Kerkennah Islands
Îles Kerkennah · Chergui and Gharbi Islands
34°42.1'N 11°12.3'E
Depth
1–3m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m in Mellita channel — EXTREME CAUTION: maximum depth 1–3m throughout islands. MAXIMUM DRAFT 1.2m. Tidal range 0.8–1.5m — anchor in minimum 2.5m at HIGH WATER only. This anchorage is for shallow-draft vessels only.
About This Anchorage
The Kerkennah Islands are one of the most extraordinary and fragile environments in the Mediterranean — a flat, low-lying archipelago of two main islands (Gharbi and Chergui) rising barely 3m above sea level, surrounded by shallow water (0.5–3m) that stretches for kilometres in every direction. The islands are inhabited by a traditional fishing community that has practiced the charbi method — building palm frond barriers in the shallows to guide fish into traps — for over 2,000 years without change. This ancient technique is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Kerkennah landscape is one of olive groves, date palms, and flat sandy beaches of extraordinary tranquillity. Almost no tourists visit. For yachts with draft under 1.2m, this is one of the most memorable destinations in the Mediterranean — a step back in time to a pre-modern fishing world.
Protected From
N · NW · W · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; palm frond fish trap barriers are legally protected — do not damage or cut
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: CRITICAL: Maximum draft 1.2m throughout most of the islands. Charbi fish trap barriers are protected cultural heritage — no interference. Approach via Mellita channel only. No anchoring near fish farm installations.
Hazards
- !MAXIMUM DRAFT 1.2m throughout — deeper-draft vessels MUST NOT attempt approach; grounding risk is extreme
- !TIDAL RANGE 0.8–1.5m at springs — at low water, chart 1.5m becomes 0–0.7m actual; vessels can be stranded
- !Palm frond charbi fish trap barriers extend across channels — easy to foul propeller or anchor; approach very slowly
- !No navigation marks in most channels — use large-scale chart, constant echo sounder, slow speed
- !Remote location — in emergency, assistance from Sfax could take 2–4 hours; carry full spares and medical kit
Skipper's Tips
- →Kerkennah is accessible only to vessels with draft under 1.2m — if your boat fits, this is one of the Mediterranean's great secrets
- →The charbi fish trap barriers at low tide are extraordinary to witness — ancient palm frond engineering visible above water
- →Sidi Youssef village on Chergui island has a small market and a café serving the freshest fish in Tunisia
- →Low tide exposes vast areas of sandy flat — excellent for walking; the birdlife (flamingos, herons) is exceptional
- →Hire a local fishing boat from Sfax to visit if your yacht draft is too great — well worth a day trip
Facilities
Small village cafés on Chergui island. Very basic provisions in Sidi Youssef village. Full facilities at Sfax (22nm).
Nearest provisions: Sidi Youssef village (basic) / Sfax (22nm) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
April–October. Tidal planning is non-negotiable — these are extremely shallow waters. Best visited May–June and September when light and birdlife are at their finest. Avoid July–August for Sirocco and peak heat.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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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