Zanzibar & Pemba: East Africa’s Twin Diving Gems
DIVE TRAVELZanzibar is a tropical paradise that enchants divers with its pristine reefs, vibrant marine life, and tranquil Indian Ocean waters. In the north, Nungwi offers access to renowned sites like Mnemba Atoll, known for its coral gardens and playful dolphins, and Leven Bank, famous for deeper drift dives and pelagic sightings.
Just to the north lies Pemba Island, a more remote and untouched corner of the archipelago. Known for its vertical drop-offs, dramatic coral walls, and nutrient-rich currents, Pemba is a dream for more experienced divers seeking adventure off the beaten path. Sites like Swiss Reef and Shimba Hills Wall teem with groupers, rays, and large schools of fish.
Together, Zanzibar and Pemba offer a perfect balance: diverse diving for all skill levels, a mix of relaxed beach days and thrilling underwater exploration, and a rich blend of Swahili culture. Whether you’re unwinding in a boutique oceanfront lodge or diving deep along Pemba’s untouched reefs, this journey promises unforgettable underwater moments and authentic island charm.
🏨 Diver
€
1490
From
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10+ guided dives (Full Scuba Equipment Included)
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6 nights beach accommodation in Nungwi
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3 nights hotel stay in Pemba Island
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All in-country transfers, including ferry to Pemba
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Personalized support from Estepona Dive Center staff
🐬 Non-Diver
€
890
From
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6 nights beach accommodation in Nungwi
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3 nights hotel stay in Pemba Island
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Snorkeling Options Available
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All in-country transfers, including ferry to Pemba
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Personalized support from Estepona Dive Center staff
Itinerary
Zanzibar & Pemba Dive AdventureSome description text for this item
Join us on this 11-day diving expedition through two of East Africa’s most spectacular marine regions. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of your adventure — from arrival in Zanzibar to dives in Pemba and cultural excursions along the way.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Nov 26 | Arrival in Zanzibar – airport transfer to hotel ✈️ |
| Nov 27 | Free day: beach, village, or optional Stone Town tour 🏖️ 🕌 |
| Nov 28 | 2 boat dives (morning) – afternoon free 🤿 |
| Nov 29 | 2 boat dives – optional night dive 🌙 |
| Nov 30 | 2 boat dives – optional spice farm or Jozani forest tour 🌿 🍃 |
| Dec 1 | 2 boat dives – sunset dhow cruise optional ⛵ 🌅 |
| Dec 2 | Ferry to Pemba (6:00am) – check-in & relax 🚤 🏝️ |
| Dec 3 | 2 boat dives – optional local village visit 🐠 🏘️ |
| Dec 4 | 2 boat dives – optional beach BBQ 🍤 🔥 |
| Dec 5 | 2 boat dives – optional Misali Island snorkel 🐢 🏝️ |
| Dec 6 | Return ferry (14:00) – airport transfer ⛴️ 🚐 |
| Dec 7 | Arrival back in Spain 🇪🇸 ✈️ |
✉️ Booking & FAQ
💳 Deposit & Payment
- Deposit: €400 per person to reserve your place
- Final Payment Due: October 15, 2025
- Payment via bank transfer or secure online card link (3% fee may apply)
- Limited group size – book early to ensure availability
🛂 Entry & Visa
- Visa on arrival available: approx. $50 USD
- Passport must have at least 6 months validity
- Yellow Fever vaccination may be required depending on recent travel
✈️ Flights & Flexibility
Group flights from Málaga (AGP) are included in your package. We avoid risky connections (like Istanbul) and ensure sufficient transfer time.
- ✅ Return flights from Málaga included in base package
- ➕ Other departure cities available (Madrid, Lisbon, Paris, Frankfurt) – price may vary
- ➖ Prefer to book your own flights? We’ll deduct approx. €700–€850
- ✈️ Suggested arrival: Nov 26, 2025 / Return: Dec 6, 2025 (or later)
- 📩 Contact us to arrange alternative routes
🧳 Travel Info & Requirements
- 🛡️ Insurance: Travel & dive insurance required (DAN or equivalent)
- 📜 Certification: Minimum Open Water; Advanced preferred for deeper sites
- 👨🏫 Refresher dives available upon request
- 🤿 Full gear rental included (or bring your own)
- 📘 Required details: certification, dives logged, last dive date
❓Good to Know
- 👥 Group size: 6–10 certified divers
- 🧍♀️ Non-divers welcome – snorkeling and cultural excursions available
- 🍳 Daily breakfast included
- 🌐 Wi-Fi available at most hotels
- 📶 Local SIMs available for data connection
🕌 Stone Town Tour
Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed alleys of Stone Town with a local guide. Discover the Old Fort, House of Wonders, spice market, and Freddie Mercury’s birthplace. Learn about Zanzibar’s Swahili-Arabic heritage.
