Tema Cruise Port is located 25km east of Accra on Ghana’s Atlantic coast, right on the Greenwich Meridian.
You’ll need to sort out your own transportation from Kotoka International Airport (about 28km away) since this is mainly a cargo port.
Don’t expect fancy cruise facilities, so it’s smart to book your transfers ahead of time.
The best months to visit are December through March during the dry season when temps hover between a comfortable 25-30°C.
Make sure to bring cash for shopping at local markets and paying for taxis.
The port has a fascinating history, and there are plenty of cool cultural spots nearby worth checking out.
Map of Tema (Accra) Cruise Ship Port
Where is The Port Located?
The Tema Cruise Ship Port sits at latitude 5.641°N and longitude 0.016°E along Africa’s Atlantic coast in the Gulf of Guinea. It’s just 25 km east of Accra, Ghana’s buzzing capital.
What’s really cool about this spot is that it’s right on the Greenwich Meridian (0° longitude). When you step off your ship, you’re literally standing where east meets west on the globe! The port is smack in the middle of Tema’s industrial zone, with factories and refineries all around, plus great highway and rail links to Accra and other places.
How to get to the port, by air, train, road
Getting to Tema Cruise Port isn’t too complicated, no matter if you’re flying into Ghana or just making your way around the country.
Flying is definitely your best bet. Kotoka International Airport is just 28km away from the port – not bad! Once you land, you’ve got options: jump on a cruise line shuttle, grab a private transfer (they’ll cost you about $30-$50), or just call an Uber for the 45-minute drive to the port.
As for trains? I wouldn’t bother if you’re catching a cruise. Ghana’s railway system mainly handles cargo, and you won’t find any direct trains to the port area anyway.
Port Parking Options
Port Parking Options
Tema Port doesn’t have tons of dedicated parking for cruise passengers like you’d find at bigger terminals. You’ll need to check with the Ghana Ports Authority for what’s currently available – they don’t really put much info online.
Honestly, you might want to skip driving altogether. Most travelers find it way easier to arrange a ride through their hotel or grab a taxi instead of dealing with the parking headaches at the port.
Still set on parking near the terminal? Reach out to your cruise line rep before your trip. They can hook you up with the latest parking info for your specific sailing date.
Local Transport & Transfers
Local Transport & Transfers
Navigating Tema’s industrial port takes some planning – cruise ships dock in a busy container terminal, not a tourist spot. You’ll probably need to grab a taxi to the port entrance, which runs about $10-15 from downtown Accra.
Your safest bet? Book those cruise line transfers ahead of time ($35-50 per person) from Kotoka Airport. Most hotels can hook you up with port shuttles ($20-30) if you give them a heads-up.
If you want comfort, private cars will set you back $45-60 one-way. Feeling adventurous? The local “tro-tro” minibuses are dirt cheap ($1-2), but they’re a hassle with luggage and you’ll end up hoofing it part of the way.
Port Terminal Facilities and Accessibility
Tema’s industrial port comes equipped with four main facilities that cater mostly to cargo operations rather than cruise visitors. You’ll have to hop on tender boats to get ashore since the port primarily handles freight along its 1.4-kilometer quay and deep 19-meter channel.
When you make it to land, the Golden Jubilee Terminal offers banking and a place to park vehicles. Though it’s not really set up for cruise passengers, the port connects easily to Accra, just 25km down the highway. Since you’re landing in what’s basically an industrial area, it’s smart to sort out your transportation ahead of time—taxis are around, but booking in advance makes the transition between ship and sightseeing much less of a hassle.
Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day
So you’ve got a full day in Tema before your cruise sets sail! Kick things off with a visit to Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum – it’s a real eye-opener about Ghana’s path to independence. Then get your rhythm on with a fun drumming lesson – nothing beats trying your hand at traditional Ghanaian music!
When hunger strikes, grab some mouth-watering jollof rice or go for banku with grilled tilapia at one of the seaside spots. Trust me, the coastal places serve the freshest fish.
Later, hit up Tema Central Market to snag some colorful kente cloth or unique handcrafted jewelry – way better souvenirs than the usual tourist trinkets.
Oh, and don’t forget the practical stuff! Swap some cash at a currency exchange and pick up a local SIM card so you’re not totally disconnected during your adventure.
Walks near the port
Need to stretch your legs near Tema port? You’ve got plenty of options right at your doorstep! Check out the Industrial Harbor Perimeter Walk to see Ghana’s impressive trade hub in action, or head to the Harbor Lighthouse Path for some seriously gorgeous views.
Fancy sand between your toes? Join the crowd at Sakumono Beach for a casual 1.5km walk along the shore. Bird nerds will love the Sakumono Lagoon trails – it’s not just any wetland, it’s Ramsar-recognized with over 150 bird species to spot!
Want a taste of local life? Wander through Tema Newtown Fishing Harbor where you can watch fishermen build traditional canoes and catch the lively morning fish auctions if you’re up early enough!
Dining and Shopping
Dining and Shopping
Hungry after walking around the port? You’ll definitely need to grab a bite and maybe snag some cool souvenirs too.
The truth is, there’s not much specific info about where to eat and shop near Tema cruise port in typical cruise guides. While your ship will have plenty of food options, getting a real taste of Ghana means doing a bit of homework.
Try checking out Ghanaian tourism websites, recent West Africa travel guides, or local business listings for current recommendations. Your cruise line might hand out port guides with places they’ve checked out already.
