Boat Trips in Tunisia — Complete Guide 2026
Complete guide to boat trips in Tunisia 2026. Book glass-bottom boats, sailing cruises, and pirate boat tours from Sousse, Hammamet, Djerba, and Tabarka. Prices, tips, and best operators.
Boat Trips in Tunisia — The Complete 2026 Guide
Tunisia’s Mediterranean coastline stretches over 1,300 km — and its boat trip options are as diverse as the destinations themselves. From glass-bottom boats exploring coral reefs off Tabarka to pirate-themed family cruises from Port El Kantaoui’s marina, and from sunset catamaran sails out of Yasmine Hammamet to traditional noura lagoon boats in Djerba, there is a Tunisian boat trip for every traveller and every budget.
This guide covers every boat trip type in Tunisia, organised by departure point, with prices, booking tips, and what each offers.
Quick Reference: Tunisia Boat Trips by Departure
| Departure Point | Boat Type | Duration | Price/Person | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port El Kantaoui (Sousse) | Glass-bottom, pirate, sailing | 3–4 hours | €15–€30 | Apr–Oct |
| Yasmine Hammamet | Catamaran, glass-bottom, sailing | 3–4 hours | €15–€35 | Apr–Oct |
| Djerba (west coast) | Traditional noura lagoon boat | 3–4 hours | €20–€30 | Apr–Oct |
| Tabarka | Dive boat, glass-bottom | 3–4 hours | €25–€45 | Apr–Oct |
| Monastir | Small sailing, glass-bottom | 2–3 hours | €10–€25 | May–Sep |
1. Boat Trips from Port El Kantaoui, Sousse
Port El Kantaoui is Tunisia’s most popular marina destination and the country’s busiest boat trip departure point. The marina sits 8 km north of Sousse city and is lined with excursion operators offering multiple boat types throughout the day.
Glass-Bottom Boat (Port El Kantaoui)
The most popular family option. A flat-bottomed boat with a transparent floor section allows passengers to observe marine life — sea bass, bream, octopus, and on good days small rays — without getting wet.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: €15–€20/person
- Includes: Marina departure, open-sea cruise, swimming stop
- Best for: Families with children, non-swimmers, first-time Mediterranean boat trips
- Departure times: Typically 9:30am and 2:00pm from the marina entrance
Pirate Boat (Port El Kantaoui)
The undisputed favourite for families with children — a large wooden boat styled as a pirate galleon, complete with theatrical staff in pirate costume, treasure hunt activities for children, and swimming in open water.
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Price: €20–€30/person
- Best for: Families with children aged 4–14, groups
- Includes: Pirate entertainment, swimming stop, soft drinks
Traditional Sailing Boat
Older wooden sailing vessels offer a more authentic Mediterranean experience. Smaller groups, quieter atmosphere, and typically a longer swimming stop in calmer, cleaner water off the Port El Kantaoui coastline.
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Price: €20–€25/person
- Best for: Couples, small groups, those who prefer less noise
Booking: Book directly at the marina kiosks in Port El Kantaoui (south entrance) for the best prices — hotel excursion desks charge 15–25% more for the same trips.
2. Boat Trips from Yasmine Hammamet
Yasmine Hammamet marina — Tunisia’s most complete marina development — offers a broader range of boat excursions than Port El Kantaoui, including sailing catamarans, glass-bottom boats, and evening sunset cruises unavailable elsewhere.
Catamaran Cruise (Yasmine Hammamet)
A sailing catamaran with an open sun deck, swimming nets, and space for larger groups. Hammamet’s catamarans often offer better snorkelling conditions than the busier Port El Kantaoui boats.
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Price: €25–€35/person
- Includes: Catamaran sail, snorkelling equipment, swimming stop, soft drinks
- Best for: Adults, couples, snorkelling enthusiasts
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
An evening departure — typically 5:30–7:30pm — sailing west toward the setting sun over the Gulf of Hammamet. Wine and local pastries are usually served on board.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: €30–€40/person
- Best for: Couples, honeymooners, groups
- Season: June–September (evenings)
Glass-Bottom Boat (Hammamet)
Similar to the Sousse/Port El Kantaoui version. The Gulf of Hammamet has a sandy seabed with good visibility in calm conditions.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: €15–€20/person
3. Boat Trips in Djerba — Lagoon Noura Tours
Djerba’s boat trips are fundamentally different from the Hammamet and Sousse marina-based excursions. The island’s western coast has a shallow, warm lagoon separated from the open sea by the Roman causeway — accessible only to traditional flat-bottomed noura boats that navigate the sea-grass channels.
