Djerba / Houmt Souk
Houmt Souk · Djerba capital · Marina Djerba
33°52.5'N 10°51.6'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m in outer roads — CRITICAL: Gulf of Gabes tidal range 0.8–1.5m at springs. Anchor in minimum 3.5m at HIGH WATER. At low water this may become 2–3.5m — ensure draft allows this. Check tide tables. Marina berth strongly preferred.
About This Anchorage
Djerba is Tunisia's largest island (514 sq km) and one of the most distinctive sailing destinations in North Africa. Connected to the mainland by a Roman causeway (7km, rebuilt) and a ferry from Ajim, the island sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Gabes where Mediterranean tides reach their maximum central Mediterranean extent. The island capital Houmt Souk is a maze of whitewashed fondouks (merchants' hostels), a 15th-century Ottoman fort (Borj Ghazi Mustapha), and one of the most atmospheric souks in North Africa. Djerba has one of the world's oldest Jewish communities — the El Ghriba synagogue dates back 2,500 years according to tradition. Legend holds that Odysseus and his crew were detained here by the Lotus-Eaters (Homer's Odyssey). The island is famous for its olive and palm landscapes, traditional pottery from Guellala village, and turquoise-water beaches.
Protected From
N · NW · W · SW
Exposed To
E · SE · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Marina Djerba berth approx 25–50 TND/night; outer anchorage free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Port of entry for Djerba. Contact marina VHF 16 on approach. Q flag required. Cruising permit and all crew documents required on arrival. Clearance agent available at marina.
Restrictions: Tidal range critical — never anchor in less than 3.5m at HIGH WATER. Ghost nets throughout outer approaches — approach via marked channel only. No anchoring in designated swimming areas near beaches.
Hazards
- !TIDAL RANGE 0.8–1.5m at springs — anchor in minimum 3.5m at HIGH WATER; sandbanks uncover at low water throughout approaches
- !Ghost fishing nets extremely common in outer approaches and throughout Gulf of Gabes — fouled propeller risk
- !4,500m entrance channel to marina — follow buoyed channel exactly; sandbanks on either side dry at low water
- !Sirocco (Chili) arrives from SE July–August — enclosed marina provides protection but departure impossible in Sirocco
- !El Ghriba synagogue area: high security during pilgrimage periods (May) — coordinate with local police
Skipper's Tips
- →Always anchor in minimum 3.5m at HIGH WATER — Gulf of Gabes springs drop 1.5m; you may sit on the bottom at low tide
- →Houmt Souk medina is best explored at dawn before tourist buses arrive — the fondouks are extraordinary
- →El Ghriba synagogue (15km from marina) is one of the world's oldest — visit outside the May pilgrimage for quieter access
- →Djerba's octopus fishing tradition is unique — octopus pots (gargoulettes) hung to dry are everywhere; fresh octopus salad is unmissable
- →The Roman causeway (7km) connecting Djerba to mainland has impressive ancient masonry still visible
Facilities
Many excellent restaurants in Houmt Souk specialising in Djerbian fish stew (marqa) and grilled seafood. Good local food markets. Supermarkets 2km from marina.
Nearest provisions: Houmt Souk market (0.8nm)
Best Months & Season
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
April–October. Tidal planning essential year-round. Best in May–June and September–October. July–August very hot (38–42°C), Sirocco risk, very crowded with Tunisian summer tourists.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
In the Gulf of Gabes, tides can drop 1.5m overnight and Sirocco can arrive without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you sleep safely.
Download Free for iOS