Kélibia
Clupea · Aspis
36°50.8'N 11°06.2'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m in the south bay on sand and sandy-mud. Set firmly — in summer NW sea breeze the anchorage is comfortable. If E or SE develops, move into the fishing harbour or leave for Hammamet.
About This Anchorage
Kélibia sits at the eastern tip of Cap Bon — the narrowest point of the Sicily Channel and the strategic crossroads of the central Mediterranean. The Kélibia fortress (Byzantine/Arab/Ottoman, 6th century AD) dominates the headland above the harbour, offering panoramic views across to Sicily on clear days. Kélibia is Tunisia's ferry departure point for Malta (Grimaldi Lines — 10 hours), making it the most practical final anchorage before the 190nm crossing to Malta. The town has a vibrant fishing harbour and is renowned for its particularly fine Muscat white wine — one of Tunisia's wine appellations. The ancient city of Aspis (Clupea) — an important Carthaginian and Roman city — has ruins scattered around the modern town.
Protected From
W · SW · NW · N
Exposed To
E · SE · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in south bay; harbour authority registration if using quay
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Ferry quay area restricted to Grimaldi Lines ferry — maintain 150m clearance. Active fishing harbour — fishing boats have priority in harbour entrance. No anchoring in the marked ferry approach lane.
Hazards
- !Cap Bon tip — wind acceleration zone; NW sea breeze funnels around the cape and can reach F6 in afternoon; depart early morning
- !Sicily Channel: strong and variable currents, especially in spring; allow for 1–2 knot set in passage planning to Malta/Sicily
- !Ferry traffic: Grimaldi Lines ferry to Malta — monitor VHF 16; large ferry creates significant wake in the bay
- !Easterly conditions make anchorage untenable — bay exposed to E/SE; proceed to harbour or leave
- !Night passages to Malta or Sicily require full radar watch — heavy commercial shipping in the channel
Skipper's Tips
- →Kélibia is the optimal final Tunisia stop before crossing to Malta (190nm, 10–12 hours passage)
- →The fortress above the harbour provides excellent views across the Sicily Channel — visible for 30nm on a clear day
- →Kélibia Muscat wine is Tunisia's finest — buy bottles from local shops for the passage to Malta
- →Leave for Malta on a NW wind (prevailing summer pattern) — fair wind for the crossing to Valletta
- →Check weather carefully at Cap Bon — wind accelerates around the headland; morning departure avoids peak afternoon NW sea breeze
Facilities
Good fish restaurants near the harbour. Kelibia white Muscat wine worth sampling — ask at local restaurants. Basic provisions in town.
Nearest provisions: Kélibia town (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
April–October. Best crossing window to Malta: May–June and September–October. Avoid July–August for Sicily Channel crossings — Sirocco risk highest. Kélibia itself is an excellent stopover in any season.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
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