Diving
Zanzibar diving offers some of the most spectacular diving in East Africa. With over 40 listed dive sites, vertical coral walls descending 40+ meters, visibility of 20-40 meters, warm waters of 26-29°C and exceptional marine biodiversity including turtles, dolphins, manta rays and reef sharks, this Tanzanian archipelago is a must dive destination for divers. From beginners doing their Open Water in shallow reefs of Nungwi, to technical divers exploring vertical walls of Mnemba or historical wrecks, Zanzibar has dives for all levels. In this complete guide I explain the best places to dive in Zanzibar, certification courses available, recommended operators, real prices, best time, what marine life you will see and everything you need to plan your underwater adventure.
Why Zanzibar Diving is exceptional
Indo-Pacific Biodiversity in Zanzibar Diving
Zanzibar is located in the Indo-West Pacific biogeographical zoneone of the richest on the planet. The reefs are home to:
- 500+ fish species
- 200+ coral species
- 5 species of sea turtles
- 3 species of resident dolphins
- Reef sharks, eagle rays, eagle rays, manta rays
- Occasional humpback whales (July-September)
Variety of dives in diving Zanzibar
Vertical walls: Mnemba, Leven Bank - Dramatic 40+ meter drops
Coral reefs: Tumbatu, Bawe - Dense and colorful coral gardens
Drift divesNjao Gap, channels with currents
TollsSS Karamu (1895) near Chole Bay
Macro: Magic Reef - Seahorses, frogfish, nudibranchs, nudibranchs
Caves and swim-throughs: Various locations
Ideal conditions for diving Zanzibar
Water temperature: 26-29°C year round - Shorty suit 3mm enough
Visibility: 20-40 meters in premium sites (dry season)
CurrentsGenerally gentle, some controlled drift dives
Depths: From 5 meters (beginners) to 40+ (advanced)
Accessibility for diving Zanzibar
Professional diving centers20+ PADI/SSI certified operators
Proximity: Best sites at 15-60 minutes by boat from main points
Infrastructure: Modern equipment, safe boats, experienced instructors
Best dive sites Zanzibar
Mnemba Atoll - The most iconic dive site in Zanzibar
Why it is the bestCoral atoll surrounding an exclusive private island. Considered the Zanzibar premium dive site.
Main dives:
Big Wall:
- Depth: 12-40+ meters
- Level: Advanced (occasional strong currents)
- What you will see: Spectacular vertical wall, giant napoleons (1.5m+), schooling barracudas, tuna, occasional hammerhead sharks (lucky), turtles.
- Visibility: 30-40 meters
- The most impressive dive in Zanzibar
Turtle Reef:
- Depth: 8-18 meters
- Level: Intermediate
- What you will see: Green and hawksbill turtles (80%+ probability), coral gardens, giant parrotfish.
- Perfect for photography
Aquarium:
- Depth: 5-12 meters
- Level: Beginner/Open Water
- What you will see: Incredible density of tropical fish, healthy corals, moray eels, octopuses.
- Ideal for check dive or training
Kichwani (North Corner):
- Depth: 15-30 meters
- Level: Advanced
- What you will see: Spot cleaning, eagle rays, occasional manta rays, white tip sharks.
- Drift dive possible
Access: Diving tours from Matemwe (nearest), Nungwi or Stone Town
Price:
- 2 dives: 120-160 USD (equipment included)
- Full day dive (3 dives): 180-220 USD
Best time: All year round, optimum October-March
Important: Protected site, permits required, limited number of divers per day.
Leven Bank - For advanced divers in Zanzibar
FeaturesUnderwater mound rising from 40m to 12m, completely surrounded by deep water.
Depth: 12-40+ meters
Level: Advanced - Frequent strong currents, open water
What you will see:
- Large pelagicsGiant barracudas, yellowfin tuna, dorados, yellowfin tuna, dorados
- Whitetip and blacktip sharks on patrol
- Occasional hammerhead sharks (especially Oct-Dec)
- Eagle stripes
- Napoleons
Visibility: 30-40 meters (excellent)
What makes it specialSeamounts attract pelagic life that is rarely seen on inshore reefs. The most exciting immersion for experienced divers.
