Essaouira Fishing Port
Essaouira Fishing Port
4.5
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As one of Morocco’s main fishing centers, Essaouira’s port is a major attraction.
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1,398 within 3 miles
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218 within 6 miles
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- Martin CLeeds, United Kingdom124 contributionsBustling fishing harbour, fully operational and accessible to the public despite being so busy. Many stalls on the quayside selling all manner of sea creatures for your consumption, sea bream, red snapper, squid, lobster, sardines etc. Not a good place for vegans. Bargain away and buy your lunch, then get the open air quayside kitchens to cook it up for you. Be prepared to hold your nose, the smell is quite strong in places!Visited February 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten February 23, 2025
- Raintree_ThailandBangkok, Thailand4,462 contributionsWe loved the vibe and energy of the fishing port! Great photo opportunities of small artisan fishing boats (so colorful in blue!). Enjoyed gawking at the huge variety of fish for sale and the hustle and bustle of the venders. Enjoyed delicious fresh grilled fish (including delicious sardines) plus coke for 150 dirhams for two of us.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 19, 2024
- Socrate321France263 contributionsCharming fishing port, traditional and artisanal. It's very pleasant to stroll there around midday. We can chat with fishermen, buy fish and seafood directly on site, and discuss prices and after haggling... Then, and always thanks to the good advice of the fisherman, we can have the goods cleaned on site, in order to be ready for cooking. Then the sinner will tell us who to contact (not very far away) to cook our purchases, which will be served with side dishes and other drinks. Impossible to eat fresher fish and seafood...Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 26, 2024
- BTS1972Munich, Germany3,746 contributionsThe small harbor with its old Portuguese fortifications is well worth seeing. If you arrive in time, you can see the fish being cut on the spot and watch the local fish lovers and restaurants shopping. Almost a postcard idyll.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 23, 2024
- eVe 🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬Singapore, Singapore1,534 contributionsIt's an eye opener to watch the unloading of fishes, crustaceans at the port. We took our times to see the port from various angles as well as watch the fishermen unload their catch. Thereafter, you could buy some live seafood and get it cooked at the stalls for lunch.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 15, 2024
- The WandererLondon, United Kingdom39 contributionsInteresting bustling place to visit early morning when the fishermen have brought in the morning's catch. A wide variety of seafood is available to either buy or have cooked to eat. It's also interesting to see the array of colourful fishing boats in the port.Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 10, 2024
- marinose2016Paphos, Cyprus102 contributionsWe took a day trip from Marrakesh. The trip lasted 3 hours with 2 stops but Essaouira totally worth to visit. Visiting the fish market and having fish prepared there for you to eat is a must. Also don't forget to taste fresh catches by the fishing pier.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
2,208 reviews
Excellent
1,159
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806
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174
Poor
45
Terrible
24
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Yves L
Lille, France62 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
Not top at all
We went to Essaouira, on the advice of the animation manager of the hotel, and well, we should have abstained.
What to say, due journey to destination, and simply horrible, the bus stopped twice to go, to make you supposedly discover specialties of the area, I am ok for that, but be careful, tourist trap.
On site, the visit to the port is nice, and so is the interior of the city, but it does not justify staying 4h00 on site.
In fact 2h30 is enough, even with the meal in the restaurant, designated by the Guide, (as by chance).
Visiting the Point of Sale is always the same thing.
What's horrible is the 8:00 a.m. bus ride during the day.
We went to Essaouira, on the advice of the animation manager of the hotel, and well, we should have abstained.
What to say, due journey to destination, and simply horrible, the bus stopped twice to go, to make you supposedly discover specialties of the area, I am ok for that, but be careful, tourist trap.
On site, the visit to the port is nice, and so is the interior of the city, but it does not justify staying 4h00 on site.
In fact 2h30 is enough, even with the meal in the restaurant, designated by the Guide, (as by chance).
Visiting the Point of Sale is always the same thing.
What's horrible is the 8:00 a.m. bus ride during the day.
Automatically translated
Written September 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iamface
Cardiff, UK1,808 contributions
Feb 2020
came here before sunrise that is interesting. no matter of fisherman how to unloading/loading their catch, land worker how to retrieve the large fishing net from boat, how to deal with seagulls(stealing vs fight out), cats,dogs walk around busy worker etc...that is also funny. After sunrise that worker fixing broken net,vendors are busy for setup stalls, selling the catching etc....still impressive. worth for visit at early time.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HINA W
Islamabad, Pakistan7,327 contributions
Feb 2020
Essaouira fishing port is simply picture perfect. You can see a myriad blue boats and trawlers. This port was built in 1769 under the rule of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah. It was designed by an Englishman, who had converted from Christianity to Islam, called Ahmed el Inglizi,. He was also known as Ahmed the Renegade. You can see fishermen selling their daily catch of sardines, calamari, and other fish. All the restaurants nearby grill this fresh catch and sell it.
