From Barbate to Tarifa by sailboat
Tarifa is the southernmost point of mainland Europe and the gateway to the Strait of Gibraltar. We don’t leave from Tarifa: our boat trip to Tarifa sails there from Barbate marina on a full-day outing, along one of the wildest coastlines in Andalusia.
Along the way you pass the beach at Zahara de los Atunes, Atlanterra, the Camarinal lighthouse on Cabo de Plata, the bay of Bolonia with its great dune and the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, Punta Paloma, Valdevaqueros and Los Lances. And always in the background, the mountains of Morocco.
It’s about 19 miles from Barbate. This is a sail for the whole day and we only do it with a good forecast, because the Strait is an area of strong winds and heavy shipping traffic.
The sailing route from Barbate to Tarifa
Zahara and Atlanterra
We leave Barbate heading east along the beach at Zahara.
Cabo de Plata and the Camarinal lighthouse
We round the cape and the bay of Bolonia comes into view.
Bolonia
The dune and the ruins of Baelo Claudia, seen from the sea. A good place to anchor if the wind allows.
Punta Paloma and Valdevaqueros
Open beaches, famous for kitesurfing.
Isla de las Palomas
We come within sight of Tarifa and its lighthouse before turning for home.
Sailing in the Strait: what you need to know
The Strait of Gibraltar links the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and you can feel it: currents, stronger gusting winds and big-ship traffic. That’s why the trip to Tarifa always depends on the forecast, and on the day the skipper decides how far it makes sense to go.
The levante is the wind that affects this route most. On days of strong levante we don’t head for Tarifa; instead we suggest the western route towards Trafalgar and Conil, or a trip to the coves near Barbate.
Dolphins and other cetaceans also pass through these waters. We can’t guarantee sightings, but if they appear, we stop to enjoy them from a respectful distance.
What you’ll see on the way to Tarifa
The Bolonia dune
A moving dune about 30 metres high beside the beach, declared a natural monument.
Baelo Claudia
The ruins of a Roman town devoted to salting fish, right by the sea.
Valdevaqueros and Los Lances
The kitesurfing beaches, full of colourful kites on windy days.
Africa on the horizon
On clear days, the coast of Morocco and Mount Musa, about 14 kilometres away at the narrowest point.
recommended trip
The trip that takes you to Tarifa
from€750
Full day and charter
From Barbate
Head for Trafalgar and Conil or for Bolonia and Tarifa, with lunch on board and stops for a swim.
from€245
Sunset sailing trip
From Barbate
We sail off Zahara in the evening light and head back as the sun sinks into the Atlantic.
from€420
Half-day sailboat charter
From Barbate
The Barbate cliffs, Caños de Meca and a stop at anchor in calm water for a swim.
Getting to the boat from Tarifa
- Boarding pointBarbate marina
- Distance by carAbout 50 km, just under an hour
- Distance by seaAbout 19 miles
- Recommended tripFull day, €750 for the whole boat
Questions about boat trips to Tarifa
Can’t find your answer?
Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll reply within 24 hours.
Do you leave from Tarifa port?
No. We leave from Barbate marina and sail to Tarifa on the full-day trip.
Can you see Morocco from the boat?
Yes. On clear days the coast of Morocco and Mount Musa are visible for much of the route.
Will we see dolphins?
It’s possible, as cetaceans pass through these waters, but we can’t guarantee it.
What if there’s a levante?
With a strong levante we don’t sail towards Tarifa. We’ll suggest another route or a change of date.
boat hire to Tarifa
Boat hire to Tarifa on a skippered sailboat
The boat trip to Tarifa is a full-day charter from Barbate Marina: about 19 miles past Zahara, Atlanterra and Bolonia to the southernmost point of Europe, with Morocco in sight. The skipper decides the day and route according to the Levante and Poniente forecast.
Your skipper holds an official nautical licence, the sailboat is cleared for charter and fully insured (liability and passenger cover), and our guests rate us 5 stars on Google.
Tarifa from the sea
Why sail to Tarifa from Barbate
Sailing to Tarifa is the most spectacular route on our coast: Bolonia beach and its dunes, the Strait of Gibraltar and Africa just across the water.
How to book
Send us a WhatsApp or use the contact form with the date, the trip and the number of guests. We reply quickly and confirm availability and payment. Please arrive about 15 minutes before departure at Barbate Marina; we send you the exact pontoon location when you book.
more coastline
Other destinations from Barbate
Zahara de los Atunes
Caños de Meca and Trafalgar
Conil de la Frontera
gateway to the strait
Book your day on the boat to Tarifa
We’ll suggest a date based on the wind forecast.
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