Tarifa to Tangier Day Trip Review: Ferry and Camel Ride Fun

Thinking about zipping across the Strait of Gibraltar for a day? The Tarifa to Tangier day trip, complete with a ferry crossing and a camel ride, sounds like quite an appealing little adventure, really. I figured I would give you the lowdown on my experience. So, basically, I could tell you if this excursion is the best way to squeeze some Moroccan culture into a single day and what you could possibly expect. Is that OK? Let’s see how it goes.

Setting Sail from Tarifa: The Ferry Crossing

My day started at the Tarifa ferry port, a place buzzing with excitement, that is. There were folks speaking all sorts of different languages, all clearly itching to get to Morocco. I grabbed my ticket (which I booked ahead, quite handy, let me tell you) and hopped on the ferry. The ferry itself was comfy enough, almost, it had seats inside, but you could hang out on the deck, too. I found a spot up top so I could soak up the view. The breeze felt nice! We all know that crossing the Strait of Gibraltar is pretty impressive; on a clear day, like yours, you could maybe see Africa way off in the distance, pretty much. It’s something to write home about, or, I don’t know, post on social media! The crossing took maybe about an hour or so, enough time to grab a coffee and get stoked for Tangier.

First Impressions of Tangier: A Whirlwind Tour

Stepping off the ferry in Tangier kinda hit me like a wave, in a way. It’s totally different from Spain, or any part of Europe that I knew, that is. The air smells like spices, people are rushing around, and everything is so brightly colored. You’ll probably get greeted by a local guide – ours was really lovely, yet they were pretty insistent on showing us around, that is. So, anyway, the tour usually starts with a bus ride to see some of the area’s main spots. You get a glimpse of the city, that is, the Kasbah (old fortress), and a scenic overlook of the Atlantic. Quick tip? Keep your camera ready; you’re going to have a lot to look at!

Camel Ride Adventure: Touristy, Yet Memorable

The camel ride: alright, you might see this and think, “classic tourist trap,” or something to that effect. I get it. It is a little cliché. Still, how often do you get the opportunity to ride a camel on a beach in North Africa? That’s very very specific. We’re talking unique experiences! The camels were mostly pretty chill, even if they smell a little funky, arguably. The ride itself is usually just a short loop on the sand, and then you’ll hop down, but the pictures alone are truly worth it, so, very! Get your friends to snap a few photos and embrace the silliness!

Exploring the Medina: Haggling and Hidden Gems

The Medina (old city) of Tangier is where the real magic happens, though, too it’s almost overwhelming, basically. Narrow streets packed with shops selling everything from leather goods to spices to colorful scarves. This is where you get to try out your haggling skills – so important!. It’s a dance, so it seems: start low and be prepared to walk away (they almost always call you back!). Our guide took us to a spice shop, and, too, it was super interesting to smell all the different aromas and hear about their uses. You can find all sorts of cool souvenirs here, even if you’re not planning on buying anything, yet wandering around is fun enough. Just remember to keep an eye on your belongings – it’s a busy place.

Lunch and Mint Tea: A Taste of Morocco

Lunch was generally included in the tour. I remember sitting down at a restaurant in the Medina. We had a tagine (a traditional Moroccan stew). I liked how flavorful it was and the couscous was super fluffy, actually. Of course, no Moroccan meal would probably be complete without mint tea. It’s poured from way up high into the glass! Our server told us that it shows respect, yet it was more theatrics for tourists, right? It’s sweet and refreshing. Sipping that tea felt like, or should I say really was, the perfect way to pause and just soak it all in.

Things to Consider: The Not-So-Great Bits

OK, so it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, that is. Some things bothered me, that is. This day trip can feel a bit rushed; it can, you only have a limited time in Tangier, or somewhere. It can be a bit like checking off a list of sights instead of having some chill moments. Then there are the vendors: persistent is probably too mild. Expect people to try to sell you stuff constantly, or to offer “help” that turns out to have a fee attached. This can get very tiring, alright. Be firm but respectful and learn how to say “no, thank you” in Arabic (“la shukran”). Also, too, be ready for some culture shock. Tangier is grittier and poorer than the European cities you’re most likely used to, arguably, this is something to consider when you’re thinking about the trip. Is that OK?

Is This Day Trip For You? Weighing the Pros and Cons

This Tarifa to Tangier day trip: who should definitely go for it? Anyone short on time but curious about Morocco, more or less. It’s a solid introduction to a totally different culture. History buffs might actually appreciate seeing the historical sites. Plus, if you’re just after some quick, Instagram-worthy shots of Morocco, that are really going to enhance your “look at me” profile then this trip is almost certainly ideal for you, pretty much. However, yet if you don’t like crowds, and actually want to wander off the beaten path, or really have a truly immersive cultural experience? Then one day simply won’t be nearly enough. You might get a little frustrated, and should perhaps think about planning a longer stay. Basically, for a first taste, this trip is probably pretty ideal.