Explore Pemba Island
Pemba Island, nestled in the Zanzibar Archipelago, is a paradise for divers seeking an exceptional underwater adventure. Known for its pristine coral gardens, this island offers a diving experience like no other. The waters around Pemba are teeming with diverse marine life, from playful dolphins and white-tip reef sharks to majestic rays and colorful schools of fish. The lush scenery above water is beautifully mirrored beneath, with stunning coral formations and vibrant marine ecosystems that captivate all who dive here.
Diving in Pemba is predominantly done from liveaboards, offering access to remote and less-explored sites, particularly in the west and south of the island. However, shore dives are available for those looking to explore at a more relaxed pace. The island features dramatic walls and drift dives, providing thrilling experiences for adventurous divers. Seasonal highlights include the chance to encounter turtles and even whales. With water temperatures averaging 26°C/79°F year-round and visibility reaching up to 40 meters/131 feet, Pemba offers ideal conditions for capturing breathtaking underwater photography and exploring underwater landscapes. Night dives are also a must-try, revealing a different spectrum of marine life under the moonlit waters.
Top Pemba Island Dive Sites
Njao Gap
Njao Gap features vibrant coral gardens and is home to sea turtles, groupers, and colorful reef fish. It offers easy to advanced scuba diving experiences. The site is known for its stunning underwater topography and is a part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area.
Shimba Wall
Shimba Wall attracts divers with its dramatic drop-offs and currents, hosting schools of barracuda, tuna, and Napoleon wrasse. This site is suitable for advanced scuba divers. It features breathtaking underwater cliffs and is located within a marine conservation zone.
Fundu Gap
Fundu Gap offers rich biodiversity, including eagle rays, moray eels, and vibrant corals. Both scuba and freediving are possible here, catering to advanced and technical divers. The site's special features include strong currents and a variety of sponge-covered walls.
Mesali Island
Mesali Island is known for its pristine coral gardens, home to angelfish, parrotfish, and occasional dolphins. The area supports easy to moderate scuba diving and freediving. It is part of a protected marine reserve, emphasizing ecological preservation.
Swiss Reef
Swiss Reef boasts an array of hard and soft corals, with sightings of manta rays and lionfish. This site is ideal for both advanced scuba divers and freediving enthusiasts. Unique underwater formations and vibrant marine life make it a must-visit spot.