What You Need to Know: Diving in Zanzibar is good all year, with water at about 77 to 84 °F (25 to 29 °C) and the best visibility from October to March. Mnemba Atoll suits beginners and turtles, Leven Bank advanced drift dives, and Tumbatu and Nungwi's reefs give variety. We arrange dives and PADI courses with the dive centers we work with most often: Fun Divers Zanzibar, One Ocean, Spanish Dancer Divers and Dive Point Zanzibar. Prices are quoted on request.
Zanzibar's Main Dive Sites
| Site | Level | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Mnemba Atoll | All levels | Turtles, reef fish, dolphins sometimes |
| Leven Bank | Advanced | Drift dives, tuna, barracuda |
| Tumbatu Island | Intermediate | Coral gardens, quiet sites |
| Kizimkazi | All levels | Reef dives near the dolphin area |
| Pemba Island | Advanced | Walls, currents, big fish |
Most dives are from boats, 15 to 45 minutes from shore. Pemba Island, a short flight north, has steep walls and strong currents for experienced divers.
The Zanzibar Dive Centers We Work With
We book with licensed dive centers on the north and east coasts, most often Fun Divers Zanzibar, One Ocean, Spanish Dancer Divers and Dive Point Zanzibar, and others when they suit your hotel. Your quotation names the center and the dives.
Best Months for Diving in Zanzibar
| Months | Conditions |
|---|---|
| October – March | Best visibility, calm seas |
| April – May | Long rains, lower visibility |
| June – September | Cooler, windier, still good on sheltered sites |
A 3 mm wetsuit is enough all year.
Learning to Dive: PADI Courses
| Course | Length | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Discover Scuba | 1 day | A supervised first dive |
| PADI Open Water | 3–4 days | Certified to 59 ft (18 m) |
| PADI Advanced Open Water | 2 days | Certified to 100 ft (30 m) |
You fill in a medical form before any course. A 2-day package covers four dives; a 4-day package suits a full course or a mix of Mnemba and Leven Bank. Stay on the north or north-east coast to be close to the main sites. For whale sharks from October to March, see Mafia Island.
Zanzibar Diving Prices and Booking
Dive prices are quoted on request, because they depend on the site, the number of dives and equipment hire. Your quotation lists each dive, the equipment and the marine park fees. Zanzibar requires every foreign visitor to buy the government's inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult with reduced rates for children; from October 1, 2026 mainland Tanzania has the same requirement. If your trip includes both, one policy is enough, bought for your first point of entry. We help guests buy it, or you can buy it on the official portal.
Your First Dive in Zanzibar
If you've never dived, a discover scuba session lets you try it with an instructor after a short briefing and a shallow-water practice; no certificate is needed. Mnemba's calm, shallow reefs are a good place to start. If you love it, a PADI Open Water course takes about three to four days.
Diving Safety in Zanzibar
- Don't fly within 18–24 hours after diving: plan dives before your last day
- Tell the dive center about any medical conditions; some require a doctor's form
- Check your travel insurance covers scuba diving to the depth you plan
- Never touch coral or marine life
Snorkelers can join many dive boats; see our dolphin and snorkeling tour and Mafia Island whale sharks.
Diving at Mnemba Atoll
Mnemba Atoll, off Zanzibar's north-east coast, is the island's best-known dive and snorkel site. Its shallow reefs and sandy bottoms suit beginners, while deeper walls offer more for experienced divers. Green and hawksbill turtles are common, along with reef fish, moray eels and, at times, dolphins on the boat ride.
The atoll is a marine conservation area, and a conservation fee is charged. Boats leave from Matemwe or Nungwi; dives are usually two per trip, returning by early afternoon. Visibility is best from about October to March.
If you are not a diver, snorkeling at Mnemba is one of Zanzibar's best sea trips; see our snorkeling trips.
Choosing a Dive Center
We arrange dives with the centers we work with most often: Fun Divers Zanzibar, One Ocean, Spanish Dancer Divers and Dive Point Zanzibar. We match the center to where you stay and the sites you want: north-coast centers for Mnemba and Leven Bank, Stone Town for the west-coast reefs and wrecks.
All offer PADI courses and guided dives for certified divers. Tell us your level, logbook and any medical conditions when you book, and we confirm the dives and the center for your dates.
Common Questions About Diving in Zanzibar
How long should I wait before flying after diving?
At least 18 hours after your last dive, or 24 hours after multiple dives.
Do I need my own equipment?
No. Full equipment can be hired. Bring your own mask if you have one that fits well.
Can beginners dive in Zanzibar?
Yes, with a Discover Scuba session or a PADI Open Water course at Mnemba Atoll.
Can I dive in Zanzibar without a certificate?
Yes, with a discover scuba session led by an instructor, or by starting a PADI course.
Do I need to bring my own dive gear?
No. Dive centers rent all the equipment; bring your certification card and logbook.
Can beginners dive at Mnemba?
Yes: its shallow reefs are ideal for discover scuba sessions and first dives.
What is the water temperature for diving?
About 77 to 84 °F (25 to 29 °C) all year, so a 3 mm wetsuit or a shorty is usually enough.
Can non-divers come on the dive boat?
Often, yes, to snorkel at the same sites; ask when you book.
The Bottom Line
Dive Mnemba as a beginner, Leven Bank when you're experienced, and come from October to March for the clearest water. We book the center and the dives.
Send us your dates, your hotel (or the area you'd like to stay in), the number of travelers and the trips you are interested in through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will reply with a written quotation.