Enjoy diving on the Tunisian coast

Tunisia, the northernmost country in Africa, has a rich and ancient history, as well as corals that present great diving opportunities for an activity holiday.

The recently developed resort of Tabarka is an ideal place to head as it has been gaining a reputation as a Tunisia's diving capital, not least because every September it hosts the 'Coralis' festival of diving and underwater photography.

Tabarka has several diving schools with qualified instructors where beginners can learn relatively inexpensively.

The town is set among mountains and forests, and has a 16th century Genoese fort that overlooks the city, a busy local market and a golf course nearby.

Experienced divers are also catered for as the local guides will point out areas where tunnels, caves and wrecks left over from the Second World War can be explored.

The Hotel Mehari is a new hotel and apartment complex which has scuba diving on site, located opposite a sandy beach with bars, tennis courts, a health centre and two swimming pools.

It has a choice of board options according to season, with all inclusive dates lasting from April 1st to October 31st, and a half board service at all other times.

The Le Merou diving centre at the hotel has a team of qualified instructors and equipment that includes two boats, compressors, bottles, belts, lamps, and torches.

Boat trips can be arranged to the La Galite islands, which are around 35 miles from the coast.

The island shelters a well-preserved shipwreck and its nature reserve is home to a colony of monk seals.

A day of sea fishing, including equipment and bait, can also be arranged with a private charter.

Tabarka is less than three hours transfer from Tunis airport, and is close to the borders of Algeria.

A seven night stay at the Hotel Mehari, inclusive of internal flights, transfers, accommodation and airport taxes costs from £353 to £503 per person dependent on season, based on two people sharing a twin room.

Flights to Tunis cost around £210 leaving in September departing from London Gatwick with British Airways, via www.opodo.co.uk.
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