Zanzibar Island Dive Sites
Diving is becoming more popular in Zanzibar as the word spreads of the excellent sites on offer. The water is shallower and calmer than at Pemba and visibility is good. At present most of the sites are on the West side of the island and the East is largely unexplored.
When to go
Whilst the protected West side offers good diving year round the best months are October and November.
Experience
There are sites to suit all levels of experience on Zanzibar. PADI and NAUI courses can be arranged through dive operators on the island. For the experienced diver there are many wrecks, and pristine areas waiting to be discovered.
Recompression Chamber
The closest recompression chamber is at the Kenyan naval base in Mombasa. Tel-(+254)011 451201 ext 3308.The closest hospital is in Stone town Tel (+255) (24)31071.
Dive Sites
1. Leven Bank
Access: 30 min boat trip from Ras Nungwi.
Site: diving is not always possible here due to strong currents but when conditions are favourable this is an excellent site for the experienced diver. The main draw is the large fish including giant guitarfish, large stingrays, moray eels and grouper.
Dive Sites From Matemwe Beach Village
2. Mnemba Island
Access: 25 min boat trip from Ras Nungwi.
Site: this is another site where some experience is required and you should expect a drift dive. The coral is excellent with honeycomb, pillar and a profusion of soft coral. Moray eels and turtles are often spotted as are large game fish.
Kichwani: Deep, clear, drift dive from 20m to 40m depending on the divers experience. Many coral species including Mushroom, Honeycomb, Brain and Staghorn. Below 30m a vertical wall of reef fish, Trumpetfish and large Napoleon Wrasse. Lucky divers see Reef sharks, Eagle and Manta rays.
Wattabomi: Excellent site for snorkellers and novice divers. Schools of small reef fish, Regal Angelfish, many Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Semicircle Angelfish, Moorish Idol, eels, Blue Spotted Rays, Lionfish, and many more. Take your time looking for Flounders and Soles. These fish lie on their side buried in the sand, and are very well camouflaged. For most of the year you will be treated to the beautifully-patterned Striped Dolphin, but the Bottlenosed, Spinner and Common Dolphins also occur in the clear waters around Mnemba. This is an excellent photographic opportunity both above and below the water.
Aquarium: Depth to 20m. There is usually a slight current at this site. Patches of sandy bottom occur quite close to the reef with Surgeonfishes, Moorish Idols, parrotfish, Groupers, large Hawksbill and Green Turtles along with White tip reef sharks.
West Gardens: Depth 12 mtrs. Good spot for snorkellers and novice divers.
The Big Wall: Depth of 30mtrs dropping off to 50 mtrs You will descend down to 30 mtrs drifting along a vertical wall. On your silent drift along this wonderful wall you will be passed by different species of pelagics, schools of Rainbow Runner, Bluefin Trevally and sometimes Common Dolphinfish.
3. Bawi Island
Access: 15 min boat trip from Stone Town.
Bawi Island has a reef stretching around it with a maximum depth of 18meters. Here you will find beautiful corals like Acropora, Staghorn, Brain corals and a large variety of reef fish. T his is a small, shallow reef which rises from the bottom at 18m offering overhangs and a variety of coral. Stingrays and sand sharks often laze on the sandy bottom.
4. Nyange
Access: 20 min boat trip from Stone Town .
Nyange Reef: This reef is the largest of all reefs on the west coast and contains several dive sites, all of which are unique. A new species of coral has recently been identified on this reef and marine biologists believe it to be endemic to Nyange. The Zanzibar Dive Centre is the only dive shop to dive this reef on a regular basis. The sites dived are called Turtles Den, Groupers playground and Coral Bay. Has a good swimthrough and many scorpionfish, stonefish and snapper. The coral is diverse with big plate, mushroom and staghorn varieties. The shallow water also makes this a good snorkelling site.
5. Pange Reef
Access: 20 min boat trip from Stone Town .
