day Trips and Natural Attractions
Beyond the charming port area, Al Hoceima’s surroundings pack some of Morocco’s most jaw-dropping natural spots you’ll want to check out during your cruise stop.
Make sure to hit Al Hoceima National Park – we’re talking 48,460 hectares of amazing ecosystems. Take a guided hike through forests and along coastal cliffs where you might spot Bonelli’s eagles, or chill at Cala Iris beach with its cool volcanic formations.
Grab a boat tour from the port to explore those Spanish islets like Peñón de Alhucemas with their old-school 16th-century forts. If you’re up for some adventure, dive into marine caves, kayak around Quemado Beach, or jump on a whale-watching cruise if you’re visiting between March and October.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Nador for a different Call in Morocco Cruise Ship Ports of Call.
Maritime Operations and Vessel Information
Let’s talk about the port itself. Al Hoceima’s maritime setup is pretty impressive – they’ve built infrastructure that handles all sorts of vessels while keeping people moving smoothly. There’s a 320-meter quay that can take ships up to 500 feet long, and the 54-hectare Great Basin works for everything from cruise ships to the local fishing fleet.
For the basics, Marsa Maroc runs the pilotage and towing services. If you’re sailing in, don’t forget you need to send an ETA message – it’s not optional. All communication happens on VHF Channel 11. The port has you covered for water, electricity, and if your vessel needs fixing up, they offer technical repairs including slip dock refitting.
Shopping and Cultural Experiences Near the Port
Just docked in Al Hoceima? You’ve got plenty of cool spots to check out right by the port.
Wander over to the Medina Quarter for some real Moroccan crafts, or hit up the duty-free zone if you’re looking to score some luxury stuff without the taxes. The seafood market is a must-see – it’s super fresh, and tons of nearby restaurants will cook whatever you buy right on the spot.
Quick tip: When buying handcrafted items, look for those authenticity certificates. And yeah, definitely haggle at the local shops – it’s totally expected, just keep it friendly! Jump in and bargain like the locals do!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Currency Exchange Services Available at the Port?
No, there aren’t any currency exchange services right at the port. You’ll need to head into Al Hoceima city center, about 3km away, where you can find several banks and ATMs to exchange your money.
What Security Measures Are in Place for Cruise Passengers?
Your cruise comes with serious security coverage – security cameras everywhere, ID checks you can’t skip, baggage screening just like airports, and staff keeping their eyes peeled for anything suspicious. Our SecurityMS system tracks everything happening on board in real-time, so you can relax knowing we’ve got your safety locked down the whole trip.
Is Free Wi-Fi Available Throughout the Terminal Building?
Nope, there’s no free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building – super annoying, right? If you need to get online, you’ll have to pop into one of the marina restaurants nearby like Niebla or L’artiste. That’s where most of us cruisers end up hanging out to catch some internet.
What Accessibility Accommodations Exist for Passengers With Mobility Limitations?
We’ve got wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses, accessible bathrooms right in the terminal, and plenty of tours designed for folks with mobility needs. Around the port, you’ll find step-free entries, smooth paths that work great for wheelchairs, and elevators to help you avoid those tricky hills – all to make your visit easier and more comfortable.
Are There Seasonal Closures or Maintenance Periods for the Port?
The port stays open year-round, but heads up – strong winds over 40 km/h might shut things down temporarily, especially during those nasty autumn and winter storms. No official seasonal closures, but count on some disruptions when maintenance crews need to fix things up. April can be particularly messy with all that rain, so plan accordingly if you’re heading this way.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Dakhla Cruise Ship Port.
