*1, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Zanzibar: Best Spots & Tips

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, making it one of the best destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling in East Africa. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner snorkeler, the island offers diverse marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and unforgettable underwater experiences.

🌊 Why Zanzibar is Ideal for Diving and Snorkeling

Zanzibar’s location just off the Tanzanian coast offers calm seas, warm waters year-round, and world-class dive sites. The archipelago is home to colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, reef sharks, moray eels, and hundreds of tropical fish species.

• Water temperature: 25°C – 29°C (77°F – 84°F)

• Visibility: Up to 30 meters (98 feet) during dry season

• Best time to dive/snorkel: February–March & July–October

Zanzibar’s diving is suitable for all levels, and snorkeling is easily accessible straight from the beach or with short boat rides.

📍 Best Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Spots in Zanzibar

1. Mnemba Atoll – Northeast Coast

🟢 Best for: Beginners, advanced divers, snorkelers
This is Zanzibar’s most famous marine conservation area, located near Matemwe. The atoll is teeming with life and features walls, drift dives, and coral gardens.

• Marine life: Dolphins, green turtles, triggerfish, barracuda

• Snorkeling tours available daily from Nungwi and Matemwe

• Visibility: Excellent year-round

2. Nungwi & Kendwa – North Coast

🟢 Best for: Beach-based snorkeling and reef dives
These two beaches are the top spots for easy reef access and stunning sunsets. The nearby dive sites like Hunga Reef and Magic Reef are full of marine color.

• Calm waters, perfect for new divers and snorkelers

• Several dive centers offer PADI certification and fun dives

3. Tumbatu Island – Off Nungwi

🟢 Best for: Macro lovers, coral exploration
Tumbatu is a less-crowded island dive site, accessible only to experienced divers with special permission. It features unique coral formations and rare critters.

• Limited access = pristine conditions

• Great for underwater photographers

4. Pemba Island – Northern Archipelago

🟢 Best for: Advanced divers, wall dives
Pemba is Zanzibar’s hidden diving gem, with dramatic drop-offs, untouched reefs, and phenomenal visibility.

• Dive sites: Swiss Reef, Fundu Gap, Misali Island

• Marine life: Giant groupers, reef sharks, napoleon wrasse

• Requires a short flight or ferry from Unguja (main island)

5. Chumbe Island Coral Park – Southwest Zanzibar

🟢 Best for: Eco-snorkeling, protected reef experiences
This private marine sanctuary has one of the most biodiverse shallow reefs in the region. Strict conservation rules make it ideal for a low-impact snorkeling trip.

• No diving allowed – snorkeling only

• Ranger-guided tours available

6. Kizimkazi – South Coast

🟢 Best for: Dolphin encounters, relaxed snorkeling
Kizimkazi is famous for bottlenose and humpback dolphin sightings. It’s also a top choice for calm, beginner-friendly snorkeling trips.

• Morning boat trips increase chances of dolphin spotting

• Coral visibility best during low tide

🐠 Marine Life You Might See

• Green and hawksbill turtles

• Reef and nurse sharks

• Colorful reef fish: angelfish, clownfish, parrotfish

• Dolphins and occasional whale sharks

• Octopuses, rays, and moray eels

📅 Best Time for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Zanzibar

Avoid April–May for diving, as heavy rains affect visibility and sea conditions.

🧳 Tips for Snorkeling & Diving in Zanzibar

✅ Book with certified PADI or SSI dive centers
✅ Always ask about current and tide conditions before diving
✅ Carry reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
✅ Respect marine life — no touching or collecting
✅ Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before diving
✅ If new to diving, try a Discover Scuba Diving course

🏝 Recommended Tour & Dive Operators

• Dive Point Zanzibar (Nungwi)

• One Ocean Diving (Stone Town, Matemwe, Kiwengwa)

• Spanish Dancer Divers (Nungwi)

• Zanzibar Watersports (Kendwa)

• Fundu Lagoon Dive Center (Pemba)

All offer equipment rental, dive packages, and snorkeling tours. Most also provide transport to and from hotels.

📝 Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a tropical escape, Zanzibar offers world-class diving and snorkeling that rivals the Maldives and Red Sea. From the coral gardens of Mnemba to the untouched reefs of Pemba, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant marine life and warm waters.

Whether you’re diving deep or floating above coral with a mask and fins, Zanzibar is the perfect underwater playground.

💬 Want to combine diving with a spice tour, safari, or beach stay? Let Olduvai Tours Tan Africa create a custom Zanzibar itinerary with diving days, cultural experiences, and relaxation.