Pemba Zanzibar is the forgotten and wilder sister of the archipelago. Located 50 km north of Unguja (the main island), this 67 km long Pemba Island is known as \"the green island\" for its lush vegetation and clove plantations. Pemba is the perfect destination for experienced divers and travelers looking for authenticity without mass tourism. In this guide I tell you all about Pemba<\/a>How to get there, the best dive sites, pristine beaches and real prices. The green island<\/strong>Unlike Unguja, Pemba is mountainous and covered with clove plantations that produce the 70% of Zanzibar clove. The green hills and the aromatic air of spices create a unique landscape. By airplane<\/strong> By ferry<\/strong> Transportation on the island<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The jewel of diving in Pemba Zanzibar. Uninhabited island surrounded by pristine reefs. Best place in Pemba to see 3-4 meter manta rays. Dramatic vertical wall from 12 meters dropping 50+ meters. Drift dive with strong currents. Swahili Divers<\/strong> (the best): Wambaa Beach - 60-80 USD\/dive. The most photographed. Fine white sand, palm trees, crystal clear turquoise water. Decent snorkeling from the beach. Less visited, excellent snorkeling, perfect for sunsets. Difficult access. Inside Ngezi Forest Reserve. Unspoiled nature, very isolated, no services. For adventurers. Famous for its historic lighthouse. Excellent snorkeling, panoramic views. Visit Misali Island (snorkeling)<\/strong>: 60-80 USD\/day - boat, guide, snorkel, BBQ lunch Luxury<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Manta Resort: 500-1500 USD\/night (famous underwater room) Midrange<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pemba Lodge: 80-120 USD\/night (Chake Chake, no beach) Budget<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sharook Guest House: 30-50 USD\/night Important<\/strong>Early booking. Options are limited. For diving (September-March)<\/strong>: Better visibility (25-40m), higher probability of mantas, calm sea. Daily budget<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pemba better for<\/strong>: Experienced divers, authenticity, crowd avoidance, adventure Limited infrastructure<\/strong>: Few cashiers (carry cash), occasional power outages, limited internet access Yes, Pemba Island is considerably better than Unguja for experienced divers. Less impacted reefs, more dramatic walls, currents that attract large pelagics and mantas, superior visibility (25-40m vs 15-25m). Sites like Misali and Njao Gap are among the best in East Africa. But it is NOT for beginners - requires minimum Advanced Open Water experience. According to Dive Magazine<\/a>Pemba offers \"world class diving without the crowds\". Yes, Pemba Island is generally safe. Low crime, friendly inhabitants. Standard precautions: do not display valuables, avoid walking alone at night, dress modestly (Muslim island). Major \"danger\" is logistical - difficult roads, limited infrastructure, malaria (use prophylaxis). According to Tanzania Tourism Board<\/a>Pemba is as safe as the rest of Zanzibar. Pemba Zanzibar is not for everyone, and that makes it special. If you want all-inclusive resorts and convenience, stay in Unguja. But if you're an experienced diver looking for pristine walls, if you value authenticity over comfort, if you'd rather explore than be entertained, then Pemba will reward you.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy visit Pemba Island
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World class diving<\/strong>According to PADI<\/a>Pemba is among the top 10 dive destinations in Africa. Vertical coral walls, nutrient rich currents and little tourist pressure create exceptional conditions. You will often have the sites to yourself.
Authenticity without filters<\/strong>The population lives from agriculture and fishing, not tourism. This means more authentic experiences but less tourist infrastructure. Markets, traditional ceremonies and dhow building are still part of real life, not tourist shows.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to get to Pemba Zanzibar
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From Dar es Salaam<\/strong>Daily flights (Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, ZanAir) - 1 hour - 150-250 USD roundtrip
From Zanzibar<\/strong>: Daily flights - 30 minutes - 80-120 USD round trip
Council<\/strong>: Book 2-4 weeks in advance. Flights fill up fast.
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Azam Marine from Dar es Salaam<\/strong>2-3 times\/week - 6-8 hours - 35-50 USD. It is long and can be bumpy, but much cheaper than flying.
