Monastir
Ruspina · Marina Cap Monastir
35°46.6'N 10°50.6'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
55m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
55m
55m inside Marina Cap Monastir (enclosed). Gulf of Gabes springs 0.3–0.7m here — minimal but check depths. If anchoring in outer bay, use 85m and anchor in minimum 3m at HIGH WATER.
About This Anchorage
Monastir is Tunisia's most convenient and best-equipped sailing base — a large, modern marina in a city with a 1,300-year-old Ribat (fortified monastery) standing dramatically at the harbour entrance. The Ribat of Monastir (796 AD) is one of the finest examples of Aghlabid Islamic architecture in North Africa and was used as a film location for both Monty Python's Life of Brian and Franco Zeffirelli's Jesus of Nazareth. The city is the birthplace of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's founding president — the Bourguiba family mausoleum and surrounding mosque complex are among the finest modern Islamic architecture in Tunisia. Monastir's international airport makes it a convenient crew change point. The marina is well-positioned for passages south to the Gulf of Gabes islands or north toward Cap Bon and beyond.
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SE · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Marina berth approx 30–55 TND/night; outer bay anchoring free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Port of entry for Tunisia. Q flag required. Full clearance documentation. Marina can assist with agent and paperwork. Cruising permit valid 3 months.
Restrictions: No anchoring near the Ribat archaeological zone marked boundary. Marina speed limit 3 knots. No anchoring inside marina basin without permission.
Hazards
- !Gulf of Gabes tidal range 0.3–0.7m — smaller than Sfax/Kerkennah but still requires minimum 2.5m depth at HIGH WATER in outer bay
- !Heavy tourist charter traffic in summer — ferries, excursion boats, windsurfers; marina can be very busy July–August
- !Outer bay exposed to E and NE — in NE conditions above F4, outer anchorage becomes untenable
- !Sirocco (Chili): dusty, hot July–August; enclosed marina provides shelter; check forecasts before departure
- !Airport approach path crosses marina area — noise significant; low-flying aircraft
Skipper's Tips
- →Monastir is Tunisia's best marina for crew changes — international airport 2km from the marina
- →The Ribat fortress at the marina entrance is extraordinary — morning visit before tourists arrive is essential
- →Sousse (20km north by road or 12nm by sea) has Tunisia's finest medina (UNESCO) — easy day trip from Monastir
- →Marina staff are experienced with visiting yachts and can arrange everything from repairs to restaurants
- →Monastir is a good provisioning base before heading south to the Gulf of Gabes — stock up on fuel and supplies here
Facilities
Many restaurants near the marina and throughout the medina. Good supermarkets within 1km. Chandlery and repairs available at marina. International airport 2km.
Nearest provisions: Monastir market and supermarkets (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
April–October. Year-round marina operation. Best for passage-making in May–June and September–October. July–August busy and hot but fully functional. Good winter base if looking for a warm, well-equipped Mediterranean marina.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 55m
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.
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