Agadir is a regular stop on Canary Islands itineraries, especially from autumn to spring. After several island calls, the day in Morocco often feels like the most different day of the cruise: a new continent, a new currency, the call to prayer, spice stalls and argan trees. A little preparation helps you make the most of it.
This guide, written by our local team in Agadir, explains what changes when you step ashore in Morocco and how to plan a day that complements your island calls rather than repeating them.
Which cruises combine the Canaries and Agadir?
Agadir appears on many Canary Islands and Atlantic itineraries. German lines such as TUI Cruises and AIDA and British favourite Marella call here, as do several premium and luxury lines. Each line has its own rhythm in port: some stay until the evening, others leave in the afternoon. Your ship's published schedule tells you how long you have.
For line-specific tips, see our article on AIDA, TUI and MSC port stops in Agadir.
What changes when you step ashore in Morocco
- Money: the local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). It is a closed currency, so you generally cannot buy it before you arrive. Euros are sometimes accepted informally, often at a less favourable rate, so a small amount of dirhams is useful for drinks, taxis and the souk. There are ATMs in town, but usually not right at the cruise berth.
- Time: Morocco usually uses GMT+1, but the clock can change around Ramadan, and it is not always the same as the time in the Canary Islands. Always follow your ship's time for the all-aboard.
- Documents: Morocco is outside the European Union, so formalities can differ from your Spanish island calls. Your cruise line will tell you what to carry ashore, such as your passport or a copy and your ship card.
- Mobile data: EU roaming allowances do not usually cover Morocco. Check your plan before you switch on data, or download offline maps on board.
- Language: Moroccan Arabic and Amazigh are spoken day to day; French is widely understood, and English is common in tourist areas. Our guides speak English and French.
- Dress: beachwear is fine on the beach, but in the souk and the medina areas, covered shoulders and knees are appreciated.
More on money, clothing and tipping in what to wear, bring and pay with on a Moroccan shore day.
Make the Moroccan day different from the islands
You will have beaches and volcanic landscapes on the islands. In Agadir, choose experiences you can only have in Morocco:
- A souk: Souk El Had is one of the largest markets in the region, with spices, argan oil, leather and crafts. Our Souk El Had guided tour helps you find your way and bargain. It is usually closed on Mondays, so check the day of your call.
- The argan countryside: argan trees grow mainly in south-western Morocco. The argan tree climbing goats tour combines the famous goats with a visit to an argan oil cooperative.
- History and views: the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella above the port, with the inscription "God, Country, King" on the hillside.
- Moroccan food: tagine, msemen, amlou and mint tea.
If you want a bit of everything, the half-day Agadir city tour combines the Kasbah viewpoint, the Mohammed V Mosque, an argan oil cooperative and Souk El Had.
Planning your day around the ship
- Check your hours ashore in the ship's daily programme, including the all-aboard time. Being back on board on time is the passenger's responsibility.
- Match the tour to your call. Short calls suit the Kasbah, the seafront or the argan goats; longer calls open up Paradise Valley or the dunes.
- Book with your ship name and date. Our tours are planned around your ship's published schedule. Tours are paid online in advance by card or PayPal.
- Meet your driver at the terminal. Your driver waits at the Port of Agadir cruise terminal holding a sign with your name; we send the meeting details by WhatsApp before your call (see from the ship to your driver).
Weather, distances and sample 4, 6 and 8-hour plans are in our Agadir cruise port guide. For a ready-made plan, see Agadir in one day from a cruise ship.
Weather: similar to the islands, with a twist
Agadir has a mild climate all year, cooled by the Atlantic, so it often feels familiar after the Canaries. Inland, for example in the dunes or Paradise Valley, it is often several degrees warmer than on the coast, and the sun is strong even in winter. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, and a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings. Calling between November and March? See Agadir in winter on a cruise.
Your Canary Islands cruise calls at Agadir? Browse all Agadir shore excursions, see the half-day city tour, or send us your ship name and date and we will suggest what fits your call.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay in euros in Agadir?
Sometimes, informally, but often at a less favourable rate. A small amount of dirhams is more practical. Our tours are paid online in advance by card or PayPal, so you need no cash for the tour itself.
Is the time in Agadir the same as in the Canary Islands?
Not always. Morocco usually uses GMT+1, but the clock can change around Ramadan. Always follow your ship's time for the all-aboard.
Do I need my passport ashore in Agadir?
Your cruise line will tell you which documents to carry for the call. Follow the instructions in your ship's daily programme.
What is the best excursion in Agadir after several island calls?
Something you cannot do on the islands: a guided visit to Souk El Had, the argan countryside with its tree-climbing goats, or a half-day city tour that combines the Kasbah, an argan cooperative and the souk.
