Tabarka
Thabraca · Tabarka Marina
36°57.3'N 08°45.5'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in the harbour bay — sand and mud in 2–5m. Rocky outcrops near the Genoese fort islet — maintain 70m clearance from rocks. In W or NW swell above F3, consider anchoring further east for more shelter.
About This Anchorage
Tabarka is Tunisia's most scenic and undiscovered northern port — just 10nm from the Algerian border, in a setting of dramatic limestone cliffs, dense cork oak forests, and clear Mediterranean water. The Genoese fort on a rocky islet connected to the town by a narrow causeway is one of Tunisia's most photogenic landmarks — built in the 16th century by the Lomellini family as part of the coral fishing trade. Tabarka was historically the centre of the Mediterranean coral industry. The offshore rocky islet group of La Galite (50nm north) is a Tunisian national park and one of the finest diving sites in the western Mediterranean. Tabarka hosts major summer jazz and world music festivals (July). The north coast limestone cliffs, which are unique in Tunisia, make for spectacular coastal sailing. The Sardinian coast is 130nm north.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Port of entry — harbour authority registration required; small harbour fee
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Tabarka is an official port of entry. Contact harbour master on VHF 16 on arrival. 10nm from Algerian border — all passages westward require prior authorisation; do not proceed without clearance.
Restrictions: No approach to Algerian territorial waters without authorisation. La Galite island: national park — anchoring in core zone prohibited; diving permit required for coral reef areas. Fishermen's quay area reserved for fishing boats.
Hazards
- !10nm from Algerian border — under no circumstances enter Algerian waters without official authorisation; serious legal consequences
- !La Galite national park: anchoring in core zone prohibited; contact Tunisian maritime authority before visiting
- !Westerly swell from Atlantic enters the bay in winter and spring — bay exposed to W and NW; leave in W gale conditions
- !Rocky outcrops near Genoese fort islet — approach via marked channel; chart carefully
- !Sirocco (Chili) from SE can arrive suddenly — hot, dusty, reduces visibility; monitor forecasts
Skipper's Tips
- →Tabarka is the perfect stopover for yachts arriving from Sardinia (130nm) or continuing to Bizerte (95nm east)
- →The Genoese fort is the most photogenic anchorage backdrop in Tunisia — worth staying an extra night for the evening light
- →La Galite island (50nm N) is one of the Mediterranean's great diving secrets — pristine coral, monk seals, rare marine life; apply for permit well in advance
- →The jazz festival (July) fills the harbour with musicians and visitors — festive atmosphere but berths scarce
- →Cork oak forests behind Tabarka can be explored by road — beautiful walking country; remarkably untouristed
Facilities
Good local restaurants in Tabarka town. Excellent fresh seafood. Local coral jewellery market. Summer jazz festival attracts European visitors.
Nearest provisions: Tabarka town market (0.4nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
May–October. Best in May–June and September–October. July jazz festival period is lively but crowded. Winter (Nov–Mar) brings W and NW swell — not recommended for extended stays.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
On the Tunisia North Coast, a Sirocco can arrive at night. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and alerts you the moment your anchor drags.
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