Djerba Lagoon Noura Tour
The most authentic Tunisian boat experience. A traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat navigates Djerba’s western lagoon — through reed beds and sea-grass, past flamingo nesting sites, to isolated sandbars where the water is knee-deep and turquoise.
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Price: €20–€30/person
- Includes: Lagoon navigation, sandbar stop, swimming, guide explanation
- Best for: Nature lovers, families, birdwatchers, photographers
- Season: April–October (flamingos most visible March–November)
Note: This is not a high-energy party boat — it is a quiet, nature-focused excursion suited to travellers who want to see Djerba’s ecosystem rather than its resort strip.
Djerba Open-Sea Boat Trip
Some operators offer open-sea excursions from Djerba’s east coast, visiting the offshore island of Ile de Djerba and the coastal reef areas for snorkelling.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: €20–€35/person
- Best for: Snorkellers, underwater photography enthusiasts
4. Boat Trips from Tabarka — Coral Reef Diving
Tabarka offers Tunisia’s most spectacular underwater boat trips — access to some of the western Mediterranean’s richest coral reef ecosystems. These are dive-focused excursions rather than leisure cruises.
Dive Boat Excursion (Tabarka)
Daily dive boats depart from Tabarka marina to the Aiguilles (the Needles) and Gorge coral walls — dramatic Mediterranean reef formations with grouper, bream, octopus, and rare gorgonian fans.
- Duration: Half day (4 hours including two dives)
- Price: €40–€60/person (certified diver with equipment)
- Best for: Certified scuba divers, underwater photographers
- Certification required: Open Water PADI or equivalent
Glass-Bottom Boat (Tabarka)
For non-divers, a glass-bottom or snorkelling boat departs Tabarka marina to the near-shore reef areas. Less spectacular than the deep-water dive sites but accessible to all.
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Price: €20–€30/person
5. Boat Trips from Monastir
Monastir’s boat trips are smaller-scale than Port El Kantaoui but more intimate. The Monastir coastline on the Gulf of Hammamet has calm, clear water and is particularly good for swimming stops.
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Price: €10–€25/person
- Types: Glass-bottom boats, small wooden sailing vessels
- Best for: Families staying in Monastir area hotels
Booking Tips — Get the Best Price on Tunisia Boat Trips
1. Book at the Marina, Not Through Your Hotel
Hotel excursion desks and resort representatives charge a 15–25% commission on boat trips. Walking to the marina and booking directly with operators typically saves €5–€8/person per trip.
2. Morning Departures Have Calmer Seas
The Gulf of Hammamet and Gulf of Gabes tend to be calmer in the morning (9am–12pm) than the afternoon. For glass-bottom viewing, morning offers better clarity. For swimming, both times are fine.
3. What to Bring
- Sunscreen (strong — the reflection off water intensifies UV)
- Towel and swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
- Cash for tipping guides (€2–€5 is appreciated)
- Small waterproof bag for phone and valuables
4. Peak Season Booking
July–August: Port El Kantaoui and Yasmine Hammamet boats fill up daily. Arrive at the marina by 9am to secure morning slots without pre-booking.
May–June and September–October: Far less crowded — walk up on the day for guaranteed availability.
FAQ: Boat Trips in Tunisia
Are boat trips in Tunisia safe? Yes — Tunisian marina operators are licensed and inspected. Life jackets are provided on all commercial excursions. The Gulf of Hammamet and Djerba lagoon waters are calm and shallow — appropriate for non-swimmers and young children. Check weather conditions before departure; operators cancel in rough sea conditions.
What is the best boat trip in Tunisia for families? The Port El Kantaoui pirate boat is Tunisia’s most family-popular boat experience — theatrical, entertaining for children of all ages, and includes swimming. For more nature-oriented families, the Djerba lagoon noura boat is unique and memorable.
Can I snorkel on Tunisia boat trips? Yes — most glass-bottom and catamaran excursions include a snorkelling stop with basic equipment provided. Tabarka’s dive boats offer the best snorkelling (and diving) conditions. Bring your own mask and snorkel for the best fit.
How far in advance should I book? For July and August, book 1–2 days ahead (at the marina, not through hotels). For May, June, September, and October, same-day or next-day booking is almost always possible. Tabarka dive boats in peak season benefit from 24-hour advance booking.
