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.

Top Regions to Explore

Shutterstock/HYS_NP
Pemba Island

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.

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    • Dive Activity

    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.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Zanzibar

    Zanzibar, an enchanting island off the coast of Tanzania, boasts a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with life. Divers exploring its coral reefs can expect to encounter a variety of common reef fish, including the colorful parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. The island's warm waters provide an ideal habitat for these species, making encounters frequent and delightful. Seasonal highlights in Zanzibar include sightings of majestic green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, often seen gliding gracefully through the water. From August to October, divers may have the chance to observe nurse sharks and blacktip reef sharks in the deep. Additionally, the graceful eagle rays can be spotted, especially around Mnemba Atoll, depending on the time of year and diving conditions. These seasonal visitors add excitement to diving adventures in this tropical paradise.

    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

    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel
    1.8k Sightings
    J
    135
    F
    215
    M
    129
    A
    54
    M
    80
    J
    93
    J
    143
    A
    220
    S
    198
    O
    256
    N
    184
    D
    101

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

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
    Octopus

    Octopus
    619 Sightings
    J
    50
    F
    65
    M
    40
    A
    11
    M
    28
    J
    29
    J
    38
    A
    52
    S
    88
    O
    110
    N
    75
    D
    33

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

    Total number of species approx.: 600

    iStock/ultramarinfoto
    Wrasse

    Wrasse
    211 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    54
    M
    16
    A
    5
    M
    15
    J
    7
    J
    6
    A
    27
    S
    12
    O
    44
    N
    15
    D
    6
    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    131 Sightings
    J
    1
    F
    11
    M
    14
    A
    9
    M
    10
    J
    6
    J
    10
    A
    19
    S
    18
    O
    12
    N
    13
    D
    8

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

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    91 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    4
    M
    3
    A
    6
    M
    7
    J
    4
    J
    7
    A
    5
    S
    18
    O
    8
    N
    14
    D
    3

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

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    1.7k Sightings
    J
    129
    F
    220
    M
    101
    A
    41
    M
    69
    J
    75
    J
    130
    A
    180
    S
    209
    O
    224
    N
    187
    D
    109

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

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    1.5k Sightings
    J
    106
    F
    168
    M
    89
    A
    41
    M
    77
    J
    76
    J
    104
    A
    172
    S
    179
    O
    228
    N
    165
    D
    113

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

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    1.5k Sightings
    J
    91
    F
    174
    M
    102
    A
    36
    M
    72
    J
    72
    J
    112
    A
    161
    S
    174
    O
    213
    N
    164
    D
    82

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

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    1.3k Sightings
    J
    99
    F
    150
    M
    86
    A
    24
    M
    57
    J
    60
    J
    107
    A
    153
    S
    190
    O
    175
    N
    122
    D
    84

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish
    1.1k Sightings
    J
    64
    F
    149
    M
    73
    A
    17
    M
    41
    J
    52
    J
    79
    A
    140
    S
    169
    O
    172
    N
    109
    D
    75
    Show More

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

    Total number of species approx.: 100

    iStock-burnsboxco
    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish
    1.1k Sightings
    J
    78
    F
    159
    M
    60
    A
    17
    M
    44
    J
    41
    J
    64
    A
    127
    S
    137
    O
    151
    N
    121
    D
    56

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

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    999 Sightings
    J
    82
    F
    122
    M
    77
    A
    20
    M
    28
    J
    47
    J
    76
    A
    100
    S
    136
    O
    153
    N
    97
    D
    61

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

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    922 Sightings
    J
    77
    F
    123
    M
    52
    A
    16
    M
    27
    J
    42
    J
    59
    A
    95
    S
    145
    O
    143
    N
    84
    D
    59

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

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    893 Sightings
    J
    53
    F
    113
    M
    50
    A
    17
    M
    29
    J
    37
    J
    56
    A
    92
    S
    135
    O
    148
    N
    110
    D
    53

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

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    777 Sightings
    J
    53
    F
    112
    M
    54
    A
    24
    M
    37
    J
    43
    J
    65
    A
    76
    S
    83
    O
    119
    N
    72
    D
    39

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

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    729 Sightings
    J
    56
    F
    91
    M
    54
    A
    17
    M
    32
    J
    33
    J
    38
    A
    62
    S
    100
    O
    130
    N
    83
    D
    33

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

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
    Boxfish

    Boxfish
    720 Sightings
    J
    33
    F
    80
    M
    41
    A
    7
    M
    27
    J
    10
    J
    36
    A
    85
    S
    121
    O
    126
    N
    109
    D
    45

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

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    695 Sightings
    J
    53
    F
    123
    M
    54
    A
    9
    M
    30
    J
    33
    J
    22
    A
    68
    S
    88
    O
    91
    N
    72
    D
    52

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch
    522 Sightings
    J
    39
    F
    77
    M
    35
    A
    11
    M
    19
    J
    19
    J
    5
    A
    40
    S
    85
    O
    111
    N
    49
    D
    32

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

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    516 Sightings
    J
    44
    F
    71
    M
    35
    A
    6
    M
    28
    J
    9
    J
    22
    A
    60
    S
    77
    O
    88
    N
    60
    D
    16

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

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    509 Sightings
    J
    20
    F
    64
    M
    28
    A
    24
    M
    35
    J
    23
    J
    55
    A
    46
    S
    69
    O
    88
    N
    35
    D
    22

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

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    509 Sightings
    J
    34
    F
    78
    M
    43
    A
    7
    M
    13
    J
    20
    J
    25
    A
    59
    S
    72
    O
    88
    N
    51
    D
    19

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

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Stonefish

    Stonefish
    438 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    54
    M
    39
    A
    13
    M
    20
    J
    17
    J
    33
    A
    45
    S
    65
    O
    96
    N
    37
    D
    12