Access: From Matemwe or Nungwi, 1+ hour boat ride
Price: 140-180 USD (2 dives including Leven Bank + other site)
Requires: Advanced Open Water or equivalent, experience in currents
Tumbatu Island - Three excellent dive sites in Zanzibar
LocationIsland northwest of Zanzibar, 30-45 min. from Nungwi
Main sites:
Shetani (The Devil):
- Depth: 3-12 meters
- Level: All (currents almost nonexistent)
- What you will see: Spectacular shallow reef, giant table corals, butterfly fish, angelfish, occasional turtles.
- Perfect for beginners or a relaxed second dive.
Popobawa:
- Depth: 5-15 meters
- Level: Beginner-intermediate
- What you will see: Dense coral gardens, a great variety of reef fish, octopus, moray eels, etc.
- Excellent for macro photography
Mwana wa Mwana (Son of the Son):
- Depth: 10-20 meters
- Level: Intermediate
- What you will see: Coral wall with swim-throughs, white tip sharks resting under overhangs, rays, giant humpback parrotfish.
Price100-130 USD (2 dives)
AdvantageLess crowded than Mnemba, an excellent alternative.
Magic Reef - Macro Paradise diving Zanzibar
Location: East coast of Unguja
Depth: 10-16 meters
LevelAll, especially photographers
What you will see:
- Seahorses: Multiple species, frequent
- FrogfishCamouflaged like sponges (difficult to detect)
- Colorful nudibranchs
- Pipefish
- Scorpion fish
- Octopuses
- Incredible variety of invertebrates
What makes it special: One of the best sites for macro diving of East Africa. Three separate small coral pinnacles.
Price: 90-120 USD (2 dives)
Best for: Macro photographers, divers who prefer small unique critters vs. large pelagics
Misali Island (Pemba) - Pristine reefs for diving Zanzibar
LocationUninhabited island west of Pemba, protected marine area
Depth: 5-30+ meters (multiple sites)
Level: All levels
What you will see:
- Exceptionally healthy corals (coverage 70%+)
- Vertical walls with giant gorgonians
- Reef sharks
- Turtles
- Occasional dolphins
- Napoleons
- Very high biodiversity
What makes it special: Best preserved than sites in Unguja mainland. Pemba generally has superior diving but less tourist infrastructure.
Access: From Chake Chake (Pemba), scuba diving tours
Price100-140 USD (2 dives) + transfer from Unguja if applicable
Consider: Dedicated trip to Pemba (3-5 days) for serious divers
Njao Gap (Pemba) - Technical immersion in diving Zanzibar
Features: Vertical wall from 12m dropping 50+ meters in channel with currents
Depth: 12-40+ meters
LevelAdvanced/Technical
What you will see:
- Spectacular drift dive
- Occasional hammerhead sharks
- Large pelagics
- Wall covered with soft corals and gorgonians
- Exceptional visibility
What makes it specialOne of the more dramatic dives of Tanzania
RequiresAdvanced minimum, experience in currents and drift
Price: 120-160 USD (includes another less demanding dive)
Chumbe Island - Exemplary conservation of diving Zanzibar
FeaturesFirst private marine reserve in Tanzania, best-preserved coral
Depth: 5-25 meters
Level: All
What you will see:
- 200+ coral species (highest diversity in Zanzibar)
- 400+ fish species
- Extremely healthy reef
- Educational immersions with detailed briefing
Access: Only through Chumbe Island, advance reservation required.
PriceDives included if you stay at the eco-lodge (500+ USD/night). Day trips: Check availability.
What makes it specialSee how a reef should look like without human impact
Diving certifications in Zanzibar
PADI Open Water Diver - PADI Open Water Diver Basic Course diving Zanzibar
What you getCertification to dive up to 18 meters worldwide.
Duration: 3-4 days
Includes:
- 5 theory modules (online or on-site)
- 5 confined water dives (shallow pool/beach)
- 4 open water dives (real reef)
- All equipment
- Study materials
- Official PADI certification
Zanzibar Price: 350-450 USD
Where: Nungwi, Paje, Matemwe, Stone Town
Best for: You have never dived with a tank, you want worldwide recognized certification.
