About Gibraltar

Strategically positioned at the gateway to the Western Mediterranean, Gibraltar has for many years been an important port of call for worldwide shipping. Since man first braved the seas, the Bay of Gibraltar has sheltered countless vessels and mariners from the unpredictable weather conditions in the Straits. Today the port enjoys duty free status and represents the final stop for many professionally crewed yachts heading west across the Atlantic, wishing to refuel and provision prior to departure, in just the same way that it represents a welcome arrival into European waters for the multitude of yachts entering the Mediterranean each season.

We picked up excellent feedback - from the Captains of Superyachts registered outside the E.U. – as the port of Gibraltar is extremely useful for shipping in parts with no VAT payable. With this in mind, there are several recommended shipping and yacht agents on hand to help with sourcing, supplying and shipping any goods, as well as organizing any berthing, as required. They also offer a full fast turn around service for any Superyachts on a tight time schedule. We also heard from a number of yachts - and reliable local sources - that Customs & Immigration clearance now has to be effected by the marina administration department after docking at a marina or through an approved ships agent. All three marinas are in close proximity to Gibraltar airport, which has daily flights to the UK. From the docks, yachts can take on duty free fuel, provision with quality fresh produce, have charts corrected and, if the time allows, take a memorable, whistle stop, historical tour of this amazing small colony, determinedly hanging on to the yesteryear of British ‘times and traditions’. 

When approaching the Straits of Gibraltar from the sea, the famous Rock looms in defiance above the rest of the Iberian Peninsula. Since Roman times countries fought for supremacy of this strategic territory until the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht gave Britain sovereignty over this craggy outcrop that juts out from the southern edge of Andalusia. Gibraltar has remained under the British flag since that day, with all British traditions, laws and customs being upheld.

During the 18th century and in the heyday of European naval battles, Gibraltar became an important base for the Royal Navy; in 1805 following Lord Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar his body of was landed at Gibraltar preserved in a barrel of rum. 

The colourful and multi cultural history of Gibraltar is evident today in an abundance of well preserved tourist sites and spectacles such as the Moorish castle perched on the side of the Rock, the great siege tunnels within it, the daily ‘changing of the guard’ at the Convent, and the famous apes that roam the upper reaches. The people of Gibraltar are friendly, welcoming and because of the country's chequered history, multi national. Although Spanish is spoken, English is the official language and the British pound sterling is the currency used. The euro has a very poor rate in bars and shops. Shop opening hours are 0900-1700hrs and the town abounds with British pubs and cafes serving traditional English fare such as fish and chips, steak and kidney pies and a pint or two of British beer!