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Tanzania

© iStock/narvikk

Explore Tanzania

Tanzania offers a diving experience that's as diverse and vibrant as its culture and landscapes. Nestled along the East African coast, Tanzania boasts some of the most pristine dive sites in the Indian Ocean. From the enchanting coral reefs of Zanzibar to the dramatic drop-offs of Pemba Island, divers are treated to underwater spectacles teeming with life. The warm, clear waters provide excellent visibility, revealing an array of marine life including graceful manta rays, playful dolphins, and the elusive whale shark, making every dive an unforgettable adventure. Dive enthusiasts can explore the intricate reef systems, swim along vertical walls adorned with colorful corals, and marvel at the historic shipwrecks that now serve as thriving marine habitats. Whether you prefer the ease of shore diving, the convenience of boat dives, or the immersive experience of liveaboards, Tanzania caters to all preferences and skill levels. Seasonal migrations bring surprises like the humpback whales, adding an extra layer of excitement to the diving season from August to September. Beyond the underwater wonders, Tanzania is a country rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity. Divers often extend their stays to explore the Great Lakes or embark on safaris in the country's renowned national parks. With Swahili as the official language and English widely spoken, communication is easy, making Tanzania a welcoming and accessible destination for divers from around the globe. This perfect blend of marine and terrestrial attractions ensures that diving in Tanzania is a multi-faceted journey of discovery.

Power Plug Type
D, G
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, Cir, Plus
Tipping
0-10% / Restaurant Staff / Service charges are typically added to restaurant bills, eliminating the need to tip.
Currency
TZS
Dial Code
+255
Electricity
230V / 50Hz
Time
UTC+3

Top Regions to Explore

Upcoming Events

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

Top Wildlife Sightings in Tanzania

Tanzania's coastal waters, particularly around the Zanzibar Archipelago, are teeming with vibrant marine life. Divers can encounter a variety of reef fish, such as angelfish, parrotfish, and moray eels, thriving among the coral gardens. These species are commonly sighted year-round, providing a consistent spectacle of color and diversity. Notable seasonal highlights include the graceful manta rays, which are often spotted from November to March near Mafia Island. Whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea, frequent the waters around Mafia Island from October to February. Additionally, green and hawksbill turtles can be encountered nesting on the beaches, with the best chances of sightings occurring between June and August. These seasonal activities enhance the diving experience, offering unique opportunities to observe some of the ocean's most majestic creatures.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

3k Sightings
J
247
F
317
M
203
A
86
M
116
J
209
J
316
A
385
S
305
O
341
N
275
D
222

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

989 Sightings
J
91
F
97
M
59
A
30
M
33
J
70
J
56
A
100
S
126
O
151
N
109
D
67

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

440 Sightings
J
14
F
77
M
29
A
24
M
18
J
24
J
35
A
52
S
43
O
66
N
46
D
12
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

376 Sightings
J
26
F
60
M
23
A
14
M
19
J
21
J
37
A
37
S
49
O
24
N
28
D
38
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

210 Sightings
J
16
F
24
M
10
A
7
M
10
J
14
J
17
A
19
S
18
O
17
N
21
D
37

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

160 Sightings
J
18
F
9
M
14
A
5
M
10
J
7
J
16
A
12
S
22
O
15
N
23
D
9
Common Dolphin

Common Dolphin

123 Sightings
J
3
F
2
M
1
A
7
M
9
J
10
J
20
A
26
S
14
O
22
N
7
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

2.8k Sightings
J
214
F
324
M
153
A
84
M
112
J
191
J
285
A
348
S
316
O
307
N
294
D
199

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

2.4k Sightings
J
185
F
232
M
122
A
77
M
112
J
156
J
215
A
273
S
268
O
288
N
258
D
189

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

2.3k Sightings
J
181
F
230
M
135
A
64
M
87
J
162
J
257
A
306
S
294
O
250
N
209
D
161

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

2.3k Sightings
J
136
F
243
M
142
A
74
M
97
J
153
J
231
A
267
S
262
O
288
N
252
D
150

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

1.8k Sightings
J
123
F
233
M
99
A
44
M
65
J
118
J
153
A
226
S
217
O
217
N
218
D
110

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

1.8k Sightings
J
103
F
196
M
93
A
38
M
69
J
119
J
168
A
259
S
249
O
223
N
155
D
119

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

1.7k Sightings
J
117
F
172
M
106
A
55
M
60
J
129
J
190
A
209
S
200
O
200
N
155
D
100

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

1.6k Sightings
J
120
F
188
M
74
A
35
M
54
J
108
J
155
A
208
S
224
O
191
N
145
D
107

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

1.5k Sightings
J
91
F
162
M
76
A
53
M
47
J
103
J
107
A
179
S
195
O
192
N
175
D
95

