7 Highly-Rated Shore Excursions in Tangier: Morocco Cruises
Looking for the best shore excursions in Tangier? Discover 7 incredible ways to spend your time if you’re visiting on a Morocco cruise.
With its blue-shuttered windows and whitewashed buildings, Tangier exudes a Mediterranean feel that makes it unique among Moroccan cities.
Overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and just a stone’s throw from Spain, it’s been a melting pot of African and European cultures for centuries.
Today, Tangier is a popular cruise ship port for vessels travelling the Mediterranean Sea and along North Africa’s Atlantic coastline.
If you’re planning to visit the city as part of your cruise itinerary, there are plenty of incredible ways to discover the city within the space of just a few hours on a Tangier shore excursion.
In this article, I’ll highlight 7 of the best shore excursions in Tangier, from immersive walking tours to hands-on cooking classes and day trips to nearby Chefchaouen.
For more inspiration, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Tangier, which details a complete list of things to do in the city.
If you’re cruising the Moroccan coast, you’ll find additional shore excursion recommendations in Casablanca and Agadir.
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Both Viator and GetYourGuide are great resources for finding Casablanca shore excursions. Both feature star ratings and reviews from previous guests. This first-hand feedback can help you decide if a tour or day trip is right for you. Plus, you can book directly through both sites, without having to hunt down providers online.
Full-day private Tangier tour
Best full-day Tangier shore excursion
If you want to pack as much as possible into your time in Tangier, then this private full-day shore excursion is ideal.
It receives rave reviews for its knowledgeable and friendly guides. Plus, it has received the Viator Badge of Excellence – a sign that it’s providing exceptional service to its guests.
Over the course of 6-8 hours, you’ll explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including spots that are tricky to access via public transport. In short, it’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Tangier’s cultural heritage.
This Tangier shore excursion begins at Parc Perdicaris, a hilltop green space. From here, there are amazing views across the Strait of Gibraltar. You’ll then make your way to Cap Spartel at the northwestern tip of Africa and admire its 1864-built lighthouse.
Afterward, head down to Achakkar Beach for a fun camel ride. Nearby are the famous Caves of Hercules, said to be a resting spot for the legendary hero.
Returning to the city, you’ll dive into the maze-like streets of the medina on a guided walking tour of Tangier. Soak up the lively atmosphere as you wander through the souks filled with classic Moroccan crafts.
In the middle of the afternoon, take a break for a refreshing mint tea in the famous Petit Socco.
Another highlight of this Tangier shore excursion is marvelling at the stunning mosaics of the Grand Mosque. You’ll also take in the beautiful Moorish design of the American Legation Museum.
“Abdul and Majid were great. We loved getting Moroccan tea with them and getting a full taste of what life is like in Tangier.. and a lesson in its history.” – Rebecca (read more reviews here)
Private walking tour of Tangier
Best walking shore excursion in Tangier
Step into Tangier’s historic medina and the sights, sounds and aromas of centuries-old Moroccan culture come alive.
On this immersive Tangier shore excursion, you’ll be guided through the narrow streets that make up this captivating ancient quarter. In my opinion, the pace alllows you to really soak up everything that’s going on around you.
Along the way, you’ll get an up-close look at the Kasbah, the Sultan’s 17th-century palace. It sits atop a hill overlooking the city – the views are sublime!
Here, you’ll visit the Kasbah Museum, which offers a wealth of information about Tangier’s role as a meeting point of civilisations.
Stroll through the bustling souks, where skilled artisans craft beautiful textiles, metalwork and pottery. Along the way, inhale the scents of traditional Moroccan delicacies being prepared at street-side stalls.
You can learn about the diplomatic relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco at the American Legation Museum. Then, enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch and fantastic people watching in Petit Socco.
I think this private walking tour of Tangier offers a really comprehensive overview of the city while taking in many of its most famous sights.
“I am a wheelchair user, and Karim and his team made sure everything was accessible and that the tour was tailored to us! It was a great way to see Tangier!” – Ayelet (read more reviews here)
Morocco cooking class in Tangier
Best Tangier cooking class shore excursion
If you want to spend your time in Tangier discovering the secrets of Moroccan cuisine (with a short cultural walking tour thrown in), then this hands-on cooking class is for you.
Kicking off in the medina, this Tangier shore excursion includes time spent strolling the souks. Here, the market stalls are overflowing with aromatic spices, fresh produce and handmade crafts.
With your host acting as a translator, you’ll pick out fresh ingredients for the Moroccan dishes you’ll be cooking up later.
Back at the school, a skilled chef will teach you how to make five classic Moroccan dishes. This is a comprehensive introduction to North African cuisine!
You’ll whip up a layered pastilla filled with chicken, almonds and raisins, as well as a slow-cooked tagine. This hearty stew is named after the pot it cooks in. Plus, you’ll get to prepare fluffy couscous and enjoy as many glasses of sweet mint tea as you desire.
Once you’ve polished your cooking skills and savoured your creations, you can walk it off during a guided tour of Tangier. Admire the whitewashed walls of the Kasbah fortress and explore beyond the ancient city walls to see how Spanish, French and British cultures mix in this vibrant city.
