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Abstract Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare a recently described medium, thiosulphate-chloride-iodide (TCI), for the isolation of estuarine vibrios with thiosulphate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS). Methods: A total of 492 colonies which developed on these media from estuarine water samples taken monthly over a 10-month period were examined. Results: A much larger number of colonies developed on TCBS than TCI, and minimal taxonomic criteria indicated that a higher percentage (61%) of TCBS colonies could be identified as Vibrio spp. when compared with TCI (46%). Significance: This study suggests that TCBS is a superior medium when compared with TCI for the isolation of Vibrio spp. from estuarine waters. Because of the public health risk presented by V. vulnificus , V. parahaemolyticus , V. cholerae and other vibrios, the selection of the most appropriate medium for their isolation is extremely important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]