Diving off Zanzibar: Mnemba & Pemba Island

Zanzibar is the best known island for diving – a flat coral atoll surrounded by fringing coral reefs to the east. The National Marine Parks at Chumbe Island and Mnemba protect the rich marine life.

Diving off Mnemba Island

The coral atoll of Mnemba Island just off Zanzibar is one of the top diving sites in the Indian Ocean. Snorkellers and novice divers should see plenty of colourful coral fish, moray eels, stingrays and lionfish. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks are also commonly seen. Whale sharks migrate through Zanzibar’s waters in season from August to September and also from February to March. These harmless creatures are a magnificent sight – up to 14m in length with a 1.5m wide mouth!

Stay at the paradisiacal Mnemba Island on Mnemba atoll itself. Or, travel to the dive sites with diving operators from the Zanzibar east coast resorts such as Matemwe or Nungwe.

The Leven Banks to the north of Zanzibar are ideal for advanced divers who can cope with the strong currents. Here, you’ll find schools of kingfish, barracuda, tuna and reef fish, as well as moray eels. The east coast resorts of Zanzibar are also the perfect destination to learn to dive with a huge variety of marine life on offer in the calmer reef waters.

Diving off Pemba Island

The island of Pemba is a short flight from Zanzibar, 40km to the north, but very different in topography. Its white deserted beaches are backed by green hills with plantations of mangoes and cloves. But from a diving perspective, it offers something completely different.

Unlike Zanzibar, it lies in deep ocean and not on the African continental shelf. The Pemba Channel drops off steeply just off its west coast. The vertical coral walls drop over 300 metres and the marine life, coral and visibility here are superb.

Yes, it’s a little more effort to get to Pemba than Zanzibar. But the diving and unspoiled environment, both above and below the water, repay the effort. Special sightings include green turtles, whale sharks and the spotted eagle ray. There are just a couple of luxury diving resorts. These are ideal for honeymooners, for post-safari relaxation, as well as for keen divers.