It’s easy to understand why one would want to spend weeks on Tunisia’s beautiful beaches, with glorious weather and 800 miles of beautiful coastline to enjoy. But if you can drag yourself off the sun lounger, there’s a whole other side to the country to explore, and it’s not far away. Just take a few steps into the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy seeing Tunisia’s fascinating marine life up close on a scuba diving holiday: going under the sea is one of the best things to do in Tunisia.
The months between March and November are recommended for scuba diving in Tunisia due to better visibility and warmer water temperatures, although diving centres operate all year round. Water temperature during summer is typically between 25°C – 30°C – making it ideal for diving. Peak season, however, can mean overcrowding in some areas.
Diving in Tunisia is generally shore-based in Tabarka, Cap Bon and Hammamet. There is a WWII wreck to discover off the coast of Hammamet, colourful underwater fauna in Hergla, archaeological sites in Mahdia, hidden caves in Djerba, as well as beautiful grouper fish near Port El Kantaoui.Tabarka – Tunnels Reef covers 500m and contains 20 tunnels you can swim through. Cap Bon open up to deep waters. Visibility is excellent here but it is for experienced divers only. The sites are varied and rich in Mediterranean fish varieties: groupers, murenes, gorgonians, coral, mullets, octopuses.Hammamet – a number of wrecks, several of them dating from WW2 including German and Italian vessels. Some still have their cargo – jeeps and motorcycles.
Its clear waters, colourful coral reefs and varied sea life make for memorable dives. There’s no need to be an expert diver, either: one can grab a snorkel for an initial glimpse of the underwater world and then sign up for a course at one of the country’s many dive centres, which cater for all levels, from beginners to experts. There are a number of excellent diving spots in Tunisia, but the top spot has to go to the coastal town of Tabarka. There’s an unspoiled coral reef resplendent with diverse marine life close to the shore, and diving companies offering tours for all levels of divers. As well as exploring a number of shipwrecks dating back to World War Two, intrepid divers can also check out Tunnels Reef, an intriguing complex full of tunnels, caves and caverns.
In Tabarka, one will have the chance to spot a variety of marine creatures, from the eye-catching pink Swallowtail sea perch to the large dusky grouper that will swim right up to you. To add a bit of variety one can,do several dives over the trip, opting for a night dive or an all-day trip to the beautiful Galite Islands, around three hours from Tabarka. The uninhabited islands offer divers spectacular views and a mesmerising array of sea life.The local reef covers 500 meters and contains approximately 20 tunnels you can swim through.
Monastir is one of the most popular areas for diving in Tnisia. This area has more than 20 registered diving locations, suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. Alyssa Epave is a beautiful colourful coral reef that descends to a depth of around 60 meters. One will also find the Bhiri Wreck, a coral area frequently visited by dolphins and pilot whales -here you’ll be able to do both snorkelling and wreck diving. The wreck of the HMS Manchester, which is at a maximum depth of about 80 meters, is just one of the many wrecks and coral areas that can be found here. This area has a pleasant temperature throughout the year.
Hergla is ideal for divers who want to see exotic underwater fauna, including small sharks, barracudas, angel fish, groupers, and triggerfish. The undersea environment is also compelling, with a variety of caves and reefs to explore. Experienced divers will enjoy the unique and diverse diving experience at Hergla, located in the heart of Tunisia’s beautiful coastline.
However, whichever vacation spot one may choose for scuba diving adventure, one can’t go wrong: the warm, clear Mediterranean waters, exciting marine life and quality of dive schools means one will be in safe hands while having a great time.