Other travelers often suggest hitting up local markets for handmade crafts and finding restaurants that serve authentic dishes like jollof rice and fufu – total must-tries while you’re there!
Accommodation near the port
Accommodation near the port
You probably won’t need a place to crash near Tema Port since your cruise ship is your floating hotel. But if you’re looking to spend some time before or after your cruise, you’ll want to check out options in Accra instead of right at the port.
We don’t have specific details on places to stay near Tema Port right now. Your best bet is to look at hotels in downtown Accra, where you’ll find everything from fancy international chains to local guesthouses that fit different budgets and tastes.
Customs & Immigration at The Port
Customs & Immigration at The Port
Don’t worry – you’ll still be sleeping in your floating paradise, but there’s some paperwork to deal with when your ship pulls into Tema.
You’ll face the immigration guys as soon as you arrive. Keep your passport and cruise card handy. If you’re not from the U.S., double-check if you need a visa before your trip – nobody wants last-minute surprises!
There’s also a security check where they’ll look through your stuff for anything not allowed. Just a heads-up: no plants or agricultural products, definitely no guns, and obviously no drugs. Oh, and if you’re carrying more than $10,000 in cash, you’ve got to declare it.
Smart move: take a photocopy of your passport for wandering around port. The good news is passengers get their own lines separate from crew members, so things usually move pretty quickly.
Local Currency & Payment Options
Money in Ghana – What You Need to Know
So you’re headed to Ghana? Here’s the scoop on money: they use the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS), most places want cash, and you’ll definitely want to keep small bills in your pocket.
Swap your cash at legit forex bureaus at the port or hit up banks like GT Bank for decent rates. Right now, you’re looking at about 14.5 cedis for each dollar. Steer clear of those random money changers on the street unless you’re into collecting fake bills!
Your cards will work fine at hotels and shopping malls, but for markets and jumping in taxis? Cash is your best friend. You can find ATMs around Accra, but make sure to break larger bills and keep plenty of small denominations (1-10 GHS) handy for haggling and tipping.
Emergency Contacts
Need help in Tema port? Keep these numbers handy—they might save your day:
Port Authority: +233 (0) 303 219120
Port Control: Round-the-clock service on VHF Channels 14 and 16
Wilhelmsen Agency: wps.pdb.nafwaf@wilhelmsen.com
Inchcape Shipping: +233 303 302 260
If your vessel gets in trouble, Port Control‘s got your back with five tugs ready to fight fires. The whole port follows GMDSS standards for emergencies, so you’re covered. Even in Ghana’s busiest port, you’re not on your own—just grab your radio or phone when you need a hand.
History of The Port
Beyond emergency contacts, there’s a fascinating story behind Tema Port’s origins. British Colonial Officers dreamed it up, and construction kicked off in 1954 on the site of a fishing village called Torman (which later became Tema).
When you stroll through the port today, you’re actually walking on historic ground. The first ship, MV Oti River, docked here back in 1958, and President Kwame Nkrumah made things official with a grand commissioning ceremony in 1962.
Over the years, the port has expanded quite a bit – growing from just 12 berths to 22 operational ones today. If you’re into cool landmarks, check out the Meridian Rock monument (unveiled in 2014) which marks the exact spot where the Prime Meridian crosses the Equator.
Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port
When planning your cruise from Tema, timing really matters – it can be the difference between soaking up sunshine or just… getting soaked.
The best time to go? December through March during the dry season. Temperatures are perfect – about 25-30°C with hardly any rain. This lines up nicely with when the big cruise ships like Silver Dawn and Crystal Symphony typically schedule their February-March departures.
If you’re into wildlife, January-March is awesome for spotting animals at Shai Hills. Bird lovers should aim for November-April when migrations are happening.
Want to save some cash and dodge the crowds? Try the shoulder season in March-April. Just steer clear of May through November – that’s when cruise ships basically disappear from Tema completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Local Languages Are Spoken in Tema Besides English?
Beyond English, you’ll catch plenty of Ga and Dangme in Tema – these are the local indigenous languages. Twi (part of the Akan language group) is super common too. Walk around town and you’ll also hear some folks speaking Ewe and Hausa. The whole language mix really shows how diverse Tema is.
Are There ATMS Available at the Port Facilities?
ATM options at Tema port are pretty scarce. Better play it safe and grab cash beforehand or hit up ATMs in Accra. Having some Ghanaian cedis on hand is a good move – makes things smoother when dealing with local sellers.
What Vaccinations Are Recommended for Visitors to Tema?
If you’re heading to Tema and you’re 9 months or older, you’ll definitely need that Yellow Fever certificate—it’s not optional. Smart travelers also get Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots before going. Oh, and don’t forget to check that your everyday vaccines like MMR, Tdap, and COVID-19 are current. Better safe than sorry!
Is Wi-Fi Available Throughout the Cruise Terminal?
Wi-Fi isn’t available across the whole terminal for free. If you need to get online, pop into one of the nearby cafĂ©s or grab a bite at restaurants where they usually offer Wi-Fi when you buy something. Most folks just bring their own mobile hotspots or make sure they’ve got enough data on their phones instead.
What Security Measures Are in Place at Tema Port?
Tema Port really takes security seriously – they’ve got the whole ISPS Code thing covered, round-the-clock cameras watching everything, tight controls on who gets in and out, security practice runs every few months, and special teams just to keep stowaways off ships. Nothing to worry about when you visit.
