Snorkelling & Diving in Zanzibar

Holidays in Zanzibar offer some of the best diving conditions in the Indian Ocean, and whether you're an experienced diver or a curious and inexperienced snorkeller, the marine life is well worth the plunge.

Experienced deep-water divers come here for steep wall dives (plunging down steep and sudden rock formations to nerve-wracking depths) and drift dives (on which a diver goes with the flow, literally, which gives you a sensation of flying and allows you to cover large distances).

The most famous Zanzibar dive site is in Mnemba Atoll Marine Park where park fees are used to help the local community. Around Mnemba Island expect to see many colourful fish and large numbers of turtles.

Levan Banks, a diving spot on the north coast near the Pemba Channel, is a very popular dive with advanced divers. The strong currents and deep waters of the channel offer some spectacular diving ogling the barracudas, sailfish, sting rays and the occasional shark.

Divers just starting out are not left out the fun as there are numerous sites that have unbelievable coral formations to explore, and exotic sea life to meet.

Dive Schools in Zanzibar

Why not do something useful on your lazy, Zanzibar island holiday and learn how to dive, or improve your diving. Many of the Zanzibar hotels offer excellent diving courses ranging from novice to dive master level.

The northern tip of the island has many independent dive schools and is a popular destination for divers. Many of the hotels along the east coast of Zanzibar, like Blue Bay Beach Resort, The Palms Zanzibar, Breezes Beach Club and Mapenzi Beach Club offer diving courses for all levels of proficiency.

Best For Diving in Zanzibar

However, for the best diving to be had in Zanzibar stay close to the action on the exclusively private Mnemba Island in the Mnemba Atoll Marine Park, at Mnemba Island Lodge where diving is included in the price of your stay; or stay at the romantic Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island, close to the excellent diving in the Pemba Channel.

If you're coming to Zanzibar for diving there are a few things worth considering:

• Diving sites are generally reached by boat.
• Although diving is possible all year round, most divers avoid the rainy season of March to May.
• The western sides of the islands are more sheltered than the eastern sides, which are more susceptible to swell.
• From June to October the diving is better on the northern coasts of Pemba and Zanzibar.
• September through December offers the calmest waters.
• November through March is when the southern coasts offer better diving.

Request a Quote |  Add to my wishlist