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Best dive sites in Pemba Zanzibar
<\/h2>\n\n\n\nMisali Island Marine Conservation Area
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What you will see<\/strong>: 40+ meter vertical walls, dense corals, barracudas, tuna, turtles, reef sharks, 350+ species of fishes
Level<\/strong>: Intermediate-Advanced : Intermediate-Advanced : Intermediate-Advanced : Intermediate-Advanced Visibility<\/strong>: 20-40 meters : 20-40 meters Cost<\/strong>80-120 USD full day
<\/p>\n\n\n\nManta Point
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Best time<\/strong>: September-March : September-March Depth<\/strong>: 15-25 meters
<\/p>\n\n\n\nNjao Gap (The Wall)
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Level<\/strong>: Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced : Advanced Occasionally<\/strong>Hammerhead sharks
<\/p>\n\n\n\nRecommended dive centers in Pemba Zanzibar
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Pemba Dive Centre<\/strong>Chake Chake - similar prices
Important<\/strong>Pemba is NOT for beginners. It requires experience (minimum 20 dives).
<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe best beaches of Pemba Island
<\/h2>\n\n\n\nVumawimbi Beach (east coast)
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Lodging<\/strong>: Aiyana Pemba (luxury resort, 300+ USD\/night)
<\/p>\n\n\n\nPanga ya Watoro Beach (west coast)
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nNgezi Beach (north end)
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nKigomasha Beach
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to do besides scuba diving in Pemba Zanzibar
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Ngezi Forest Reserve<\/strong>10 USD entrance fee + 10-15 USD guide - See Pemba flying fox (endemic bat), flora, birds - 2-3 hours
Clove plantations<\/strong>: 20-30 USD - Less touristic than Unguja, more authentic
Ras Mkumbuu Ruins<\/strong>: 5-10 USD - 14th century Swahili ruins, tombs, pillars, mosque
Local markets<\/strong>: Chake Chake (Tuesday\/Friday), Mkoani - Spices, handicrafts, kangas
<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere to stay in Pemba Zanzibar
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Aiyana Pemba: 300-500 USD\/night<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kervan Saray Pemba: 100-150 USD\/night (east coast, beachfront)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Homestays: 15-25 USD\/night<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nBest time to visit Pemba Zanzibar
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Dry season (June-October)<\/strong>Less rain, better for land activities, winds from the southeast.
Avoid (March-May)<\/strong>: Heavy rains, many hotels closed, roads impassable
<\/p>\n\n\n\nActual costs in Pemba Zanzibar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Pemba vs Unguja
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Unguja better for<\/strong>First visit, tourist infrastructure, Stone Town (UNESCO), more options
Ideal<\/strong>Combine both if you have 10+ days (3-4 days Pemba, rest Unguja).
<\/p>\n\n\n\nPemba's real challenges
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Complicated access<\/strong>: Expensive flights or long ferries
Fewer options<\/strong>: Limited menus, less people speak English
Malaria<\/strong>Higher risk than Unguja. Recommended prophylaxis.
If these challenges stress you out, stay in Unguja. If they sound like adventure, Pemba is for you.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrequently asked questions about Pemba Zanzibar
<\/h2>\n\n\n\nIs Pemba better than Zanzibar for diving?
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow many days do I need for Pemba?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Minimum 4-5 full days. Less time does not compensate for the effort to get there. Typical itinerary: Day 1 (arrival), Days 2-3 (Misali diving), Day 4 (snorkeling, beaches, Ngezi Forest), Day 5 (plantations, market, flight). Dedicated divers: 7-10 days. If you combine with Unguja: 3-4 days Pemba, 5-7 Unguja in 10-14 days total trip.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nIs Pemba safe for tourists?
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nPemba for true adventurers
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This is the Zanzibar of 30 years ago: green, quiet, real. Fishermen build dhows by hand, women pick cloves on family plantations, markets sell to locals. The pace is slow, the logistical challenges are real, but the experience is genuine.
Visit Pemba Island now, while preserving its character, and discover the green island that mass tourism forgot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n