Nador to Motril Ferry

The Nador to Motril ferry connects eastern Morocco with the Granada coast of Andalusia across the Alborán Sea. Motril's port lies west of Almería on the Costa Tropical, and the crossing offers a direct arrival point for travellers heading into western Andalusia and beyond. Sailings leave from the Beni Ensar terminal north of Nador.

The route is served by Baleària together with AML / Naviera Armas tonnage, operating ro-pax ships that carry passengers alongside cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and freight. On-board facilities typically include seating areas, cafeterias and shops, with cabins on the longer sailings.

Crossing time

The Alborán crossing to Motril takes roughly 4 to 5 hours on the faster sailings, though some rotations run longer – up to around 7–8 hours – depending on the vessel and schedule. It is a genuine open-sea passage, so timings shift with weather.

Peak season

Highly seasonal. Nador–Motril is above all a summer diaspora route. Capacity is concentrated in the Operation Marhaba window (roughly June to mid-September), coordinated on the Spanish side by Operación Paso del Estrecho, when large numbers of Moroccans resident abroad travel home. Outside this period the frequency thins considerably and, in some seasons, service can be limited – so it is to confirm that sailings are running on your dates before planning around them.

Documents

This is an international Morocco–EU crossing. All passengers need a valid passport, and drivers must carry vehicle registration and a green card. Moroccan exit and Spanish entry formalities are completed at the port, so allow time for checks during the busy summer peak.