Post by chuckr on Oct 18, 2019 10:51:45 GMT
If you believe the North Africa cruising guide (at least the 2010) version we have you would never come to Al Hoceima. As normal we do not really believe all that we read. We did go on line and check NoonSite and got a better understanding of what to expect. But what we found was WOW. They have built a new small boat harbor inside the current harbor to protect from the fishing boats going and coming. Morocco is currently building an entirely new area around the harbor. Marina management, police, customs and immigration are all right next to the dock and very efficient.
We arrived about 1730 and the fishing fleet was headed out and it was a rush. They do not take their time but are incredible sailors and know how drive those boats in and around. We saw just one when we started in and passed the breakwater and soon from around a corner came the fleet at speed but the area is big enough to get out of the way.
When we got close we saw folks standing on a dock waiting on us and quickly caught our lines and helped us tie up. It took maybe an hour to clear in as it was very efficient.
The town is at the top of a hill and for the cost of less than 1USD you can take a taxi up. We went up the next morning and got a sim card for the phone and a sim card for internet. Then we discovered the daily market and really fresh food, some of it still walking around.
A person was recommended to us for inland trips as we cruise not to see ports to experience the country and go inland. From here we will visit the Ref Mountains and Fes.
I was told the entire marina project will take about a year to finish but that is the stuff around the harbor the harbor itself is done with modern floating dock, electricity and water.