Mafia Island & Zanzibar Diving

Deep channels, vertiginous drop-offs and colourful coral make the Spice Islands a mecca for divers with a multitude of islands to choose from.

Overview

The warm, clear waters around the spice islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia offer great diving holidays, especially as an end to a Tanzania safari...

Zanzibar is the best known island – 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.

Snorkellers and novice divers should also see plenty of colourful coral fish, moray eels, stingrays and lionfish. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks are commonly seen.

Zanzibar diving

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.

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.

Zanzibar diving

Highlights

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 also see plenty of colourful coral fish, moray eels, stingrays and lionfish. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays and whale sharks are commonly seen.
Pemba Island, north of Zanzibar lies in deep ocean. 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.
Whale-shark sightings from August to September

A quite outstanding holiday

"We have just returned from a quite outstanding holiday. Milandi listened to what we wanted and organised it perfectly. The standard of the whole trip was even better than we expected and the itinerary was interesting, enjoyable, relaxing and fun in exactly the right proportions." Mr Allan Cole

Enjoyed the charm of the accommodation

"I want thank Mari for helping us create a vacation tour that worked for my husband son and myself. We got to see everything we would like to see that worked within our budget." Mrs Janouska, USA

Exceeded all expectations

"Cedarberg was professional, responsive, and personable. All flights, all transfers, all accommodation, all activities, and the safari itself went exactly to plan. The experience, end-to-end, exceeded all expectations." Mr Michael Barnard

Milandi Joubert

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I'm Milandi, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

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VisibilityOften over 30 metres (100ft)
VarietyOver 500 species

Accommodation

Islands of Pemba & Mnemba

Fundu Lagoon

Fundu Lagoon lies on Pemba Island, the much quieter sister island of Zanzibar to the north. This rather romantic lodge is situated on a remote and beautiful beach on the south western side of...

RATING Premier

Zanzibar Resorts

Matemwe Lodge

Perched on an outcrop overlooking a shallow coral fringed lagoon on the quieter northeast coast of Zanzibar, Matemwe's peaceful location and famed relaxed atmosphere, makes it the ideal place to...

PRICE (PPS) $ 360

RATING Premier

Zanzibar Resorts

Baraza Resort & Spa

Baraza Resort & Spa is an ultra-romantic resort on the south-eastern coast of Zanzibar. It comprises 30 luxury one and two bedroom villas on a long stretch of powdery sand on Bwejuu Beach.

PRICE (PPS) $ 391

RATING Top of Class

Zanzibar Resorts

Kichanga Lodge

Kichanga Lodge lies on the south-east coast of Zanzibar, facing the beautiful Indian Ocean across a white sandy beach. Charming cottages and bungalows nestled in the tropical gardens make up this...

PRICE (PPS) $ 98

RATING Premier

Zanzibar Resorts

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa

Zanzibar White Sand is a boutique eco-luxury resort located on Paje Beach, Zanzibar. It has only 11 luxury villas (each with indoor and outdoor bathrooms and separate living room) with a focus on...

RATING Luxury

Mafia Island

Kinasi Lodge

This intimate and lovely resort, situated in an old cashew and coconut plantation provides a luxury stay in modernised ensuite bungalows with large verandas, stylish decor and magnificent natural...

PRICE (PPS) $ 160

RATING Premier

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Mr Chris Day, UK - Peter

"Peter couldn’t have been more helpful, and his suggestions were all relevant and useful to us." Mr Chris Day, UK

Everything was perfectly organised

"Mari did an incredible job planning our holiday. Not only did Mari communicate extremely well throughout the whole process, but the trip was beyond our expectations" Mr Yeats, USA

Hope to return for a third visit

"Helpful, patient, understanding. Did not meet anyone face to face but seemed friendly over the email. Although the trip was basically our design, it was good to work with Peter in deciding the actual locations and final route. He took all the “admin” hassle away – car hire, arranging accommodation etc. which meant we could just arrive and enjoy the trip. The final printed trip programme was excellent." Mr & Mrs Harrison, UK

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