Recommended centers:
- One Ocean Dive Center (Nungwi) - PADI 5 Star
- Spanish Dancer Divers (Paje) - Open Water Specialized
- Scuba Diving Zanzibar (Matemwe) - Spanish Instructors
PADI Advanced Open Water for diving Zanzibar
What you getCertification up to 30 meters, specialized skills
Duration: 2-3 days
Includes:
- 5 adventure dives (mandatory deep + navigation + 3 electives)
- Theory for each specialty
- Team
- Certification
Price: 300-380 USD
RequirementOpen Water or equivalent
Why do it in ZanzibarAccess to better sites (Leven Bank, Mnemba walls), necessary for many premium dives.
PADI Rescue Diver for diving Zanzibar
What you get: Emergency management skills, diver rescue, diving rescue
Duration: 3-4 days
Price: 350-420 USD
RequirementAdvanced Open Water + 20 logged dives
Divemaster / Instructor for diving Zanzibar
Several centers in Zanzibar offer professional PADI Divemaster (6-8 weeks, 1,200-1,800 USD) and Instructor Development Courses.
Best for: Career in scuba diving, live/work in Zanzibar season
Specializations
Available at major centers:
- Deep Diver (40m)
- Nitrox (enriched air)
- Wreck Diver
- Underwater Photography
- Night Diver
- Drift Diver
Price: 150-250 USD per specialty (1-2 days)
Complete Zanzibar dive prices
Recreational dives (certificates) of diving Zanzibar
2 dives (1 tank each):
- Local sites (Nungwi, Tumbatu): 90-120 USD
- Mnemba Atoll: 120-160 USD
- Leven Bank: 140-180 USD
- Pemba (Misali, etc): 110-140 USD
Generally includes: Boat, 2 tanks, weights, guide, tea/coffee, fruits
Does NOT includeEquipment (15-25 USD extra/day if rented), marine parks entrance fee (10-15 USD Mnemba)
Multiple dive packages of diving Zanzibar
- 5 dives: 10-15% discount
- 10 dives: 15-20% discount
- Example: 10 dives ~800-1,000 USD vs. 1,100-1,400 USD buying singles
Rental of complete equipment for diving Zanzibar
- Per dive: 15-20 USD
- Per day (2 dives): 25-35 USD
- Week (10+ dives): 100-150 USD
Includes: BCD, regulator, shorty suit, mask, fins, computer
Your own equipmentDiscounts 10-20 USD per day
Certification courses diving Zanzibar
- Open Water: 350-450 USD
- Advanced Open Water: 300-380 USD
- Rescue Diver: 350-420 USD
- Divemaster: 1,200-1,800 USD
- Specialties: 150-250 USD each
Discovery Dive (without certification) for diving Zanzibar
Discover Scuba Diving (PADI):
- Introduction scuba diving 1 day
- Brief theory + supervised shallow dive
- Does not certify but it gives you proof
- Price: 80-120 USD
Intro from resort: Some resorts offer "trial dive" in pool/beach: 50-80 USD
Best time to dive in Zanzibar
Optimal season (October-March) for diving Zanzibar
Conditions:
- Maximum visibility: 30-40 meters
- Calm sea (especially Oct-Dec)
- Water temperature: 28-29°C
- Minimal plankton
Marine life:
- Nesting turtles (Oct-Feb)
- Most frequent manta rays (Oct-Dec)
- Occasional whale sharks (Oct-Feb)
- Migrating humpback whales (Sep-Oct passing through area)
Disadvantage: High season, more expensive (15-20% more), more divers at sites
Good season (June-September) for diving Zanzibar
Conditions:
- Good visibility: 20-30 meters
- Southeasterly winds (east coast may be choppy)
- Temperature: 26-27°C (perfectly comfortable)
- Some more plankton
Advantages:
- Fewer people
- Better prices
- Humpback whales (July-Sep) occasionally seen/heard underwater
ConsiderationVerify conditions before booking specific days (wind may cancel east coast departures).