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

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish
    433 Sightings
    J
    29
    F
    66
    M
    33
    A
    2
    M
    8
    J
    5
    J
    19
    A
    51
    S
    62
    O
    88
    N
    48
    D
    22

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

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    335 Sightings
    J
    28
    F
    49
    M
    12
    A
    9
    M
    23
    J
    6
    J
    2
    A
    29
    S
    34
    O
    74
    N
    53
    D
    16

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

    Total number of species approx.: 50

    istock-atese
    Frogfish

    Frogfish
    261 Sightings
    J
    31
    F
    30
    M
    14
    A
    3
    M
    18
    J
    16
    J
    6
    A
    45
    S
    32
    O
    35
    N
    24
    D
    7

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shutterstock-Shane Gross
    Shrimp

    Shrimp
    260 Sightings
    J
    24
    F
    29
    M
    9
    A
    3
    M
    6
    J
    11
    J
    12
    A
    34
    S
    51
    O
    57
    N
    11
    D
    13

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

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    Shutterstock-s_a_j
    Sand Eel

    Sand Eel
    251 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    12
    M
    18
    A
    8
    M
    14
    J
    4
    J
    24
    A
    38
    S
    40
    O
    40
    N
    23
    D
    25

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

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    iStock-Rainer von Brandis
    Snapper

    Snapper
    215 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    61
    M
    24
    A
    6
    M
    17
    J
    5
    J
    14
    A
    14
    S
    18
    O
    28
    N
    12
    D
    8
    SSI-Peter-Schinck
    Leaf Scorpionfish

    Leaf Scorpionfish
    209 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    22
    M
    10
    A
    2
    M
    6
    J
    7
    J
    2
    A
    16
    S
    55
    O
    55
    N
    12
    D
    17

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

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    iStock-Christian von Mach
    Pipefish

    Pipefish
    204 Sightings
    J
    14
    F
    37
    M
    6
    A
    2
    M
    4
    J
    4
    J
    1
    A
    15
    S
    50
    O
    42
    N
    16
    D
    13

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

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish
    168 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    32
    M
    8
    A
    3
    M
    5
    J
    2
    J
    3
    A
    21
    S
    17
    O
    42
    N
    17
    D
    6

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

    Total number of species approx.: 20

    iStock-stephankerkhofs
    Porcupinefish

    Porcupinefish
    157 Sightings
    J
    9
    F
    15
    M
    9
    A
    5
    M
    9
    J
    5
    J
    2
    A
    9
    S
    36
    O
    28
    N
    19
    D
    11

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
    Cornetfish

    Cornetfish
    156 Sightings
    J
    16
    F
    17
    M
    10
    A
    7
    M
    5
    J
    2
    J
    6
    A
    11
    S
    12
    O
    25
    N
    36
    D
    9

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

    Total number of species approx.: 300

    iStock-deraugenzeuge
    Snake Eel

    Snake Eel
    143 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    22
    M
    12
    A
    0
    M
    21
    J
    9
    J
    23
    A
    1
    S
    15
    O
    15
    N
    9
    D
    8
    Alamy-WaterFrame
    Common Seahorse

    Common Seahorse
    120 Sightings
    J
    17
    F
    6
    M
    7
    A
    3
    M
    3
    J
    7
    J
    9
    A
    11
    S
    16
    O
    18
    N
    14
    D
    9

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

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    112 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    9
    M
    11
    A
    5
    M
    19
    J
    11
    J
    10
    A
    8
    S
    7
    O
    13
    N
    6
    D
    7

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

    Total number of species approx.: 15

    Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
    Garfish

    Garfish
    100 Sightings
    J
    9
    F
    5
    M
    11
    A
    2
    M
    7
    J
    2
    J
    4
    A
    8
    S
    8
    O
    27
    N
    12
    D
    5
    iStock-June Jacobsen
    Whitetip Reef Shark

    Whitetip Reef Shark
    95 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    8
    M
    3
    A
    1
    M
    2
    J
    2
    J
    1
    A
    9
    S
    10
    O
    32
    N
    25
    D
    0

    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.

    Dive Centers

    One Ocean Zanzibar

    One Ocean Zanzibar

    PO BOX 3182, 1448 Zanzibar, Tanzania, United Rep.
    Dive Horizons Zanzibar, HORIZONS

    Dive Horizons Zanzibar, HORIZONS

    Kwanza Resort, 72104 Kizimkazi Zanzibar, Tanzania, United Rep.
    Scuba Blue Zanzibar

    Scuba Blue Zanzibar

    Pwani Mchangani, Zanzibar Zanzibar, Tanzania, United Rep.

    Dive Sites

    DiveTime Zanzibar, 73107 Zanzibar
    Anemona City <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Anemona City (★4.3)

    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.
    DiveTime Zanzibar, 73107 Zanzibar
    One Palm <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    One Palm (★4.4)

    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.
    DiveTime Zanzibar, 73107 Zanzibar
    Abbas reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Abbas reef (★4.3)

    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.
    Divine Diving Zanzibar, 73107 Zanzibar
    Leon’s Wall <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Leon’s Wall (★4.2)

    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.
    Divine Diving Zanzibar, 73107 Zanzibar
    Misoli Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Misoli Reef (★4.3)

    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.
    Mares
    Pange North <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Pange North (★4.4)

    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.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    The Great Northern <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    The Great Northern (★4.4)

    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.
    Aqualung
    Bawe South <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Bawe South (★4.6)

    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.
    Mares
    Bawe Island - North <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Bawe Island - North (★4.2)

    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.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    Coral Garden <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    Coral Garden (★4.4)

    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.
    Aqualung
    Turtle Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

    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!