Things to do · Rabat
The Bou Regreg is the slow tidal river and estuary that separates Rabat from its twin city of Salé before spilling into the Atlantic beneath the Kasbah des Oudayas. For centuries it has been the link — and the dividing line — between the two cities, crossed by small wooden rowing boats long before the bridges and tram. Today the riverbanks blend that old crossing with a modern marina, landscaped walks and birdlife on the mudflats. Here is how to experience Rabat from the water.
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The traditional way over the river: small wooden boats rowed by hand ferry passengers between the Rabat medina side and Salé, just as they have for generations. The short crossing costs a few dirhams, runs in daylight in calm conditions, and is the most atmospheric way to reach Salé's medina.
On the Salé bank, the modern Bouregreg Marina shelters yachts and pleasure boats along landscaped quays with cafés and restaurants. It is the hub for organised river cruises and a pleasant place to walk with views back across the water to the Oudayas.
Operators on the river run short cruises up the estuary and out toward the river mouth, giving low, water-level views of the kasbah ramparts and both medinas. Sunset departures are the most popular for the light on the walls.
Seen from a boat, the Kasbah des Oudayas rises sheer above the river — its Almohad ramparts, the seafront walls and the blue-and-white houses stacked behind them. It is the classic view of Rabat and quite different from the one you get on foot inside the walls.
Landscaped promenades line both banks of the Bou Regreg, linking the marina, the bridges and the city beach. The flat, breezy path makes for an easy stroll between Rabat and Salé with the medinas, the kasbah and the open estuary in view.
The sheltered tidal water between the bridges and the river mouth is calm enough for paddling, and clubs and operators on the river offer kayaks and small craft. It is a quiet way to see the kasbah, the mudflats and the birdlife up close.
The Bou Regreg's mudflats and reed margins draw wading birds, gulls, egrets and migrants, especially around the tidal flats upstream of the bridges. Early morning and low tide are the best times to watch from the banks.
On the Salé side stands the great Merinid gate of Bab Mrisa, built tall enough for boats to once pass through into the city — a vivid reminder of when the Bou Regreg carried trade, and the corsairs of the Bou Regreg republic, deep inland.
Rising above the Rabat side of the river, the unfinished Almohad minaret of the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V dominate the skyline. The riverbank and bridges give some of the best wide views of the monument and its esplanade.
Yes. Small wooden rowing boats still ferry passengers across the Bou Regreg between the Rabat medina side and Salé in daylight when the water is calm. The crossing costs only a few dirhams and is the most atmospheric way to reach Salé.
Beyond the traditional rowing-boat crossing, operators at the Bouregreg Marina and along the river run short cruises up the estuary toward the river mouth, with sunset trips the most popular. Kayaks and small craft are also available on the calmer tidal stretch.
The marina sits on the Salé bank of the river, between the bridges and the river mouth, reachable by tram, taxi or a riverside walk from Rabat. It has cafés, restaurants and quays and is the base for most organised river cruises.
Yes, in a modest way. The estuary's mudflats and reed margins upstream of the bridges attract wading birds, egrets, gulls and migrants. Early morning at low tide, viewed from the riverbank paths, gives the best chances.
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