Avoid season (April-May) for diving Zanzibar
Why:
- Heavy rains
- Reduced visibility (15-25m, runoff)
- Frequently rough sea
- Many centers closed or limited hours
ExceptionIf you find good weather window, diving can be excellent with almost no one else.
Night dives
Available all year round at selected sites (Mnemba, Tumbatu). See night life: octopus hunting, giant hermit crabs, coral feeding, active scorpion fish, lobsters.
Additional price60-80 USD night dive
What you will see diving in Zanzibar
Sharks (insurance)
Whitetip reef sharkSmall (1-1.5m), resting under overhangs during the day, curious but shy.
Blacktip reef shark: They patrol reefs, swim fast, completely harmless.
Hammerhead sharkOccasional in Mnemba/Leven Bank (lucky), usually in deep blue.
Whale shark: Rare but occasional Oct-Feb (opportunistic encounters, not guaranteed)
0% dangerAll Zanzibar sharks are reef species harmless to humans.
Stripes
Eagle stripe: Elegant, nothing flapping "wings", white spots on dark background, frequent Mnemba/Leven
Blanket stripe: Occasional (not guaranteed), 3-4m wingspan, majestic
Background stripes: Camouflaged in sand, be careful where you kneel down.
Sea turtles
Green turtle y hawksbill turtle frequent at almost all sites. 60-80% likely on Mnemba dives. See feeding on sponges/seaweed, swimming gracefully.
Strict rules: Do not touch, do not chase, 2+ meters minimum distance
Dolphins
Occasionally seen/heard underwater:
- Indo-Pacific humpback dolphinResident
- Bottlenose dolphin
- Audible clicks and whistles, even if not visible.
Iconic large fish
Napoleon (Mnemba especially): 1-1.5m, distinct bulbous forehead, blue-green
Barracudas: Solitary or large shoals (Leven Bank), intimidating teeth, but ignore divers.
Tuna: Yellow fin, pass quickly in blue
Giant humpback parrotfish: 1+ meter, massive front, crucial for reef health
Giant groupers: Up to 2+ meters, inquisitive, huge eyes
Fascinating macro life
Seahorses: Multi-species, mainly Magic Reef
Frogfish: Perfect camouflage like sponges, Magic Reef
Nudibranchs: colorful "sea slugs", many species
PipefishSeahorse relatives
Octopuses: Camouflage masters, instantly change color/texture
Brunettes
Multiple species, from small (30cm) to giants (2m+). Live in coral crevices, constantly open/close mouth (breathing, not threatening). Harmless if you don't reach into their holes.
Diving Zanzibar vs Snorkeling: which one to choose?
Choose scuba diving if:
✅ Do you want to see. large marine life (sharks, large rays, turtles, pelagic turtles)
✅ They fascinate you deep dives and explore vertical walls
✅ You enjoy technical challenge and learn new skills
✅ Do you want to. access to premium sites (many better spots require diving)
✅ You have. budget 100+ USD/day for activities
✅ Sufficient time (courses require 3-4 days minimum)
Choose snorkeling if:
✅ First visit to Zanzibar, you want to try before investing in certification.
✅ Limited budget (snorkeling 30-80 USD vs scuba diving 100-180 USD)
✅ You travel with. non divers (everyone can snorkel)
✅ You have. short time (half day snorkeling vs. diving requires full days + courses)
✅ Young children (snorkeling from 5-6 years vs scuba diving from 10 years)
✅ Prefer relaxation without heavy equipment
The truth: What difference does diving make?
Diving gives you:
- Unlimited underwater time (vs. 15-30 min snorkeling between breaths)
- Depth (see life that does not rise to the surface)
- Close-up (fish less afraid of bubbles than of surface snorkelers)
- Three-dimensional perspective (you float in the middle of the blue, you don't just look down from above)
Snorkel continues to be excellent:
- You see 60-70% of what you would see diving in shallow sites.
- Mnemba snorkeling vs Mnemba diving - both spectacular
- Turtles come up regularly (you can see them well while snorkeling).
Best solutionTime and budget permitting, do both. Snorkeling in Safari Blue/Mnemba + Open Water certification + dives in better sites = complete Zanzibar experience.