What makes this Tangier shore excursion really special is the warm hospitality of the hosts. They really do go out of their way to ensure a really authentic experience.
Personally, the combination of cooking class and cultural tour make it one of my favourite shore excursions in Tangier.
“This experience was fantastic! Bilal and Sana were amazing hosts, and it was such an authentic experience cooking in their house. They were so fun, and the food was incredibly delicious.” – Emily (read more reviews here)
Tangier food tour
Best Tangier shore excursion for foodies
If you prefer feasting on delicious food (rather than preparing it yourself), then this half-day food tour in Tangier is for you.
A local guide will lead you through the lively streets of this fascinating Moroccan city, letting you experience its sights, sounds and flavours. Along the way, you’ll enjoy plenty of tasty samples.
Throughout this Tangier shore excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to check out hidden eateries and family-owned food stalls. Many showcase regional specialties handed down through the generations.
Sample triangular briouat filled with spiced meat or cheese and dive into delicious tagines. Wash it all down with a smoothie made from fresh orange juice, bananas and avocados.
At each stop, your guide will share insights into Tangier’s rich history and culture, showing you how these elements have shaped the city’s food scene.
This top-rated foodie tour is the perfect chance to uncover local treasures and enjoy Tangier like a local.
“Our guide was incredible and informative. It was the perfect walking tour, with lots of food and history.” – Daniel (read more reviews here)
Full-day trip to Chefchaouen and the Cascades d’Akchour
Best Tangier shore excursion to Chefchaouen
If you’ve visited Tangier before or want to discover one of Morocco’s most Instagrammable destinations, consider this full-day trip to Chefchaouen.
Nicknamed the “Blue Pearl”, this photogenic town lies nestled in the Rif Mountains, a spectacular range. While it’s around two hours’ drive from Tangier to Chefchaouen, the views along the way are absolutely beautiful.
During the journey, you’ll take in rolling hills sprinkled with olive trees en route to your first destination, the Cascades d’Akchour.
Enjoy some fresh air with a quick hike along the rocky trails of Talassemtane National Park to admire this series of waterfalls. If time allows, you’ll visit the “Bridge of God,” a natural rock arch shaped by years of rushing water.
Once you’ve soaked in the peaceful atmosphere, continue to Chefchaouen for a guided walk through the charming streets of the medina. It’s famously painted in myriad shades of blue.
Hear about the Amazigh tribes that originally settled here and the story behind the city’s stunning colouration. Along the way, you’ll appreciate why Chefchaouen has captured the hearts of so many travellers over the years.
Please note:
As this is a long day trip (8 to 10 hours), it might not be ideal for all cruisers. Please check your schedule carefully before committing.
To learn more about things to see and do in the “Blue City”, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Chefchaouen.
“This was the most incredible experience. Our driver Youssef made us feel so welcome from the beginning – he was personable and knowledgeable and a great conversationalist.” – Sarah (read more reviews here)
Camel ride in Tangier
Best Tangier shore excursion with camel ride
Exploring by camel is a quintessential Moroccan experience. This Tangier shore excursion allows you to do just that, without having to venture all the way to the Sahara Desert.
It receives incredible reviews for its attentive guides (it’s also been awarded the Viator Badge of Excellence). The possibility to customise the experience to your interests is also a big “plus” for me.
The first stop on this highly-rated Tangier tour is Cap Spartel, the northwesternmost point of the African continent. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Nestled just below are the Caves of Hercules, famed for their sea opening in the shape of Africa and links to ancient mythology.
Then it’s time for your camel ride along the sands of Achakar Beach, a golden sweep of sand on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast. Aside from being treated to panoramic views across the water from your elevated position, you’ll get a glimpse into authentic Moroccan beach culture.
All in all, I think this Tangier shore excursion is a wonderful way to explore beyond the medina if you have a few hours docked in the city.
“What an amazing experience….Our guide Hisham was the best.” – Arbi (read more reviews here)
Tangier city break for cruisers
Best multi-lingual Tangier shore excursion
Designed specifically with cruise ship passengers in mind is this six-hour Tangier shore excursion. It showcases some of the city’s most iconic highlights in a small group setting.
It’s available in multiple languages, including English, French and Arabic, as well as Spanish, Italian and German. In short, it accommodates as many Moroccan cruisers as possible!
This guided Tangier tour begins at Parc Perdicaris, where you’ll enjoy elevated views across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Then, continue to Cap Spartel, the northwesternmost point of the African continent. There will be the option to embark on a camel ride along the beach before visiting the Caves of Hercules. Here, according to legend, the Greek hero carved out an entrance after completing one of his legendary Twelve Labours.
Returning to the city, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the hilltop Kasbah of Tangier before diving into the medina.
Your guide will lead you between bustling stalls and lively markets en route to the American Legation Museum. It may come as a surprise to know this building was the first American public property outside of the United States.
Including time to explore on your own, this Tangier shore excursion will ensure you are returned to your cruise ship with a deeper appreciation of this fascinating North African city.
“Hamid made sure we saw ALL the highlights of Tangier and honored my request to stop for a quick camel ride! I would highly recommend this tour!” – Christine (read more reviews here)
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About Me
I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.
Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.
I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.
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