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

1.3k Sightings
J
91
F
160
M
89
A
46
M
59
J
107
J
129
A
149
S
134
O
145
N
122
D
92

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

1.3k Sightings
J
92
F
144
M
82
A
45
M
52
J
82
J
116
A
134
S
147
O
169
N
138
D
72

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

1.2k Sightings
J
56
F
107
M
61
A
32
M
48
J
68
J
89
A
139
S
160
O
166
N
157
D
75

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

1.1k Sightings
J
100
F
128
M
66
A
50
M
56
J
68
J
114
A
121
S
114
O
125
N
89
D
111

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

1.1k Sightings
J
108
F
141
M
78
A
34
M
31
J
65
J
53
A
118
S
141
O
167
N
112
D
82

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

1.1k Sightings
J
81
F
167
M
73
A
26
M
43
J
97
J
87
A
121
S
133
O
143
N
88
D
64

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

919 Sightings
J
80
F
104
M
54
A
29
M
41
J
49
J
66
A
108
S
121
O
118
N
108
D
41

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

774 Sightings
J
49
F
101
M
50
A
21
M
25
J
69
J
58
A
82
S
98
O
105
N
86
D
30

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

759 Sightings
J
42
F
106
M
41
A
22
M
14
J
35
J
47
A
102
S
103
O
126
N
80
D
41

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Stonefish

Stonefish

711 Sightings
J
24
F
89
M
44
A
16
M
26
J
67
J
71
A
75
S
94
O
123
N
58
D
24

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

539 Sightings
J
42
F
67
M
17
A
17
M
31
J
12
J
31
A
56
S
67
O
94
N
81
D
24

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

471 Sightings
J
41
F
31
M
25
A
9
M
7
J
22
J
26
A
63
S
71
O
86
N
32
D
58

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

415 Sightings
J
20
F
76
M
29
A
17
M
28
J
39
J
30
A
35
S
45
O
48
N
28
D
20

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 50

Frogfish

Frogfish

413 Sightings
J
38
F
39
M
21
A
5
M
16
J
54
J
25
A
57
S
48
O
55
N
32
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Sand Eel

Sand Eel

407 Sightings
J
14
F
19
M
26
A
15
M
15
J
33
J
49
A
60
S
63
O
55
N
21
D
37

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pipefish

Pipefish

339 Sightings
J
38
F
49
M
13
A
7
M
7
J
17
J
14
A
24
S
59
O
58
N
25
D
28
Leaf Scorpionfish

Leaf Scorpionfish

289 Sightings
J
14
F
29
M
13
A
6
M
4
J
14
J
15
A
33
S
67
O
61
N
15
D
18

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Cornetfish

Cornetfish

284 Sightings
J
15
F
19
M
14
A
23
M
6
J
45
J
33
A
20
S
17
O
36
N
39
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

275 Sightings
J
20
F
44
M
8
A
18
M
10
J
5
J
12
A
36
S
35
O
50
N
27
D
10
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse

248 Sightings
J
28
F
22
M
23
A
8
M
4
J
14
J
18
A
19
S
21
O
35
N
24
D
32

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish

245 Sightings
J
9
F
22
M
8
A
5
M
12
J
23
J
21
A
24
S
56
O
30
N
23
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Garfish

Garfish

221 Sightings
J
26
F
8
M
14
A
7
M
4
J
17
J
25
A
10
S
29
O
29
N
30
D
22

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Snake Eel

Snake Eel

175 Sightings
J
6
F
19
M
11
A
0
M
21
J
27
J
26
A
5
S
23
O
18
N
9
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

173 Sightings
J
16
F
13
M
16
A
9
M
23
J
8
J
20
A
15
S
15
O
14
N
13
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

Flounder

Flounder

167 Sightings
J
5
F
5
M
12
A
10
M
4
J
20
J
26
A
10
S
32
O
16
N
13
D
14
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

162 Sightings
J
8
F
10
M
5
A
1
M
3
J
3
J
4
A
14
S
26
O
32
N
41
D
15

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish

153 Sightings
J
9
F
13
M
19
A
6
M
1
J
10
J
17
A
5
S
16
O
22
N
18
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Lobster

Lobster

142 Sightings
J
5
F
13
M
6
A
4
M
5
J
6
J
15
A
19
S
12
O
20
N
13
D
24

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

136 Sightings
J
20
F
11
M
4
A
10
M
2
J
6
J
8
A
15
S
7
O
24
N
6
D
23

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster

132 Sightings
J
4
F
10
M
7
A
3
M
0
J
10
J
11
A
11
S
18
O
36
N
16
D
6
Ribbon Moray Eel (Ghost Eel)

Ribbon Moray Eel (Ghost Eel)

116 Sightings
J
8
F
11
M
6
A
5
M
4
J
5
J
8
A
14
S
12
O
18
N
12
D
13