Explore Zanzibar

Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, offers a unique diving experience that enchants adventurers and marine life enthusiasts alike. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters that boast vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of marine species. Diving here often includes encounters with majestic sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and even the occasional pod of playful dolphins. The reefs are teeming with life, providing an enthralling underwater spectacle for divers of all skill levels. One of the highlights of diving in Zanzibar is the varied dive environments. From the stunning coral gardens of Mnemba Atoll to the dramatic underwater walls and intriguing wrecks like the Great Northern, there is something for every enthusiast. Both shore dives and boat dives are popular, offering flexibility and convenience for divers. Seasonal changes bring different experiences, with whale shark sightings more common from November to February, while migrating humpback whales grace the waters from August to October. With a blend of breathtaking underwater landscapes and rich marine biodiversity, Zanzibar stands out as a must-visit destination for divers worldwide.

Places to Explore

Pemba Island

Pemba Island is also known as one of the best diving destinations in the world, with pristine coral gardens and an awe-inspiring variety of marine life.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Anemona City

Anemona City is only a 10-minute boat ride from Kizimkazi. The boat anchors are near a plateau about 4-5 meters deep. Swimming over the plateau we can already see many corals, small and large with abundant underwater life. We soon reach a slope where we go from 7 meters to a maximum of 15-17 meters.

244
Logs
166
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ One Palm

A 20-25 minute boat ride from Kizimkazi, this site is located on the southeast part of the island. The boat anchors near a plateau where the ocean is 6-8 meters deep, from where you swim down a steep slope with colorful coral. The maximum depth is 16-25 meters.

144
Logs
104
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Abbas reef

Only 5-10 minute boat ride from Kizimkazi, this reef is perfect for beginners but also plenty to see for more advanced divers. It is a small reef with very healthy, beautiful corals, abundant underwater life.

243
Logs
146
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Leon’s Wall

Leon’s Wall is a beautiful unspoiled reef, covered with soft corals and sponges with depths ranging from 12-40 meters. You can avoid the crowds at this dive site, while you enjoy all kinds of marine life.

134
Logs
118
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Misoli Reef

Misoli Reef averages from 12 to 40 meters deep. It has a large coral island located in a big area of white sand, typical to Zanzibar. Fish life is less abundant here compared to other sites, but many nudibranchs and other small critters can be found, making it a treasure for photographers and macro life lovers.

111
Logs
98
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Pange North

This is one of our absolute favourite dive sites. It’s a gently sloping bottom, with beautiful coral formations and big fans. This is also our favourite night dive spot.

86
Logs
49
Divers
12.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ The Great Northern

A British cable-laying ship, The Great Northern was built in 1870 and sank on New Year’s Eve in 1902. She now rests in the sand between 4 and 12 m and is a magnificent artificial reef.

313
Logs
240
Divers
14.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★★ Bawe South

The island Bawe just off the coast of Stone Town, is our go-to reef. Bawe South it’s a long shallow reef stretches the whole side of the island, ideal for snorkellers and beginner divers. Deeper we can find big coral bommies, interchange with sandy patches on which huge barrel sponges grow.

246
Logs
138
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Bawe Island - North

The island Bawe is just off the coast of Stone Town, and it is our go-to reef. Bawe North is a really nice continuous coral wall teeming with life.

221
Logs
164
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Coral Garden

A nice coral drop off that, from the surface, goes to 15 meters maximum depth. On the bottom there is a long sandy plateau. Good spot for beginner levels and training.

220
Logs
161
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Turtle Reef

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.

501
Logs
407
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Coral Garden Reef

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.

384
Logs
307
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Mnemba Sandbanks

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.

1,075
Logs
811
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Small Wall, Mnenba Island

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.

1,515
Logs
1,275
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Kichwani

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!

2,399
Logs
1,691
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Zanzibar

Zanzibar, a stunning archipelago off Tanzania's coast, offers a myriad of diving adventures. The Mnemba Atoll is renowned for its vibrant coral gardens and abundant marine life, making it a popular shore dive spot. Here, divers can encounter dolphins and green sea turtles amidst the colorful reefs. The nearby Leven Bank is perfect for experienced divers seeking thrilling pelagic encounters. For those fascinated by wrecks, the "Great Northern" wreck is a must-visit. This historic wreck dive provides a captivating glimpse into the past, with schools of fish often hovering around the site. Night dives in Zanzibar reveal the mesmerizing behavior of nocturnal marine life, including Spanish dancers and bioluminescent plankton. Whether opting for shore dives or the convenience of liveaboards, Zanzibar caters to divers of all preferences with its diverse underwater landscapes.

The best Months to dive in Zanzibar

Zanzibar offers year-round diving opportunities, with water temperatures ranging from 25°C–29°C/77°F–84°F. The warmest waters occur from November to March, while slightly cooler temperatures can be expected from June to October. These conditions make diving possible throughout the year, with generally favorable visibility often exceeding 20 meters/66 feet.

Divers should be aware that the northeast monsoon (December to March) and the southeast monsoon (June to October) bring varying wind and current conditions. The southeast monsoon, in particular, can lead to choppier seas, making diving less favorable during this period. However, there are always sheltered spots available, allowing for diving regardless of the time of year.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Service X Center

Nungwi Road, 0000 Nungwy - Zanzibar, TZA

Dive Horizons Zanzibar

Kwanza Resort, 72104 Kizimkazi Zanzibar, TZA

Extreme Blue Water Freediving

Nungwi rd, 72110 Zanzibar, TZA

Scuba Blue Zanzibar

Pwani Mchangani, Zanzibar Zanzibar, TZA

One Ocean Zanzibar

PO BOX 3182, 1448 Zanzibar, TZA

SSI International (HK) Ltd.

Unit A, 5/F Eastern Flower Center, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, HKG

ZanziOcean Dive Center

PO BOX 143, 0000 Pwani Mchangani, TZA

Bawe Diving Center

Bawe Island, 1111 Zanzibar, TZA