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

Shutterstock/HYS_NP

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.

Courses and Events

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

Start today - You need to be a Divemaster or equivalent to join SSI´s 3-Step Instructor Training Approach. The training process starts with joining the Assistant Instructor / Instructor Training Course combination accompanied with Digital Learning. After successful completion of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) you will enroll in an Instructor Evaluation (IE) to qualify as an SSI Open Water Instructor. This 10 day training program entitles you to teach various key SSI programs independently like Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue and Dive Guide. For those who want to take more time to learn and to gain valuable teaching experience between the training programs the 3 parts can also be taken as single steps - Assistant Instructor, Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE) one after the other at own pace and with a flexible schedule.

01 March
EUR 2,000.00

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: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
1.7k Sightings
J
129
F
174
M
103
A
49
M
71
J
93
J
143
A
219
S
197
O
254
N
183
D
101

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

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
592 Sightings
J
50
F
50
M
33
A
12
M
26
J
29
J
39
A
52
S
86
O
109
N
74
D
32

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

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
180 Sightings
J
4
F
27
M
14
A
4
M
10
J
7
J
6
A
27
S
12
O
48
N
15
D
6
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
129 Sightings
J
1
F
11
M
11
A
9
M
11
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: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
96 Sightings
J
13
F
8
M
3
A
6
M
5
J
4
J
8
A
5
S
18
O
8
N
14
D
4

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

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
1.6k Sightings
J
129
F
180
M
81
A
38
M
58
J
75
J
131
A
180
S
209
O
222
N
186
D
107

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
1.5k Sightings
J
108
F
144
M
72
A
39
M
66
J
76
J
104
A
171
S
179
O
228
N
165
D
112

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

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
1.4k Sightings
J
93
F
148
M
88
A
34
M
62
J
72
J
112
A
160
S
174
O
213
N
163
D
82

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

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
1.2k Sightings
J
99
F
116
M
61
A
24
M
48
J
60
J
107
A
153
S
189
O
175
N
121
D
83

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

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
1.1k Sightings
J
65
F
118
M
57
A
18
M
36
J
52
J
79
A
139
S
168
O
172
N
108
D
73
Show More

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

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
1k Sightings
J
78
F
136
M
46
A
17
M
33
J
41
J
65
A
127
S
136
O
151
N
120
D
58

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

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
961 Sightings
J
84
F
98
M
62
A
22
M
25
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: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
891 Sightings
J
77
F
97
M
45
A
21
M
25
J
42
J
59
A
95
S
145
O
143
N
84
D
58

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
857 Sightings
J
55
F
96
M
40
A
15
M
23
J
37
J
56
A
92
S
133
O
148
N
109
D
53

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

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
739 Sightings
J
53
F
93
M
39
A
24
M
32
J
43
J
65
A
76
S
81
O
119
N
72
D
42

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

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
692 Sightings
J
56
F
74
M
40
A
15
M
27
J
33
J
38
A
62
S
100
O
130
N
82
D
35

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

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
691 Sightings
J
35
F
71
M
25
A
7
M
20
J
10
J
37
A
85
S
119
O
126
N
109
D
47

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

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
658 Sightings
J
48
F
103
M
42
A
10
M
29
J
33
J
23
A
68
S
94
O
91
N
65
D
52

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
487 Sightings
J
34
F
58
M
41
A
7
M
12
J
20
J
25
A
59
S
72
O
88
N
51
D
20

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

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
479 Sightings
J
39
F
57
M
18
A
13
M
13
J
19
J
6
A
40
S
85
O
111
N
48
D
30

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

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
474 Sightings
J
44
F
43
M
31
A
3
M
20
J
9
J
22
A
60
S
77
O
88
N
60
D
17

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

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
470 Sightings
J
21
F
40
M
18
A
21
M
34
J
23
J
55
A
46
S
69
O
85
N
35
D
23

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

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
421 Sightings
J
29
F
51
M
30
A
2
M
10
J
5
J
19
A
50
S
62
O
88
N
52
D
23

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

Total number of species: 30

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Stonefish
412 Sightings
J
8
F
30
M
37
A
12
M
18
J
17
J
34
A
45
S
63
O
96
N
37
D
15

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

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
322 Sightings
J
28
F
36
M
14
A
7
M
18
J
6
J
3
A
29
S
34
O
78
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: 50

istock-atese

Frogfish
261 Sightings
J
31
F
27
M
14
A
3
M
15
J
16
J
6
A
45
S
38
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: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j

Sand Eel
246 Sightings
J
6
F
12
M
13
A
8
M
10
J
4
J
24
A
38
S
40
O
44
N
23
D
24

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

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
244 Sightings
J
21
F
23
M
6
A
3
M
2
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: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
225 Sightings
J
8
F
64
M
21
A
3
M
12
J
5
J
14
A
18
S
18
O
41
N
12
D
9
SSI-Peter-Schinck

Leaf Scorpionfish
223 Sightings
J
6
F
19
M
9
A
3
M
11
J
7
J
2
A
16
S
61
O
60
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: 130

iStock-Christian von Mach

Pipefish
196 Sightings
J
14
F
29
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: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
173 Sightings
J
13
F
31
M
8
A
0
M
8
J
2
J
3
A
21
S
17
O
47
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: 3

k

Cornetfish
163 Sightings
J
18
F
20
M
12
A
5
M
3
J
2
J
6
A
11
S
12
O
29
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: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
162 Sightings
J
11
F
18
M
9
A
4
M
10
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: 300

iStock-deraugenzeuge

Snake Eel
136 Sightings
J
9
F
21
M
10
A
0
M
16
J
9
J
23
A
1
S
15
O
15
N
9
D
8
Alamy-WaterFrame

Common Seahorse
120 Sightings
J
17
F
9
M
6
A
3
M
2
J
7
J
9
A
11
S
16
O
18
N
14
D
8

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

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder

Garfish
104 Sightings
J
10
F
5
M
9
A
2
M
7
J
2
J
4
A
12
S
8
O
27
N
12
D
6

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
103 Sightings
J
6
F
7
M
9
A
2
M
10
J
11
J
10
A
8
S
7
O
13
N
6
D
14
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
91 Sightings
J
2
F
6
M
2
A
0
M
2
J
2
J
2
A
9
S
10
O
32
N
24
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

PO BOX 3182, 1448 Zanzibar, TZA

Dive Horizons Zanzibar, HORIZONS

Kwanza Resort, 72104 Kizimkazi Zanzibar, TZA

Bawe Diving Center

Bawe Island, 1111 Zanzibar, TZA

DIVE FOR LIFE ZANZIBAR

Zanzi Beach Hotel, 73107 Zanzibar, TZA

Scuba Blue Zanzibar

Pwani Mchangani, Zanzibar Zanzibar, TZA

Dive Sites

DiveTime Zanzibar, 73107 Zanzibar

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 (★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 (★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 (★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 (★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 (★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 (★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 (★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 (★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 (★4.3)

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 (★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!