Djerba / Ajim

About This Anchorage

Ajim is the southern tip of Djerba island — a working fishing village utterly different from the tourist-oriented north of the island. It is the hub of Djerba's famous octopus fishing tradition: the gargoulette (terracotta pot) method, where hundreds of pots are lowered to the seabed for octopus to inhabit, has been practised unchanged here for centuries. Hundreds of terracotta pots hanging to dry on wooden racks are a defining visual feature of Ajim's waterfront. The 24-hour car ferry to Jorf on the mainland runs from the pier — a constant stream of vehicles day and night. The village is authentic, uncrowded by tourists, and gives a fascinating window into traditional Gulf of Gabes fishing culture. The shallow waters around Ajim are among the richest octopus fishing grounds in the Mediterranean.

Hazards

• !TIDAL RANGE 0.8–1.2m at springs — never anchor in less than 3m at HIGH WATER; sandbanks dry at low water
• !24-hour ferry: maintain 150m clearance at all times; ferry wake significant in small bay
• !Traditional octopus pot lines throughout the bay — risk of fouling anchor and propeller; move carefully
• !Very shallow water west and south of the ferry pier — extensive sandbanks; stay east of pier
• !Ghost fishing nets in outer approaches — approach via clear water with constant echo-sounder watch

Skipper's Tips

• →Ajim is one of the most authentic fishing village experiences in Tunisia — arrive for the morning octopus catch landing
• →The traditional gargoulette octopus pot fishing is worth watching — ask fishermen if you can photograph their catch
• →A quiet overnight stop compared to busy Houmt Souk marina — Ajim is uncrowded and genuinely local
• →The mainland ferry runs 24 hours — convenient for hiring a car to explore both Djerba and the mainland in one day
• →Watch the tides carefully — this is not the anchorage to relax about; set an alarm for low water and check depths

Nearby Anchorages