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

Best for Diving in Zanzibar:

Zanzibar Diving - Breezes Beach Club and Spa Breezes Beach Club & Spa - The licensed PADI dive centre offers one on one diving instruction for beginners, excellent diving for advanced divers and regular snorkelling trips.

Diving in Zanzibar - Fundu Lagoon Fundu Lagoon - Experience some of the best drift diving in the world around Pemba Island.

Diving in Zanzibar - Mnemba Island Lodge Mnemba Island Lodge - Twice daily dives around the impressive Mnemba Atoll are included in your stay.

 

  We sailed by dhow to a sandbank in the middle of the ocean, where they set up some shade and a cooler box of drinks - you could just fall into the warm water for amazing snorkelling. - Go2Africa Safari Expert Maureen Stover  

 

Lionfish  zanzibar diving in zanzibar

 
 

Follow Go2Africa on Facebook Follow Go2Africa on Twitter Subscribe to me on YouTube

Copyright © 2011 Go2Africa Pty (Ltd).
All rights reserved.
Booking Terms & Conditions  |  Web Usage Terms & Conditions

Toll-Free Numbers: African Safari Travel 1888 818 8821 | African Safari Travel 0808 238 7564 | African Safari Travel 1888 400 1923 | African Safari Travel 1800 107 012