 Bizerte : Profile
As a port of entry, there are Customs and Immigration offices in the marina (on the main quay). Customs and Immigration officials usually visit the yacht and are reported to be friendly and helpful. Occasionally they ask for a gift.
Bizerte is the oldest city in Tunisia. The old port is an attractive place. It is defended from the sea by a double kasbah (fort) that is in perfect shape despite it being 400 years old.(the original structure dates back to Byzantine times).
Bizerte marina is not really a marina, but just a couple of pontoons in the corner of the harbor. The "marina" is badly maintained and the swell rolls in often causing damage to boats. In an onshore wind the long fetch between the breakwater and yacht pontoons can create a large swell as happened during a storm in February 2006 when the central pontoon broke and several yachts were damaged, some seriously. Leaving a boat unattended at anchor is not advisable. However, a report from April 2006 states that visitors' berths are available on the outside of the floating pontoon extending NW from the Radio Bizerte building. There is no electricity and water only sometimes. On approach to this pontoon, leave the yellow buoy to starboard.
The Port Captain should be asked for advice on spare parts etc.
A Useful map of the port
Bizerte Marina (Port de Plaisance Bizerte)
Tel:72 436 610, Fax:72 435 681, VHF Channel 16
www.portplaisance.bizerte1.com, bizerte.sailing@gnet.tn
Opening Hours: winter: 0800-1000, 1500-1800 Tuesday to Sunday; summer: 0800-2200 daily
The marina is located in the outer harbour. Its installations were badly damaged in a storm in February 2006 and it is advisable to find out first if the damage had been repaired before coming here. Facilities are very basic, there are no showers or toilets, and the pontoons are in a bad state.
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