Motril-Al Hoceima Ferry: Baleària replaces Naviera Armas and boosts the Rif route
The sea link between Motril and Al Hoceima is going through a defining moment. Last week, the shipping company Naviera Armas unexpectedly cancelled every scheduled sailing to Al Hoceima and Nador, leaving hundreds of passengers —many from the Rifian community in Europe— unable to board on already-booked dates. It is now very likely that Naviera Armas will not resume the Motril–Al Hoceima route in the short term.
The news is not entirely negative. A much better alternative has been put in place for regular users of the Motril-Al Hoceima ferry: Baleària is taking over the route, with an almost daily frequency and the same quality of service it already provides on other Strait routes, such as Málaga and Motril to Melilla.
Baleària takes over the Motril–Al Hoceima ferry
Baleària's arrival is a step up. The company has a modern fleet, high safety standards and long experience on northern Morocco routes. For residents of the Al Hoceima province and for the thousands of Moroccans who return home from Europe every year, a stable Motril-Al Hoceima boat is great news, complementing projects such as the new Cala Iris fishing port and the new Al Hoceima seafront promenade.
The main concern is ticket prices, seen by many as too high at launch. We hope Baleària will bring fares in line with those on its Melilla route.
A personal link to Al Hoceima
Baleària's owner has roots in Al Hoceima. In honour of his hometown, the company has named one of its ferries after the city. That vessel currently sails Barcelona–Balearic Islands and stands as a lasting reminder of the bond between the shipowner and the Moroccan city.
Why choose the Motril–Al Hoceima ferry
The Motril-Al Hoceima ferry is a comfortable option to travel between the Granada coast and northern Morocco, on a roughly 5-hour crossing between the ports of Motril and Al Hoceima.
Travelling by boat from Motril to Al Hoceima means a calm Mediterranean crossing and arriving with your car, motorbike, luggage or pet. It is a great alternative to flying, complementary to the air links covered in our article about Cherif Al Idrissi airport, for those who:
- want flexibility on the trip,
- wish to move freely around Al Hoceima, Nador, Chefchaouen or the wider Rif,
- need to carry bulky luggage or a vehicle,
- travel as a family and prefer a relaxed journey.
Duration and frequency of the Motril–Al Hoceima ferry
With Baleària's new operation:
- Duration: about 5 hours per crossing.
- Frequency: up to 4 weekly departures, with high-season increases planned.
- Departure port: Port of Motril, Granada province (Spain).
- Arrival port: Port of Al Hoceima, northern Morocco.
Motril's proximity to the A-7 motorway makes it easy to reach from Málaga, Almería and Granada. Al Hoceima port is well connected to Imzouren, Beni Bouayach, Targuist, Nador and Tétouan.
Onboard services
- Varied cabins, from economy to sea-view suites.
- Reclining-seat lounges: tourist, premium and PRM categories.
- Restaurant area with menus, cafeteria, snacks and drinks.
- Pet-friendly services.
- Outdoor decks and terraces.
- Paid Wi-Fi and power sockets in the main areas.
Practical tips
- Book in advance in high season (summer, school holidays, end of Ramadan), especially with a vehicle.
- Arrive early: at least 2 hours before departure for boarding and customs.
- Documents: valid passport, vehicle registration and insurance; check extra documents required for minors.
- Currency: carry some Moroccan dirhams for first expenses on arrival.
- Compare fares: check early-booking, large-family and resident discounts.
Impact for Al Hoceima and northern Morocco
The consolidation of the Motril-Al Hoceima ferry with Baleària is excellent news for the tourism and economy of the Rif. Al Hoceima —with Quemado, Sfiha and Cala Bonita beaches, the Al Hoceima National Park and its growing hotel and restaurant scene showcased in our what to see section— needs a stable maritime link with Europe.
Thousands of Rifian families in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France and Spain will be able to plan their summer returns more calmly. European visitors gain a comfortable gateway to Morocco's Mediterranean coast.
Conclusion
Naviera Armas's exit was a setback, but Baleària's arrival opens a promising chapter for the Motril-Al Hoceima route. More frequencies, modern ships and a shipowner personally tied to Al Hoceima: the ferry is set to become the main maritime bridge between Andalusia and the Rif.
At al-hoceima.com we will keep publishing schedules, official fares and updates. If you use this route regularly, share your experience in the comments to help other travellers.