Stunning Zanzibar scuba diving sites : After an exciting and jam-packed few days on safari seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti or walking in the wilds of the Selous, you are ready for some serious downtime on the beach. Few locations, in our opinion, are better than Zanzibar for simply relaxing, soaking up the African sun, and taking a dip in the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean. We’ve compiled the top 9 dive sites in Zanzibar so those of you who haven’t had your fill of wildlife can still enjoy the underwater world in addition to the surrounding vegetation.
South Coast of Zanzibar.
The diving location Kizimkazi, which is less well-known, is located on the southwest tip of the island. This location has long been popular for encountering dolphins in open water and swimming with them, but it is now also a top-notch diving location. The region is comprised of lovely coral gardens, which offer excellent opportunity to spot small reef sharks, dolphins, and even manta rays. It is a part of the protected Menai Bay Marine Conservation Area. For more experienced divers, Kizimkazi is preferable since there may occasionally be an “unexpected” current.
South East Coast of Zanzibar.
Some of Zanzibar’s most picturesque beaches, as well as hotels, are located along this section of the island’s coastline. Incredible dive spots are available in the villages of Paje, Bwejuu, and Dongwe, all of which are ideal for beginners and frequently have calm conditions. The South East coast is frequently referred to be the best diving location because of its gentle coral slopes and breathtaking drop-offs, which are home to turtles, sharks, barracudas, rays, dolphins, and whales. If you’re staying on this side of the island, we advise staying in Zawadi or Baraza. The Rising Sun Dive Centre, the only PADI 5* Gold Palm and National Geographic Dive Centre in Zanzibar, collaborates with both hotels. They were the first in this area to uncover the uncharted undersea realm.
Misali Island.
Just off Pemba Island’s eastern coast is Misali Island. This is the closest dive and snorkeling safari destination location to Fundu Lagoon, one of our favorite beach resorts. Divers and snorkelers alike frequent Misali Island, usually remarking on the water’s vivid turquoise hue and tranquil seas, which create your very own natural aquarium. Misali is known for its diverse environment, which includes 42 different varieties of corals, over 300 different fish species, and rare terrestrial animals such vervet monkey subspecies, coconut crabs, and green and hawksbill turtles. Not a big diver? Additionally, Misali Island is a snorkeler’s delight, with larger fish frequently coming in close to the shore.
Mafia Island.
We advise visiting Mafia Island on a safari, which is south of Zanzibar, for more laid-back and primitive lodge option and an unforgettable diving safari experience. Some of Tanzania’s most amazing coral reefs can be found in Mafia’s aquatic Park, along with an abundant array of aquatic species. With more than 48 genera of coral and 400 species of fish now known, the shallow reefs’ richness of animal and plant life is difficult to match. Pole Pole, also known as Butiama Beach, is our top selection on the island for whale shark sightings that are assured from October to February.
Bwejuu Island.
Just south of Mafia (3 hours by boat), Bwejuu Island is regarded by many as the most picturesque island in the archipelago. Visualise breathtaking white sand beaches, azure oceans, and swaying palms. During your stay on Mafia Island, spend a full day getting lost on this tropical island and its abundant waters.
Mnemba Atoll.
Mnemba Atoll is a requirement if you’re thinking of going scuba diving safari in Zanzibar. Divers frequently spot dolphin, turtles, and reef sharks there because it is the only marine reserve on the island that is protected. Neon-colored fish such the blue potato grouper, indigo Napoleon fish, deep red cubera snapper, and green blocked turtle are also common. There are dives for divers of all levels in the area, which ranges from shallow coral gardens to deep wall dives. We advise staying at Mnemba Island Lodge, the most prestigious lodge in East Africa and the only lodge situated on the island, for the trip of a lifetime.
Fanjove Island.
Fanjove Private Island is wild, gorgeous, and wholly unhurried-everything an African beach vacation should be. Power-white sand beaches lined with palm trees, glistening blue waters, and the impression that the entire island is yours are the island’s distinguishing features. The island caters primarily to visitors who come to enjoy the wonders of the Indian Ocean. Fanjove has warm, clear waters that are teeming with colourful fish, making it an excellent safari place for diving and snorkeling. Sightings of whales, turtles, butterfly fish, angelfish, damselfish, and many other marine animals are possible during dives. Fanjove offers snorkeling from a boat or from the shore. Your underwater safari experience will be spectacular when you dive from a boat with an experienced guide.
Mapinduzi Reef.
Mapinduzi is the dive site for you if you are an expert diver seeking a greater challenge. The site is off Pemba Island and benefits from a strong current; the stronger the current, the better the probability of spotting large marine species. Giant groupers, shoals of barracuda, mobula rays, eagle rays, enormous napoleon fish, and occasionally humphead parrotfish should all be seen by divers.
Coral Mountain.
Coral Mountain is an undersea prominence that is situated off Pemba Island. It is more of a wall that drops from 80 metres to five metres than a mountain. Both novice and expert divers utilise this website, and it is especially helpful for those who want to try wall diving for the first time. An astonishing variety of marine life can be seen at Coral Garden. Divers can anticipate schools of string rays, octopus, moray eels, black snappers, bump head snappers, and surgeon fish, to mention a few.
