Best Anchorages in Tunisia
Strategically placed between Sicily (150nm), Malta (190nm), and Algeria — Tunisia offers Carthage's ruins, Djerba's Odyssean beaches, the only significant tides in the central Mediterranean, and one of the finest undiscovered sailing destinations in North Africa. The Sirocco and ghost fishing gear require constant vigilance.
1.5m
Tidal range (Gulf of Gabes)
5
Ports of entry
Free
Cruising permit (3 months)
150 nm
To Sicily
Tunisia — The Gulf of Gabes and the Sirocco
The Gulf of Gabes is one of the most unusual sailing environments in the Mediterranean: it is the only area in the central Mediterranean with significant tidal range (up to 1.5m at springs in most areas, reaching 2.1m near Gabes town), created by the resonance of the shallow continental shelf. Extensive sandbanks uncover at low water — plan anchorage depths carefully and always anchor in at least 3–4m at HIGH WATER. The second major hazard: the Sirocco (called Chili in Tunisia) — a hot, dry, dusty desert wind from the Sahara that can reach near-gale force during July–August. It arrives faster than weather models predict. Build extra buffer into all Cap Bon and north coast departure plans. Throughout the Gulf of Gabes, ghost fishing nets (abandoned gear) are extensive — avoid dragging anchor in this region.
Sailing Regions
Tunisia North Coast
7 anchoragesThe Tunisian north coast runs from the Algerian border at Tabarka east to Cap Bon and south to Hammamet — a 300nm coastline of dramatic limestone cliffs, sandy bays, and historically significant ports. Bizerte (Tunisia's northernmost port and an official port of entry) guards a remarkable inland lake offering total all-weather anchorage. Sidi Bou Said — the iconic blue and white clifftop village — overlooks the Gulf of Tunis from a height of 70m. La Goulette is the main ferry gateway, giving access to Carthage (UNESCO) by train. Kélibia at the tip of Cap Bon is the strategic turning point for passages to Malta (190nm) and Sicily (150nm). The Sirocco (Chili) hot desert wind is the defining hazard of the north coast — it arrives faster than weather models predict.
Sirocco (Chili): hot Saharan wind from SE can reach gale force Jul–Aug; arrives faster than forecast — build 6-hour buffer into Cap Bon departures; port of entry formalities at Bizerte/La Goulette; Q flag mandatory; tidal range 0.1–0.3m along north coast
Explore Tunisia North Coast anchorages →Tunisia Islands & South
6 anchoragesSouthern Tunisia encompasses Djerba — the Odyssean island of the Lotus-Eaters — the extraordinary shallow-water Kerkennah Islands, the working port city of Sfax, and the historic Fatimid capital of Mahdia. This region is dominated by the Gulf of Gabes, one of the only areas in the central Mediterranean with significant tidal range (0.5–1.5m, up to 2.1m at springs near Gabes town). Monastir's large marina is the best-equipped sailing base in Tunisia. The Kerkennah Islands, accessible only to vessels drawing under 1.2m, preserve a 2,000-year-old palm-frond fish trap tradition virtually unchanged. Ghost fishing gear (abandoned nets) is widespread throughout the gulf — fouled propeller risk is real.
Gulf of Gabes tidal range: 0.5–1.5m (up to 2.1m at springs) — unique in central Mediterranean; anchor in minimum 3–4m at HIGH WATER; sandbanks uncover at low water; Kerkennah Islands: maximum draft 1.2m; ghost fishing nets throughout gulf — fouled propeller risk
Explore Tunisia Islands & South anchorages →Tunisian Sailing Rules — Summary
- !Ports of entry (5): Tunis/La Goulette, Monastir, Sousse, Bizerte, Tabarka. Contact authorities on VHF 16 before arrival. Fly yellow Q flag. Present: vessel registration, all crew passports, insurance documents, crew list. Cruising permit issued free of charge (valid 3 months, renewable).
- !Gulf of Gabes tides: Up to 1.5m spring tidal range (2.1m near Gabes) — unique in central Mediterranean. Extensive sandbanks dry at low water. Plan all anchorage depths for minimum water level. Always anchor in at least 3–4m at HIGH WATER. Ghost nets common throughout gulf.
- !Sirocco / Chili wind: Hot Saharan desert wind reaching gale force during July–August peak. Arrives faster than forecast; carry extra buffer on departure. Dry, dusty, hot — reduces visibility and makes anchoring uncomfortable. Avoid July–August passages if possible.
- !Free anchoring: Permitted in most bays outside restricted zones. Most marinas affordable by Mediterranean standards. Firearms/ammunition must be declared at customs. Pets require health certificates. No visa required for most EU/US/Canadian sailors (90 days).
For a full overview of Mediterranean anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.