Pirate Boat Trip to Flamingo Island Djerba

The port of Houmt Souk

The adventure starts in the small port of Houmt Souk, the main town of Djerba, where colourful fishing boats sit beside the pirate ships that sail to Flamingo Island each morning. Our driver brings you from your hotel, and the crew welcomes you on board around mid-morning. From the deck you can see Borj El Kebir, the 15th-century fortress that guards the harbour, and the white houses of the town behind it.

Houmt Souk has been a trading port for centuries, and fishing is still an important part of daily life here. Traditional clay pots, called gargoulettes, are used by local fishermen to catch octopus on the sandy seabed, and you may see piles of them stacked along the quay. A Houmt Souk boat trip is the easiest way to see this side of the island from the water.

Sailing on the pirate ship

The ship is a large wooden vessel decorated like a pirate galleon, with masts, flags and plenty of deck space in the sun and shade. The crossing to Flamingo Island lasts about an hour each way across a calm, shallow sea whose colours change from emerald to light turquoise as you go.

The crew speaks English, French, German, Italian and Arabic and keeps everyone entertained with music, dance lessons, games and small shows, including a playful pirate act that children love. You can join in or simply relax on deck and enjoy the sea breeze. Life jackets are on board, and the crew assists guests throughout the day. It is this mix of fun and relaxation that makes the Djerba pirate ship excursion so popular with families.

Flamingo Island and its beaches

Flamingo Island, known locally as Ras Rmal, is a long, narrow spit of sand that stretches into the sea north-east of Houmt Souk. It has no buildings, only fine white sand, low dunes, a few reed shelters and water so shallow and clear that you can walk far from the shore. It is one of the most beautiful natural spots of Djerba.

You have several hours on the island to swim, sunbathe, collect shells or walk along the beach. Bring swimwear, a towel and biodegradable sunscreen, as there is little natural shade. Shade huts are set up for lunch. If you are wondering whether Flamingo Island is worth visiting, the contrast of white sand and turquoise water makes it one of the best beach days in Tunisia.

Flamingos and lunch on the island

The island owes its name to the pink flamingos that gather in the shallow lagoons around Ras Rmal, especially from autumn to spring during the migration season. Herons, egrets and other wading birds also feed here, and the crew will point them out when they are visible. In summer the birds are fewer, but the beaches are at their best.

Lunch is prepared on the island and served in the shade: grilled fish or grilled chicken with couscous or pasta, salad and bread, a simple and tasty local menu. A vegetarian meal can be prepared on request, and the meat is halal, as everywhere in Tunisia. Drinks are not included, so bring water or buy soft drinks on board. After lunch there is more time to swim before the sail back to Houmt Souk in the afternoon.