Kuriat Islands: the complete guide to visiting them in 2026

If you could keep just one memory of the Tunisian coast, this would probably be it: water so clear that you can no longer tell where the sand ends and the sky begins. The Kuriat Islands are our favourite corner, and we have been taking travellers there for years. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

Where are the Kuriat Islands?

The Kuriat are a small archipelago off the coast of Monastir, about an hour by boat from the port. There are two islands: the Great Kuriat, easy to spot thanks to its old lighthouse, and the Little Kuriat, which is wilder. Between the two lies a shallow lagoon where the water takes on that famous turquoise shade.

It is a protected marine reserve. In practice, that means no hotels, no shops, no buildings: just the beach, the water, a few shrubs and the silence. That is exactly why we love it, it is one of the few places in the region that has stayed truly untouched.

How do you get to the Kuriat Islands?

The Kuriat can only be reached by boat, departing from the Monastir Marina. There is no regular public ferry: you go as part of an organised excursion. There are two options:

• By yacht, in a small group: a full day aboard a genuinely comfortable boat, with a meal, swimming stops and a guide. This is the most common and most affordable option.
• By private boat (VIP): the boat just for your group, with a more flexible itinerary (the secret lagoon between the two islands, snorkelling and more). Ideal for families, couples or groups of friends who want their privacy.

From Monastir, departure is around 10am; we pick you up at your hotel a little earlier depending on your town (Sousse, Mahdia, Hammamet, transport is included).

What is there to see and do?

Swimming and snorkelling

The water is shallow over long distances, often crystal clear, and usually calm. It is perfect for swimming, floating, or watching the fish with a mask. We know the best spots, the ones you will not find on a tourist map, only through the know-how of the local fishermen.

Sea turtles

The Kuriat are one of the few nesting sites for the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. A local association, Notre Grand Bleu, watches over the nests in summer. You will not necessarily see a turtle on every trip, they are wild animals, but they regularly come up to the surface during the swim, and it is a magical moment when it happens.

Dolphins

On the crossing, it is not unusual to come across dolphins escorting the boat. Here again, nothing is guaranteed with nature, but it happens often, especially early in the morning.

What is the best season?

The ideal season runs from May to October, when the sea is warm and calm. July and August are the sunniest months (and the busiest); June and September offer a very good compromise, with water that is already (or still) pleasant and fewer crowds. Outside this period, trips depend on the conditions at sea.

What should you pack?

• Sunscreen (essential: there is almost no shade on the island)
• A hat or cap and sunglasses
• A towel and swimsuit (put it on under your clothes, we leave promptly)
• A pair of water shoes if your feet are sensitive
• A little water and your personal belongings; the meal is provided on board

How much does a Kuriat excursion cost?

The price depends mainly on your departure town (because of the transport) and the option you choose. Here are our indicative rates for the day by yacht:

This rate includes return transport from your hotel, the crossing, the Tunisian meal on board and the guide. For a group that wants its own boat, the private VIP boat option starts at EUR 590 for the group.

Frequently asked questions

No, there is no public connection. Access is only by boat via an organised excursion departing from Monastir.

Yes, it is a trip that families really enjoy. The shallow water is reassuring. Children aged 3 and under go free.

These are wild animals, so we cannot promise anything. That said, sightings are frequent, especially in summer and in the morning.

For your safety, if the conditions at sea do not allow it, we reschedule the trip to another date free of charge.