Explore Mnemba Island

Diving around Mnemba Island offers a unique and tranquil underwater experience, perfect for those seeking solitude away from crowded dive sites. This private island, situated off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, boasts a 200-meter exclusive diving zone that ensures a peaceful exploration of its vibrant marine landscapes. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it easy for divers to marvel at the stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Mnemba Island is renowned for its rich biodiversity, with opportunities to encounter green turtles, particularly from July to September when they come ashore to lay eggs. This period also marks the migration of humpback whales, offering an extraordinary spectacle. The island's calm conditions suit various diving styles, from shore to boat dives. With its secluded environment and thriving underwater ecosystems, Mnemba Island stands out as a premier diving destination for those willing to invest in an exclusive and memorable adventure.

Dive Sites Show on map

Aqualung

Turtle Reef (★4.4)

This place is formed by a coral reef that, from the surface, descends very gently in the water. The environment is formed by many species of hard corals of different shapes and colors.

Mares

Coral Garden Reef (★4.3)

This site is formed by a coral reef that, from the surface, decreases very gently into the water. The environment is formed by many species of hard corals of different shapes and colors.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

Mnemba Sandbanks (★4.3)

This place is formed by a coral reef that, from the surface, decreases very gently in the water. The environment is formed by many species of hard corals of different shapes and colors.

Mares

Small Wall, Mnenba Island (★4.4)

Small Wall is a huge coral reef that starts at the surface and reaches to 50 meters of depth. It is a great spot for all levels of divers, from OWD to the XR addict! Around 30 meters there is a second drop off where colorful corals and gorgonians create a very captivating environment.

Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Kichwani (★4.4)

Kichwani is the most popular dive site in Mnemba. It is formed by a big coral reef that starts from the surface and goes to 30 meters depth. The reef is formed by a good mixture of hard and soft corals of different colors. Don’t miss the glassfish shelter at 25 meters!

Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Wattabomi (★4.2)

Very easy dive made by different pinnacles at a shallow depth. The pinnacles are formed by different species of hard corals with soft corals and anemones throughout. Following these formations, you can find a coral drop off down to 25 meters.

Mares

Aquarium (★4.2)

This dive site is formed by a coral drop off that starts at 15 meters deep. For this reason divers should be at least advanced certified to dive here. Follow the reef to find two big formations of Turbinaria full of amazingly active fish life.

Mares

Groupers Rocks, Mnemba Island (★4.3)

A wonderful drop off that starts at 12 meters forms this site. There is a huge mixture of different species of hard and soft corals, with big colorful sponges that are living on it.

Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Seahorse (★4.1)

This dive starts on a big seagrass area in shallow water. It is possible to reach the deeper depths following the coral formations. You many big tube sponges at this site.

Scubapro

West Gardens (★4.4)

One of the most famous snorkeling site in Mnemba, with its 5 meters maximum depth, it offers the possibility to appreciate the marine life in a unique way. The environment is formed by hard coral pinnacles.

Mares

Jackfish Alley (★4.6)

One of the most beautiful dive sites in the Mnemba area. A huge drop off starting from 24 meters goes to 60 meters more or less. The particularity of this site is a fantastic cavern at 35 meters always full of different species of fish.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

The Big Wall (★4.5)

One of the most suggestive dives of the area, with a huge drop off that goes from 25 meters and reaches at least 60 meters depth. On the wall are present many little caves that create a very particular environment.

Diving in Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island, located off the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, is renowned for its exceptional dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard divers. The island offers a variety of experiences, from vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to intriguing wreck dives. One of the most notable sites is the "Wattabomi," a shore dive known for its colorful coral gardens and diverse fish species, making it a favorite among photographers and marine enthusiasts.

For those interested in wreck dives, the "Big Wall" provides a thrilling experience with its dramatic drop-offs and the chance to encounter pelagic species. Mnemba also offers unique underwater experiences such as night dives, where divers can witness nocturnal marine life behaviors like hunting and bioluminescence. With a balance between shore accessibility and the adventurous appeal of liveaboards, Mnemba Island ensures a memorable diving adventure for all levels of divers.

The best Months to dive in Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island offers year-round diving with water temperatures ranging from 25°C–30°C/77°F–86°F. The warm Indian Ocean waters ensure comfortable diving conditions throughout the year. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters/33 to 98 feet, providing clear views of the vibrant marine life.

Diving is possible year-round, although some months are more favorable than others. The best conditions are usually from November to March, when the sea is calmer and visibility is at its peak. From June to September, the southeast monsoon can bring stronger winds and currents, making diving slightly more challenging. However, the rich underwater biodiversity remains accessible, offering memorable experiences for divers at any time of the year.