What to do

Diving and Snorkeling in Tanzania

A great range of options for beginners, intermediate and advanced divers

Diving in Zanzibar
Diving in Zanzibar
Snorkelling in Zanizbar

When taken in comparison with some of the world’s best dive spots, such as Sipadan in Malaysia, or the Blue hole, Tanzania may not rank all that highly but this is to do it a disservice in our view. For many that are looking just to have a few scenic dives during their beach stay the island of Zanzibar will definitely tick the spot and, for those looking to “drop in” on something a little larger or spend a bit more time in the water then the islands of Mafia and Pemba, to the north and south of Zanzibar, will certainly suit and…if you are looking for somewhere a little special…then northern Mozambique is a short flight away.

Zanzibar Island Diving

As mentioned in our intro paragraph above, Zanzibar is not really somewhere that we tend to recommend to clients who would like to do anything more than a few dives as, with limited inner reef, there is not a whole load of different options. This being said though, please see our review of a few of the major dive areas below: Mnemba Island – a great dive destination for those that are strating out as this small atoll has a shallow wall dive down to around 18 meters with a sandy bottom. The coral cover here is very acceptable and, with some of the island’s best garden reefs, it is also possible to combine with an afternoon of snorkelling easily enough. Kizimkazi Reef – arguably the only really good dive location on the island is right down in the south, right next to Unguja Lodge. This area is part of an inner reef system that runs out to the barrier reef which, as you are south facing, is not as deep or as complete as along the southern edges of the island. While the property doesn’t really have any beach to speak of, this is certainly a good contender for those that would like Zanzibar and some diving. Off Stone Town – another interesting area to dive is off the western side of the island. While not reef diving as such, this inner channel, between Zanzibar and the mainland, has plenty of sunken wrecks to go and have a look at. As this is channel diving, there is slightly more current to contend with.

Recommended Properties:

Mnemba Lodge, Unguja Lodge, Ras Nungwi, Echo Beach Hotel

Mafia Island Diving

This small and sleepy island to the south of Zanzibar has long been held as one of the two locations that really does offer good diving and would provide a keen and experienced diver plenty to do over the course of a week. Mafia Island Marine Park The first of Tanzania’s official marine protection zones, created in 1996, Mafia Island Marine Park is starting to show signs that it is benefitting from the respite from the dynamite fishing that is commonplace amongst local fishermen. As such, it is now the best area for diving on the island and offers a whole range of different dives from cave diving, wall diving, bouldering and drifts. As the reef for most of the first dives is the outer barrier, Mafia is not the ideal spot for those that are keen on snorkelling.

Recommended Properties:

Ras Mbisi, Kinasi Lodge, Pole Pole, Chole Mjini

Pemba Island Diving

As with Mafia Island, Pemba Island, to the north of Zanzibar, is definitely one of the locations to head to if you are a keen diver. Usually known more for the larger fish shoals and pelagics that tend to come in here, it will, again, give a medium to advanced diver plenty to keep occupied for a week or so.

Recommended Properties:

Fundu Lagoon, The Manta Resort

Northern Mozambique Diving

If you are anything like us, then you will be looking hard for new and interesting dive sites to go and explore! Our MD, Nick, worked for a while in Fiji as a youngster and, as such, has spent a few years diving wherever in the world he travels to. In his experience, the diving off Northern Mozambique definitely stands up against some of the better diving he has experienced in the world (his list includes Flores Island in Indonesia, the Similan Islands in Thailand, the Mamanuthas in Fiji, the Galapagos and Tahiti). Lots of quite deep diving initially (average depth of around 40m) and then shallower inner barrier diving….if you want it. Many of the lodges here offer diving that can be tailored to any level and, as such, even a beginner would be recommended to head here. **Please send us an email or give us a call to discuss the options with someone who has dived the reefs of Tanzania!**

When to go Diving And Snorkeling in Tanzania:

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    Our Top Five Tanzania Diving and snorkeling Lodges:

    1. Unguja Lodge

      Unguja Lodge

      Right at the southern most tip of Zanzibar, Unguja is known only to a few and is a welcome retreat from the relative bustle of other beaches on the island. While not really the best beach on the island, part of the charm of heading down here is to access the superb and unspoiled diving of the reefs... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      3
    2. Butiama Beach - beach

      Butiama Beach

      Sat on the west coast of Mafia Island, Butiama Beach is a simple beach lodge with a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere. With 13 comfortable bungalows, all facing the sandy white beach and the glistening Indian Ocean, Butiama Beach is the perfect casual beachfront retreat to relax and unwind,... More...

      Our rating:
      3
      User rating:
      3
      Price:
      3
    3. Manta Resort - underwater room

      Manta Resort

      Located on the island of Pemba, Manta Resort is a remote and luxurious hotel, famed for its underwater room that allows guests to enjoy the marine life of the Indian Ocean from the comfort of their bed! The Manta Resort offers a variety of activities that take advantage of the world-famous diving... More...

      Our rating:
      3
      User rating:
      3
      Price:
      4
    4. Breezes Beach Club - pool

      Breezes Beach Club & Spa

      As one of the first hotels on this stretch of Zanzibar, Breezes has long been the benchmark for other properties of this ilk. Today it can still firmly hold its head up and, in our view, is still very much at the front of the pack as far as layout, service and general facilities go. Located on a... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      5
      Price:
      3
    5. The Z Hotel Zanzibar

      The Z Hotel

      Located in the small fishing village of Nungwi, in the northern-most point of the island, the Z hotel has slowly carved a niche out for those looking for a great beach, good rooms and access to some evening action. As one of the main backpacker destinations there are plenty of bars to choose from.... More...

      Our rating:
      4
      User rating:
      4
      Price:
      2

    Our top five travel itineraries for Tanzania Diving and snorkeling: