Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, today, Mogador Island is a RAMSAR international wetlands site and nature reserve, especially famous for the rich variety of rare birds which have made it their breeding ground. The island was first discovered by the Carthaginian navigator, Hanno who established a trading base on the island. By the first century B.C. Mogador was famous for its valuable purple dye made from Murex and Purpura seashells and was settled by Roman traders. During the Middle Ages, however, the island lost some of its importance as a trading centre but remained significant as a strategic position. In the mid-19th century the Moroccan Sultan Mohammed V established it as an asylum and quarantine area for pilgrims. Later in the 19th century, a prison was built there to house Berber prisoners. Some managed to escape by tunnelling under the perimeter wall and set out to swim to safety. Some did not succeed. Will you?
The Swim
We are still finalising logistics for the swim. Please check back again soon.
For further information, likely costs, and details of the swim contact howard@openwater.africa.