Swahili Coast Diving

Primarily influenced by the Indian Ocean’s South Equatorial Current, the Swahili Coast of Tanzania boasts warm water and stellar diving year round.

Hover amongst the vast and varied schools of tropical fish or look for octopi and macro life hidden in the rocky coral in The Aquarium of Mnemba (NE Zanzibar)
Revel in the presence of the ocean’s largest fish, the whale shark, in Mafia Island – said to be the largest group of resident whale sharks in the world
Marvel at the scale and variety of corals and discover the diverse, weird, and unique species of the SW Indian Ocean

TJT partners with internationally-certified, full-service dive centers with rental equipment and instruction available. Hosted dive trips also available with PADI-certified Instructor and Dive Master. Most diving is from traditional dhows – shore diving also available on Mafia and Pemba.

Contact Us to create a unique dive holiday. Combine with a world-renown Safari and/or Mountain Treks for the adventure of a lifetime.

Three main islands, each offering unique land and sea experiences

Zanzibar – Unguja
Mafia Island
Pemba

5 day itinerary for one island – 7+ day itineraries for island combinations allowing for decompression time before domestic flights between islands

Unguja (Zanzibar) Diving

Dive conditions are generally good year-round. Water temperatures average 84 degrees F (29 degrees C) with visibility usually 50-100 ft (15-30 m). Seas are generally calm, though it can get a bit rough in mid-summer when the winds are from the south (the Kusini wind). April and May are considered low season with higher-than-average rainfall and slightly cooler air temperatures.

The main dive areas in Unguja are along the north and northeast coast and from StoneTown. However, less visited dive sites off Tumbatu and in the south offer interesting and untapped discoveries. Reefs, schooling fish, unique species, and macro life dominate the dive offerings, though there are also resident turtles and dolphins, plus the occasional shark or eagle ray. There are also a couple of interesting wrecks to explore out of StoneTown.

Mnemba Island, a small island located just off the NE coast, is the most visited dive area with multiple dive sites and a wide variety of soft and hard corals and associated reef species. The Aquarium dive site is a prolific shallow reef that is ideal for new divers and snorklers with enough interesting marine life to keep more advanced divers entertained, as well. When conditions are good, more experienced divers can also dive The Big Wall on the eastern side of Mnemba.

TJT partners with ScubaReef Zanzibar to offer dive packages to Mnemba (out of Matemwe). Off-the-beaten-track dive sites (Muzuni, Tumbatu, Kizimkazi, other) can also be arranged.

Along with dramatic corals and flourishing fish, the macro marine life of Zanzibar is varied and abundant.

During your surface interval on Zanzibar …

Spend the day snorkeling and sunbathing on one of Zanzibar’s most pristine beaches and fall in love with Nakupenda Beach.

Take a half-day tour to one of Zanzibar’s renown spice farms. Discover the history of Zanzibar’s spice production and enjoy tasting some of the island’s exotic tropical fruits.

See the giant land tortoises of Prison Island (Changuu Island) – Just a 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town with time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe.

Visit Jozani Forest Reserve – The old-growth forest is home to the endemic red colobus monkey, as well as hyrax, bush babies, and dozens of species of birds.

Wander Stone Town‘s narrow, winding streets and discover the UNESCO-listed historic center of Zanzibar City – explore Zanzibar’s history, distinctive architecture, and bustling local market. Stay to enjoy the night market of Forodhani Garden.

Or just spend the day relaxing on the sparkling white sand beaches

Mafia Island

For a truly off-the-beaten-track dive experience, Mafia Island is the place for you. Quiet and unassuming, Mafia is the barefoot paradise of your dreams – where the sand is white, the water is warm, and the people are welcoming.

The Mafia archipelago has some of the richest reefs in the world, with an amazing variety of coral and tropical fish. On the southern end of the main island, the 317 sqm Mafia Island Marine Park is an important habitat for endangered species (such as the dugong and sea turtle), as well as more than 460 species of fish. Almost all of Mafia’s best diving is at depths of less than 30 meters. The shallow reefs of Chole Bay can be enjoyed by beginner divers and snorkelers. More experienced divers will also be able to admire the long coral wall outside the bay. Of course, diving is contingent on tides and weather conditions, but you can generally count on 2 tank dives a day plus the possibility of a third. Shore diving is also permissible in some areas.

Whale sharks are definitely a highlight of a visit to Mafia. There are only a handful of places in the world where whale sharks are known to visit all year round and Mafia is one of them. Whale sharks are known to stay longer in the waters off Mafia and there is proof that the population is resident in the area. Population has increased from approximately 100 individuals in 2012 to 180 individuals as of December 2017. October to February are the best months for spotting and snorkeling with the whale sharks of Mafia.

Most dive operations shutdown for 1-2 months during the low season in April-May, but otherwise the diving conditions generally remain good throughout the year. Boat dives are heavily dependent on tidal conditions and there can be days with strong currents outside the protected bay.

Pemba

About 30 miles (50 km) north of Unguja (Zanzibar) lies the “Green Island” of Pemba, so named due to the fertile soil that produces crops such as coconut, bananas, and cassava. Renowned for some of the best diving and snorkeling on the Swahili Coast, the warm waters around Pemba offer steep drop-offs, undisturbed marine life, and colorful coral reefs. For many, Pemba offers a more authentic island experience away from the well-developed tourism industry on Zanzibar. It is perfect for those wanting to enjoy a quiet and unique dive adventure.