Pange Reef is the first sand bank west of Zanzibar Town, maximum depth 14mts. An enormous variety of coral and lots of tropical reef fish such as Clown Fish, Parrot Fish, Moorish Idol and many others. Pange reef is ideal for Open Water Diver courses, as it offers calm and shallow waters. After the sun goes down why not try a night dive, where you may see cuttle fish, squid, crab and other night dwellers. this site is suitable for all levels of diver, there is little current and the shallow reef is covered in coral and many smaller fish.
6. Pwakuu
Access: another site with little current and suitable for all levels of experience. Falling to 28m the reef has good swim-throughs, many pinnacles and a large variety of coral. The marine life often seen include moray eels, turtles and Napolean wrasse.
7. Murogo Reef
Access: 25 min boat trip from Stone Town .
Murogo Reef: Maximum depth 24mtrs. It has a sloping reef wall with a huge variety of coral and fish. Turtles are often seen on this dive and this is usually the preferred third dive site for the Open Water Diver course. Only 25 minutes away from the dive shop in a traditional Zanzibar Dhow powered by a 100hp Volvo Penta. this is an easy dive and the dramatic drop off has superb coral, including brain, staghorn, acropora and plate. It is the variety of swim-throughs, pinnacles and gullies combined with the pristine reef and abundance of large and small fish that make this site one of the best in Zanzibar.
8. Mwambe Ukombe
Access: 30 min boat trip from Stone Town .
Site: a year round site with little current this is suited to all levels of experience. Falling to 28m turtles are often seen and the coral is unspoilt.
9. Bokibu Reef
Access: 40 min boat trip from Stone Town .
Site: another site for any level of diver the reef is mainly formed by soft coral and is home to reef sharks, turtles, tuna and Napolean wrasse.
Bokibu Reef One of the best dive sites off Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Dive Centre is the only dive operator in Stone Town able to transport divers to this pristine reef. Bokibu is only 45 minutes by fast custom made fiberglass boat. Huge Barrel Sponges, enormous Gorgonian fans, large Moray eels, pelagic fish, large lobsters are all features of this dive. In season Whale sharks pass through. The maximum depth is 30 metres. Bokibu has an underwater reef unlike any other in Zanzibar with beautiful mountains of varying corals including the spectacular columna corals.
10. Stingray Alley
Access: 20 min boat trip from the Shehe Guest House on the East Coast.
Site: this site gets it’s name from the myriad of stingrays which inhabit the sandy gulley which cuts through the reef. With good visibility, calm water and an interesting variety of coral and fish adding to the spectacle of the stingrays, this is an enjoyable site to dive.
11. Jambiani Reef (Unicorn Reef)
Access: 30 min boat trip from Jambiani beach .
Site: another site with excellent visibility and the chance to see large game fish like barracuda, tuna and kingfish. There is a variety of coral including lettuce, brain and tabletop and an abundance of smaller fish, the large shoals of unicorn fish often lending their name to the reef.
12. The Wreck
The Great Northern which sank on New Years Eve 1902 was a British steel cable laying ship. She has become a magnificent artificial reef after this many years and is home to a number of Leaf fish, Lionfish and Geometric moray’s. Parts of the ship can still be identified and some relics may still be found though not taken. The Great Northern is an ideal wreck for the beginner diver as it is only 12metres and is a snorkellers paradise.
Summary
For the experienced diver Leven Bank and Mwemba Island both offer excellent dives. For the less experienced with not enough time to dive all the sites Murogo is certain to satisfy any diver.
Dive Operators
The Zanzibar Dive Centre One Ocean Ltd
now have 3 dive centres on Zanzibar. The contact numbers are as follows:
1. Stone Town Ph: 024 2238374 and Gary’s mobile 0812 750161
2. Matemwe Beach Village Ph: 0747 413656
3. Bluebay Beach Resort Ph:024 2240240/1 dive shop ext: 165 Dive Instructor Karl 0747 414332
E-Mail oneocean@twiga.com Web page: www.zanzibaroneocean.com
The Zanzibar Dive Centre One Ocean Ltd
Zanzibar Dive Centre One Ocean is Zanzibar’s first Five Star Dive Centre One Ocean offers good, well maintained equipment (the cost of all equipment is included in the price), reliable boats and all safety procedures are adhered to. Telephones accompany all dives, oxygen is carried onboard the boat as well as a first-aid kit. Our friendly and professional staff ensure that your comfort and safety are assured all the way.