Written January 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KTJ
24 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
As you walk towards the fishing pier you are greeted by the sight and sound of many gulls ams as you get closer the smell of fish and the sight of many boats greets you. It is a bit muddy/fishy underfoot so wear covered shoes but you can see all the fish laid out for sale. Worth timing when some boats are coming in as the way they unload is amazing. One guy fills a basket, throws to the other end of the boat to another guy who throws the full basket up from the boat to the top of the harbour wall where it’s put into baskets for sale/transportation. Worth a visit!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed C
Arlington, VA802 contributions
Jan 2020
After a tour of the Medina, we were released for time on our own. The fishing port was an obvious destination. Walking to the port I first encountered the fish market which was interesting in its own right and I have a separate review of that attraction. To your right (west) is a mid height wall beyond which you can see waves crashing against rocks with fishing trawlers heading to the port in the distance
Upon entering the port you first encounter a number of fish peddlers selling varieties of fish, many of which I had never seen before. Further on, unloading trawlers are on the left. I watched one that was being unloaded by a "bucket brigade" of sardines being off-loaded from the trawler and onto a truck. Chopped ice was everywhere to keep the fish from spoiling.
On the right is a low building with a walkway on top. I went up and walked down to the end. From this vantage point I could see the whole port and that the chaos on the visible lower down resolved revealing a method to the madness.
Upon entering the port you first encounter a number of fish peddlers selling varieties of fish, many of which I had never seen before. Further on, unloading trawlers are on the left. I watched one that was being unloaded by a "bucket brigade" of sardines being off-loaded from the trawler and onto a truck. Chopped ice was everywhere to keep the fish from spoiling.
On the right is a low building with a walkway on top. I went up and walked down to the end. From this vantage point I could see the whole port and that the chaos on the visible lower down resolved revealing a method to the madness.
Written April 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter R
Dartford, UK1,382 contributions
Sep 2022
On the edge of the Medina follow the smell of fish to the small harbour. The place is manic with the brightly (blue) coloured boats jostling against each other as the fishermen bring their days catch to the harbour side. Then they haggle with local restaurants and shops over the price. The seagulls are everywhere chasing after scraps and entrails, fool you if you get in the way. A great sensory experience.
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kath P
Vancouver, Canada100 contributions
Feb 2020
We thoroughly enjoyed our visits to the port, especially during the fish selling periods. Such a variety of fish and seafood to choose from: prawns, octopus, sardines, mackerel, plus many more. The vendors are usually willing to clean your purchase for you for a few more Durham. The bustle of activity: loading the stacks of sardine crates from boat to truck, sorting the nets — a mesmerizing experience!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wrappo
Worthing, UK336 contributions
Mar 2020
This is one place you need to visit as all the elements of Essaouira come together with fish the restaurants and people come together The catch of the day is sold and the people come here to buy and socialise. the effect is magical althoug be careful of the ever present gulls.Bream shark prawns lobster langostines plus many other species I could not identify.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camryn
16 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Beautiful beach side town. Clean golden sand on one side and a fishing port on the other.
Bars dedicated to Jimi Hendricks everywhere, live music and a great hippy feel. Also feels like Marrakech I'm some areas but without the hassle. Highly recommend visiting!
Would of added some amazing photos to this but lost my phone beofre backing them up!
Bars dedicated to Jimi Hendricks everywhere, live music and a great hippy feel. Also feels like Marrakech I'm some areas but without the hassle. Highly recommend visiting!
Would of added some amazing photos to this but lost my phone beofre backing them up!
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff T
Doha, Qatar532 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Quite a busy area with vendors, fishermen, tourists and many others moving around. It can be chaotic, smelly, dirty, slippery, fascinating, interesting, colorful and mesmerizing. As a working area there is plenty of activity geared towards local culture along with trying to make some money off tourists. Hot during the day and cool in the morning and evenings, especially with the wind. Worth a trip to check it out. The activity moves with the time so all day there is something to see.
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Has anyone known of a way to be taken out for a few hours of fishing on a boat?
Written January 11, 2019
Informally, if you are in Essaouria, you could walk down to the main fishing harbor, and ask around to find a fishing boat and captain. If you wanted to arrange something ahead of time, you might want to contact the Morocco Tourism Board. According to Tripadvisor guidelines for answering questions, "Links, contact information, and advertising are not permitted." I found a contact page where I could ask a question by typing "Morocco visitor bureau contact" into my web browser.
Written January 11, 2019
Hi we were in Essaouira 18 months ago and there were plans to redevelop the fishing port. Has this started yet?
Written February 10, 2018
Not that we could see. My husband says they are dredging-perhaps the first step in this process. Hope they won’t throw out the small fishing boats.
Sorry I had not seen this. I think I was away after that.
Written March 11, 2018
Réponse à Mélanie T. Le jeudi 18 janvier, nous étions 5. Menu : 10 sardines, 1 plat de crevettes, 1 plat de calamars, 2 homards et 1 langouste ( poids total de 2,7 kg), le tout accompagné de petites salades, de frites et d'eau en bouteille. Coût total = 1200 DH. C'est bien moins cher que les prix affichés mais il faut négocier avant sans hésiter à marchander. J'y viens depuis de nombreuses années et je n'ai jamais eu de problème. Une chose à ne pas oublier : on est en Afrique : il faut négocier AVANT et surtout MARCHANDER !
Written February 3, 2018
What are the women shouting at the fishermen in Essaouira?
Written January 3, 2017
Not trying to be funny but unless you understand Maghrebi Arabic, your guess is as good as mine!
Written January 6, 2017
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