TUNISIA - GENERAL INFORMATION

Tunisia is the smallest country in the Mahgreb but offers the most varied and established cruising area of all, with many harbours, from small fishing ports to several marinas. The Tunisian coast extends 160M eastward from the Algerian border to Cap Bon, where it turns south for 330M to the border with Libya.

The landscape consists of isolated mountains in the north and shallow, tidal coastal areas in the south where the desert meets the sea. Few yachts venture south of Mahdia. There are many interesting historical sites to visit, reminders of the fact that this part of North Africa was once an important Roman province. Overland trips to the Berber dwellings in the south provide for interesting desert excursions to view a way of life unchanged through the centuries. See the Introduction on page 1 and the country introduction on page 154 for helpful insights into planning your cruise, formalities and socio-cultural guidelines; and our online updates.

The winters are mild and, as there are enough ports with good protection should the weather deteriorate, it is possible to continue cruising in the winter. Summer cruising is normally accompanied by west, northwest or east winds. Tides are negligible along the north coast of Tunisia and along much of the east coast going south from Cap Bon. They become significant around Sfax and from there south, are mentioned under each port. Watch out for the Marrobbio phenomenon when sea levels can suddenly increase by about a metre, generating strong currents of up to 4 knots in one direction and may just as suddenly reverse.

Check for security updates with your embassy before setting out as there has been a State of Emergency imposed by the Tunisian government which may still be in place. Or check this website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tunisia

CAUTION: The information above is selective and reflects conditions at the time of visiting. It is not definitive and may be changed or revised without notice. To the extent permitted by law, the RCC Pilotage Foundation and contributors do not accept any liability for any loss and/or damage howsoever caused that may arise from reliance on information in this Cruising Note and any attached files. The RCC Pilotage Foundation would welcome additional information or corrections to the information in this note. Please click here if you want to provide feedback on this or any other notice.