The M.V. Henya and M. V. Ana are traditional Arab dhows equipped with Volvo Penta engines. There is also a custom built dive boat powered by two 115 HP Mariners.
Most of the dives are double dives with a traditional Zanzibar lunch included in the cost. Lunch is usually served either onboard the boat or on a powder soft sandbank. At present a double dive costs $70. Frequently seen are turtles (as many as fourteen at one time), large groupers, blue spotted rays, morays and the occasional reef shark, leopard rays and dolphins. The variety of coral is excellent and reef fish abound.
For those who wish to learn to dive the calm, clear waters of Zanzibar are an ideal learning ground. Courses are conducted in accordance to the PADI regulations and on the successful completion of the course you will receive a PADI certification card, which allows you to dive anywhere in the world to a maximum depth of 18 metres.
Lectures are conducted in the air conditioned lecture room and the confined water training sessions take place in the swimming pool of the Serena Hotel. This allows you to become familiar to the equipment and techniques in the comfort of fresh water.
THE PADI OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
The PADI Open Water Diver program is your ticket to the spectacular dive sites of Zanzibar and the world. The Zanzibar Dive Centre One Ocean Ltd, in affiliation with PADI (the Professional Association of Dive Instructors), the largest and most popular training organisation in the world, will unlock an adventure that has captivated millions of people all over the world - learning to scuba dive. Diving is safer and easier than you probably imagined and under the guidance of our PADI Instructors you will soon be enjoying the wonders of the blue.
The Open Water Diver program is divided into three phases:
ACADEMIC
There are five modules presented by a PADI Instructor complete with audio-visual aids and PADI Open Water Diver manuals, where candidate are taught and tested on the knowledge necessary to be a safe and comprehensive scuba diver. All academic sessions are conducted in our dedicated air conditioned class room.
CONFINED WATER
Again, there are five modules, where candidates get to try out the scuba equipment for the first time in a pool environment. Candidates are also taught the basic skills needed for the open water dives. These sessions are conducted over two mornings in the pool at the Serena Hotel with your dive instructor.
OPEN WATER DIVER
Four open water dives are required to complete the PADI Open Water Diver Course. These are split over two days. On the first day candidates are introduced to the open water in a controlled and safe environment off Pange sand bank. For the final two dives you will be treated to one of our deeper reefs off Murogo (weather permitting).
ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER PROGRAM
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver program is the next step in your diving experience and adventure. The skills you learnt in your Open Water Course will be developed and your knowledge and confidence will increase considerably. This is an opportunity to increase your confidence in the water. You will gain valuable experience under your instructors supervision and at the same time expand your choice of dives as you will become eligible to do ADVANCED dives. The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course involves FIVE open water dives consisting of:
TWO CORE SPECIALITY DIVES
-DEEP DIVE
-NAVIGATION DIVE
and a choice of any 3 of the following elective dives
-NIGHT DIVE
-UNDERWATER NATURALIST DIVE
-MULTILEVEL DIVE
-UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER
-BOAT DIVE
-SEARCH AND RECOVERY
-WRECK DIVE
This course runs over a period of two or three days depending on your own schedule.
The price includes full scuba unit, 5 advanced dives and lunch. You can pay either with cash, travellers cheque or Credit Card.
TRY DIVE
Have you ever wondered what it is like to Scuba Dive? Imagine the sensation of weightlessness and being able to breath whilst under water.
The Zanzibar Dive Centre One Ocean Ltd, has designed a TRY DIVE session to allow non divers the chance to experience the pleasure of scuba diving. The Discover Scuba course could be your ticket to the spectacular dive sites of Zanzibar.
The Zanzibar Dive Centre One Ocean Ltd, will unlock an adventure that has captivated millions of people all over the world. Diving is safer and easier than you probably imagined and under the guidance of our PADI Instructors you will soon be enjoying your very first underwater breath.
