Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Zarziskite (Hessi Jerbi) is a kitesurfing spot on a broad sandy beach with crystal-clear water and small waves. The lagoon-like area is described as very shallow for a long stretch from shore, creating a calm, learning-friendly environment with minimal currents (with slight drift further out). Launching is reported as easy due to the wide, open beach area and abundant space for kites and safe takeoff/landing. Wind is described as reliable and predominantly from the East/NE during the best season. One source highlights trade-wind conditions, while another emphasizes thermal sea-breeze behavior: winds typically build in the early afternoon (around 13:00) and can continue steadily until sunset (often referenced as lasting into the evening). Reported working speeds for the thermal season are roughly 12–25 knots, and kite sizes commonly mentioned are around 9–14 m², with 12 m² often used for afternoon sessions. For kitesurfing, the spot is consistently framed as ideal for beginners through freestyle progression, aided by the flat, shallow bottom and the large sandy area. Surfing details are limited, but kitesurfing is clearly the primary sport. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are mentioned as possible: windsurfing in deeper water beyond the shallow lagoon, and foiling after walking out past the shallowest sections to avoid the bottom. Safety guidance emphasizes that conditions are shallow but not risk-free. Hazards noted include sea grass patches and occasional small rocks, and users are advised to respect any designated swimming zones during busier periods. Rescue/lifeguard support is indicated as available/seasonal, and local clinics are available in Zarzis (about 15 minutes away).
- Large sandy beach with easy, spacious self-launch
- Vast shallow lagoon area ideal for learning and freestyle progression
- Crystal-clear water
- Thermal winds from the NE/E building from early afternoon to sunset (seasonal high reliability)
- Bathrooms and showers available on site
- Extensive shallow lagoon with a sandy bottom—flat, progression-friendly conditions
- Crystal-clear water and a wide, spacious sandy beach for launching
- Reliable seasonal thermal winds building from early afternoon into the evening
- Rescue/lifeguard support appears seasonal and water-rescue is described as limited
- Very shallow water for long distances can require careful route selection when riding deeper/foiling
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Providers differ: one describes trade winds; another describes reliable thermal sea-breeze winds. Both indicate dependable NE/E winds seasonally.
- Reliability
- high
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep · Dir: E, NE · Thermal winds typically build from early afternoon and continue into the evening; one source states 13:00–19:00, and another notes NE winds start around 2 PM until sunset.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — White sandy beach stretching along the kite school area.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small
- Launch
- Big — Wide, spacious sandy beach with ample room for multiple kites and safe launching/landing.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy self-launch reported on a white sandy beach.
Through the year
Generally uncrowded; slightly busier during July and August with local tourists.
November to February
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow, flat water with small waves and a very large sandy beach—well suited for beginners through freestyle progression. Thermal winds from the NE/E are reported as reliable during the spring-to-summer season.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Suitable in the deeper water beyond the shallow lagoon zone.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Foil-friendly in deeper sections, but riders should walk out past the shallowest parts of the lagoon to avoid the bottom.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1 meter in the deeper sections of the lagoon.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi) in the full forecast view.
Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–13 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- N360°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.1 m4s period
- Temperature
- 19–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.3–1.1 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Shallow water
- Sea grass patches
- Occasional patches of sea grass and small rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — One source indicates rescue availability; regional context suggests limited water-rescue support primarily during high season.
- Emergency Info
- Local clinics are available in Zarzis, roughly 15 minutes away. Tunisia medical assistance number: 190; police: 197.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming zones if present during peak tourist season.
- Safety first—rescue/lifeguards are on site (seasonal).
- Thermal winds are most reliable with clear sky and a stronger land–sea temperature difference.
- Water stays shallow for a long distance, making it a learning-friendly area.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Zarzis
- Nearest Town
- Hessi Jerbi
- Parking
- Parking available at the spot; ample parking directly at the beach or nearby the local kite center.
- Access
- Easily accessible by car from the main road connecting Djerba and Zarzis; ample parking directly at/near the beach; kite school organizes transfers from/to Zarzis (about 4–5 km).
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Arabic, French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Hotels and guest houses in Hessi Jerbi and nearby Zarzis (about 4–5 km).
- Food & Drink
- Limited food/drink at the spot; Zarzis (about 4–5 km away) offers most dining and hotels, and local beach bars/small restaurants are mentioned.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available via the on-site kite school / local kite center.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage offered by the local school for a daily or weekly fee (also indicated as available by regional context).
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs can often be facilitated by the school staff.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A blend of tranquil coastal landscapes and southern Tunisia cultural highlights, with the coast serving as a quiet base for wind sports and day trips.
Traditional fishing port with an authentic atmosphere and fresh seafood markets.
Berber town known for troglodyte dwellings and Star Wars filming locations; accessible as a day trip.
Guided excursions to dunes of Douz and the Grand Erg Oriental.
Cafes and restaurants serving traditional Tunisian cuisine (e.g., couscous and brik).
Long sandy beach with shallow waters suited for families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi)?
The best overall months at Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are March, April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi)?
Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi) works with NE, E, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi) suitable for?
Zarzis Kite (Hessi Jerbi) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.