Safety and practical tips for diving Zanzibar
Pre-diving health Zanzibar
✅ Medical certificatePADI centers require a medical questionnaire. Conditions that contraindicate diving: severe asthma, epilepsy, heart problems, pregnancy.
✅ Diving insuranceDAN (Divers Alert Network) standard recommended. Many travel insurances exclude diving - check specific coverage.
✅ Do not fly 18-24 hours post-diving.Risk of decompression sickness. Plan last dive 24h before flight.
Before diving in Zanzibar
✅ Verify equipmentCheck regulator, BCD, computer, tank pressure (200 bar minimum).
✅ Attentive briefingListening to dive plan, maximum depth, time, signals, points of interest, expected currents, etc.
✅ Buddy checkBWRAF (BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final OK) with your partner
During immersion of diving Zanzibar
✅ Buoyancy control: Practical makes perfect. Neutral buoyancy protects coral and minimizes effort.
✅ Constantly monitors air1/3 rule: 1/3 down, 1/3 scan, 1/3 up + reserve. Communicates at 50 bar.
✅ Respects depthsOpen Water max 18m, Advanced 30m, do not exceed certification.
✅ Do not touch anythingCoral, marine life, swimming. Hands in control, perfect buoyancy.
✅ Follow your guide: Locals know about currents, marine life, best routes
Emergencies
- Nearest hyperbaric chamber: Dar es Salaam (flight 25 min from Zanzibar)
- Emergency numbersDAN +27 828 10 60 10 (Africa), local emergency 112/999
- Serious operators: Emergency oxygen, evacuation plan, insurance, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen, oxygen
Frequently asked questions about diving Zanzibar
Do I need certification to dive in Zanzibar?
Yes, you need a recognized certification (PADI, SSI, CMAS, etc.) for recreational dives in Zanzibar. The minimum certification is Open Water Diver that allows you to dive up to 18 meters. Without certification, you can do Discover Scuba Diving (80-120 USD) - supervised introduction in shallow water without permanent certification. The best option is to obtain PADI Open Water in Zanzibar itself (350-450 USD, 3-4 days) - you learn in warm tropical waters with experienced instructors and get certified to dive worldwide. Many travelers combine vacation with certification. Advanced Open Water (additional 300-380 USD) opens access to better sites such as Leven Bank and Mnemba Deep Walls. According to PADIIn addition, certifications obtained in tropical destinations have a higher completion rate than courses in cold waters.
Where is the best place to dive in Zanzibar?
Mnemba Atoll is universally considered the best dive site in Zanzibar for exceptional biodiversity, 30-40 meters visibility, dramatic vertical walls (Big Wall), high probability of sea turtles (80%+), giant napoleons, occasional manta rays and hammerhead sharks. However, it is the most expensive (120-160 USD for 2 dives). Leven Bank offers the most exciting dive with large pelagics but requires Advanced and experience in currents. For best value for money, Tumbatu Island (100-130 USD) offers three excellent sites with healthy corals and fewer people. Magic Reef is unsurpassed for macro photography with seahorses and frogfish. For exemplary conservation, Chumbe Island shows pristine reef. If time permits, trip dedicated to Pemba (Misali Island, Njao Gap) offers the best diving of the entire archipelago according to Dive Magazine but with less infrastructure.
Is Zanzibar diving expensive compared to other destinations?
Zanzibar diving has excellent value for money compared to similar destinations. Two dives cost 90-160 USD depending on the site, while Maldives charges 120-200 USD, Seychelles 150-250 USD and the Caribbean 100-180 USD for comparable dives. The PADI Open Water course in Zanzibar (350-450 USD) is 20-30% cheaper than Thailand (450-550 USD) or Egypt (400-500 USD), and significantly cheaper than getting certified in Europe/USA (500-800 USD). Factors that make Zanzibar economical: competition among 20+ operators, lower operating costs, favorable currency. Accommodation and meals are also cheap compared to Pacific or Caribbean islands. A 7-day dive trip in Zanzibar (accommodation + 10 dives + meals) costs 1,200-2,000 USD versus 2,500-4,000 USD premium destinations like Maldives or Palau.