THE CLASS
There are audio-visual aids and PADI Flip Charts to guide you through the aspects of a Try Dive.
CONFINED WATER
Try Divers get to try out the scuba equipment for the first time in shallow calm waters off a sand bank (PANGE) 20 minutes away from Stone Town in one of our traditional Dhow’s. Candidates are also taught the basic skills needed for your first under water thrill. These sessions are conducted with a PADI dive instructor. All our instructors are members of The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the world’s largest and most popular diver training agency.
Dive Sites
The Zanzibar Dive Centre One Ocean Ltd offers it’s customers not only diving from Stone Town where you have the opportunity to see some of the best hard corals in the Indian Ocean but but also around Mnemba Atoll. There are a number of dive sites off the Atoll depending on the experience of the divers and the tides. The centre is situated at Matemwe Beach Village a secluded hotel only 45 min drive from Stone Town.
THE ZANZIBAR DIVE CENTRE ONE OCEAN LTD, STONE TOWN
PRICE LIST:
Single Dive $ 40
Double Dive $ 70 including lunch
Four to Six Dives $ 60 Per Double dive
Full Day Diving $ 80 including lunch
Night Dive $ 45
Snorkelling $ 20 including lunch
Prescription Mask Hire $5.00
Suunto Favor Computer Hire $10.00
Try Dive $ 50 including lunch
Open Water Course $ 320
Advanced Open Water $ 240
Medic First Aid $ 150
Rescue Diver $ 290
Dive Master $ 650
Specialty Courses $ 200
Sea & Sea MX5 Camera Hire $10.00
All prices inclusive of equipment hire
BLUE BAY BEACH RESORT
PRICE LIST :
Single Dive $ 55
Double Dive $ 90 including lunch
Double Dive with Refresher in the Pool $ 105
Four Dives $ 80 Per Double Dive
Six Dives $70 Per Double Dive
Snorkelling $ 30 including lunch
Discover Scuba Dive with Pool Session $ 90 including lunch
Open Water Course 4 O/W Dives $ 350
Open Water Referral Course 4 O/W Dives $225
Advanced Open Water $ 270Medic First Aid $ 150
Rescue Diver $ 350
Dive Master $ 750
Specialty Courses On Application
Prescription Mask Hire $ 5.00
Suunto Favor Computer Hire $ 10.00
Mask & Snorkel Hire $ 3.00
Fin Hire $ 2.00
Wetsuit Hire $ 5.00
All prices inclusive of equipment hire
10% discount for your own equipment
Phone + 255 4747 414332 local calls 0747 414332
Inula Cat Diving Ltd , P.O.Box 3203, Zanzibar. Tel/fax (+054) 231040
Tel : 0812 781376 or 0811 351997. E mail - inula@inula.co.tz
3 - 14 day liveaboard dive cruises to Pemba Island.
Weekend dive trips to Latham Island
(experienced divers only)
East Africa Diving and Watersports Centre, Amaan Bungalows, Nungwi, Zanzibar. Tel - 255 811 327747 or 255 811 337453. Fax 255 811 325677
Costs - PADI Openwater $350, PADI Advanced $260, PADI Rescue $360, PADI Medic $75, PADI Divemaster $750 1 tank dive $35, 2 tank dive $65
Live aboard dive charters - 3 dives per day, all meals, accommodation $200 + $25 equipment hire per day. (min 4 person)
Zanzibar Safari Club - Bahari Divers Ltd, P.O.Box 204, Zanzibar.
Tel / Fax - (+255) 812 750293.
Costs - single dive $37, 3 dives $96, 5 dives $150, 10 dives $260
PADI beginners course ; 350. Advanced $250. Buoyancy $100. Medic first aid $110. Rescue diver $280. Divemaster $650
Mlango Dive Centre at Matemwe Bungalows, P.O.Box 3275, Zanzibar
Tel 255 24 2236535 fax 255 24 2236536
E-mail matemwe-znz@zanzinet.com
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