Tangier Day Trip from Tarifa: Ferry, Kasbah & Camel Ride

Summary

Private Tangier day tour with ferry ride camel experience kasbah walk

You’ll step off the ferry from Tarifa straight into Tangier’s wild rhythm—Kasbah walls beneath your hands, market scents swirling around you, a wind-whipped view where two seas meet. Ride a camel along the coast, taste whatever your guide suggests for lunch, and let yourself get lost in those tangled medina streets before heading back across the strait.

What’s the experience like?

We barely had time to finish our coffees in Tarifa before the express ferry started boarding. The air was salty and loud with gulls — I remember my shoes sticking a bit to the deck as we crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, everyone craning for that first glimpse of Africa. Our guide, Youssef, met us right at the port in Tangier. He grinned and said something about “welcome to the real Morocco,” which made me laugh because I’d already been sweating over my first few words in French.

The drive along the Corniche was quick but kind of surreal — palm trees flashing by, then suddenly the King’s Palace behind high walls. We stopped at Cape Spartel where the Mediterranean and Atlantic actually meet (Youssef pointed out how you can see two different blues). It was windy enough to make my scarf flap into my face. At Perdicaris Park, he told us this wild story about an American kidnapping — I’m still not sure if he was joking or not.

Walking through the Medina felt like being inside someone else’s memory: old men in djellabas arguing over oranges, kids darting between them. The kasbah sits above it all — rough stone under my hands when I leaned against a wall to catch my breath. Lunch was whatever Youssef suggested (I just nodded), and I still think about that tangy tomato salad. Later at the Caves of Hercules, there’s this opening shaped like Africa itself — it smells like seaweed and cold stone down there.

I almost chickened out on the camel ride but ended up laughing so hard when mine sneezed on my shoe (Youssef said that’s good luck). The whole day felt messy and alive — nothing too tidy or staged. On the ferry back to Tarifa, with sand still stuck in my socks, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tangier private day tour highlights

• Depart Tarifa port by express ferry
• Enjoy Strait of Gibraltar crossing
• Arrive in Tangier city port
• Drive along Corniche to new city
• Pass Grand Mosque and Kings Palace
• Visit Meeting point of Mediterranean and Atlantic
• Walk through Medina maze and markets
• Explore Tangier Kasbah and gardens
• Visit Perdicaris Forest
• See Caves of Hercules
• Pass Place du 9 Avril 1947
• Visit Petite Socco market and lunch

Top questions

How long is the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier?

The express ferry crossing takes up to 1 hour each way between Tarifa and Tangier.

Is hotel pickup included for this Tangier day trip?

The tour includes port pickup and drop-off in both Tarifa and Tangier; hotel pickup is not mentioned.

Are entry fees covered for attractions like Kasbah or Cape Spartel?

Yes, entry/admission fees for Kasbah and Cape Spartel are included in your tour.

Is lunch provided during this private Tangier tour?

No set lunch is included; you have time to try local cuisine at your own expense during the market stop.

Is this tour suitable for families or travelers with mobility needs?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels; wheelchairs and strollers can be accommodated throughout.

What languages do guides speak on this Tangier day trip?

Your licensed local guide will speak English and may also assist with French or Spanish if needed.

Do we get free time to shop or explore markets?

Yes, there is time set aside for shopping in colorful Moroccan markets during your visit.

How long does this private day trip from Tarifa last?

The full experience covers a full day including ferry crossings, guided touring, stops at major sites, and return travel.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip express ferry tickets from Tarifa to Tangier with port pickup and drop-off on both sides; all entries for Cape Spartel and Kasbah; a private air-conditioned vehicle just for your group; guided city touring with a licensed local expert; drinks and snacks along the way; time carved out for shopping in lively markets; plus that memorable camel ride near the coast before heading back across the strait in the evening.