Ras Rmel, better known to visitors as Flamingo Island, is a long, curving peninsula of sand and low dunes that reaches out from the north-east coast of Djerba, not far from Houmt Souk. Inside the hook lies a shallow lagoon; outside it, calm, clear water over a sandy bottom.
Since the 1990s it has been the destination of Djerba’s famous pirate boats — wooden excursion boats dressed up as galleons — which leave Houmt Souk harbour in the morning, cruise slowly out, and land their passengers for swimming, a grilled-fish lunch and a few hours on the sand. It is noisy, cheerful and very popular with families.
The name comes from the greater flamingos that feed in the shallows around Djerba, most commonly between autumn and spring. You may see them from the boat, but they are wild birds and often keep their distance — think of them as a bonus, not a guarantee.
Top things to do: Flamingo Island (Ras Rmel)
Take a pirate boat day trip
The classic outing lasts six to seven hours including transfers, with music, games and a lunch on the island. Compare a few of the tours below — the boats differ in size and atmosphere.
Go at sunset instead
Smaller sunset cruises stop for a swim and an aperitif on the sand and return after dark. Quieter, and cooler in summer.
Look for flamingos by bike
E-bike tours along the north coast towards Ras Rmel give a good chance of seeing flamingos in the lagoons, especially in winter.
How to get to Flamingo Island (Ras Rmel)
- By boat: trips leave from the harbour of Houmt Souk; most tours include pickup from the hotels of the Zone Touristique.
- Overland: the base of the peninsula can be reached by road, but the tip is far and sandy; the boat is the practical way.
Insider tips
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and water shoes — there is little shade on the island.
- Seas are calmest in the morning; trips can be cancelled in strong wind.
- Respect the birds: do not chase or approach flamingos.
Best tours for Flamingo Island (Ras Rmel)
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Flamingo Island (Ras Rmel):
Boat trip from €18 Pirate Boat Trip to Flamingo Island
Djerba’s classic family day out: a pirate-themed boat from Houmt Souk to the long sand spit known as Flamingo Island, with swimming, lunch and plenty of noise on board.
- A day at sea on a pirate-style boat
- Beach time on the Ras Rmel sand spit
- Music and entertainment on board
Boat trip from €18 Dolphin-Watching Pirate Cruise to Flamingo Island
The Flamingo Island cruise with an added dolphin-watching leg. Sightings depend on the day and are never guaranteed.
- A look-out for dolphins on the way
- Swimming in clear, shallow water
- Traditional lunch on the island
Sunset cruise from €61 Sunset Cruise with Swimming and Beach Aperitif
An evening boat trip with a swim, fruit and an aperitif on the sand as the sun goes down — smaller and calmer than the daytime pirate boats.
- Swim stop at Flamingo Island or the blue lagoon
- Fresh fruit and a beach aperitif
- Sunset on the water
E-bike tour from €15 E-Bike Tour: Fort Ghazi, Flamingos & the Coast
A guided ride along the northern coast towards Ras Rmel, with a good chance of seeing wild flamingos and a stop at the fort of Houmt Souk.
- Wild coastline by e-bike or e-scooter
- Flamingos in their natural habitat
- A stop at Borj Ghazi Mustapha
