Gibraltar: The Gateway to the Mediterranean

PART 6: GIBRALTAR & MEDITERRANEAN ENTRANCE

GIBRALTAR [QR-247]

Coordinates: 36°08'N, 5°21'W

Marina: Ocean Village Marina, Queensway Quay

Berth Cost: €50-80/night

Character: British territory, "The Rock," monkeys, strategic strait, provisioning hub

---

Strait of Gibraltar:

• Narrow: 13 km at narrowest
• Busy: One of world's busiest shipping lanes
• Current: 2-4 knots (Atlantic → Mediterranean on surface)
• Wind: Levanter (east wind) or Poniente (west wind)—strong funneling

Navigation:

• Traffic Separation Scheme (follow it)
• VHF Ch. 16
• Watch for ferries (Algeciras-Ceuta/Tangier)
• Strong current—calculate timing

Best time: Slack tide or favorable current.

---

The Rock: British since 1704. Monkeys (Barbary macaques) roam freely. Cable car to top. €15.

Provisioning: Excellent—British supermarkets, duty-free.

---

Dining:

🍴 The Clipper [QR-248]

• British pub fare
• €20-40

🍴 Bianca's [QR-249]

• Italian, harbor views
• €30-50

Stay 2-3 days - Provision for Mediterranean, wait for good Strait weather.

---