Location:
Stone Town, ~1.5 hours from Nungwi
🌶️ Spice Farm Visit
Experience the aromas of cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon on a guided walk through a working spice plantation. You’ll learn how the spices are grown, harvested, and used in local cuisine and medicine.
Location: Kizimbani or Kidichi farms (central Zanzibar)
🐒 Jozani Forest Reserve
Explore the island’s last indigenous forest, home to the rare and playful red colobus monkeys. Wooden boardwalk trails wind through mangroves and tropical vegetation with opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
Location: Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, south of Zanzibar Island
⛵ Sunset Dhow Cruise
Sail along the Nungwi coastline in a traditional wooden dhow boat as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Refreshments and light snacks provided — an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Location: Nungwi Beach departure, return at dusk
🐠 Misali Island Snorkeling
This uninhabited marine reserve offers stunning reefs just offshore. Enjoy guided snorkeling in crystal-clear waters with vibrant coral, tropical fish, and occasional turtles. Ideal for non-divers and rest days.
Location: Off west coast of Pemba, accessible by boat
🏡 Village Visit
Get a glimpse of rural Pemba life with a visit to a local fishing village. Learn about traditional Swahili homes, farming practices, and daily routines. A respectful, culturally rich experience.
Location: Villages near Mkoani or Chake Chake
Zanzibar & Pemba
🎣 Dive Sites & Marine Highlights
Explore the best of Tanzania’s underwater world with carefully selected dive sites in both Zanzibar (Nungwi) and Pemba Island. Expect warm waters (26–29°C), excellent visibility, and minimal current — ideal for all levels of divers.
🌊 Zanzibar – Nungwi Region
Nungwi, on the northern tip of Zanzibar Island, offers easy access to vibrant reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and thrilling drift dives. Most sites are within a 20–45 minute boat ride.
🐢 Mnemba Atoll
Location: Northeast of Zanzibar Island
Highlights:
Zanzibar’s most famous marine conservation area, known for shallow coral gardens, abundant reef fish, turtles, and frequent dolphin sightings. Great visibility and calm conditions make this an ideal spot for relaxing dives or underwater photography.
🦈 Leven Bank
Location: 8 km off the north coast
Highlights:
A deep-water seamount teeming with pelagic life — schools of barracuda, tuna, jacks, and reef sharks. Stronger currents make this dive more suitable for experienced divers.
🐠 Hunga Reef
Location: Just west of Nungwi
Highlights:
A vibrant sloping reef full of soft corals, nudibranchs, and lionfish. It’s ideal for macro photography and divers who enjoy exploring complex reef structures.
🐬 Pemba Island – Northern Channel Reefs
Pemba is known as East Africa’s hidden diving gem. Its remote location and low dive traffic offer pristine coral coverage and extraordinary wall dives. Most dives are along the west and southwest coast near Mkoani.
🌿 Swiss Reef
Location: Off the west coast of Pemba
Highlights:
A sprawling reef plateau with hard and soft coral bommies, swirling schools of reef fish, and occasional turtles or rays. Gentle currents and stunning coral formations make this a favorite.
🌊 Shimba Hills Wall
Location: Near Fundu Lagoon
Highlights:
A dramatic wall that drops from 10m to over 40m. Covered in barrel sponges, sea fans, and dense coral formations, with excellent chances of spotting groupers, rays, and moray eels.
🌈 Fundu Gap
Location: Southwest Pemba, marine channel
Highlights:
A high-energy site where two tidal systems meet — excellent for drift dives. Expect large shoals of fish, eagle rays, and hunting predators. A thrilling ride for experienced divers.
Travel
Why Zanzibar is a Diver’s Paradise
- A Diverse Range of Dive Sites
Zanzibar offers everything from shallow coral gardens perfect for beginners to deep walls and drift dives at Leven Bank and Pemba Island. - Unique Marine Life Encounters
Swim alongside dolphins, turtles, and reef sharks, with seasonal sightings of majestic whale sharks and manta rays. - Accessibility
A variety of dive locations suitable for both novice and experienced divers. - Flexibility
Choose from resort-based diving, liveaboards, or a combination of both for the ultimate Zanzibar experience.
Get in Touch
Send Message
Drop us a line if you have any questions or want to book a dive!
