Best Scuba Diving in Zanzibar: Top Dive Sites, Tips & Travel Guide 2025

1) Planning to dive in Zanzibar? Choose your accommodation wisely—Nungwi Beach is the ideal base. The island stretches far and wide, and staying in Stone Town or eastern areas means enduring a tedious 90-minute commute to reach dive centers each morning.

2) Let’s be honest—Zanzibar’s diving scene won’t blow you away. That’s why I didn’t bother bringing my camera this trip. While numerous dive sites dot the coastline, Mnemba Atoll is the only one worth experiencing—and even then, just for bragging rights. A single day of diving here suffices.

3) Don’t be fooled by the quantity of dive sites. Mnemba Atoll stands alone as a fishing-restricted zone, yet even this “African coral paradise” pales against Southeast Asia’s vibrant reefs. Visibility reaches 20-30 meters, but you’ll find more debris than dazzling marine life. Coral bleaching runs rampant, fish sightings are rare, and spotting a juvenile white tip shark warrants congratulations from your guide.

4) The Mnemba Atoll adventure begins at 8:30 AM. Brace for an 80-90 minute boat ride from Nungwi—the same route used for dolphin excursions. After two dives, you’ll return by 2:30 PM. Luck plays its part here: while my dive buddy marveled at dolphins just meters below, I saw only bubbles. Such is ocean life.

5) Adjust your expectations accordingly. Nungwi’s powdery beaches and turquoise waters deserve most of your attention—save just one day to cross “Zanzibar diving” off your bucket list.

6) For your underwater excursion, I wholeheartedly recommend Spanish Dancer Divers. Run by the delightful Spanish expat Susan, they offer exceptional service at $120 for two dives (gear included). Mnemba trips cost an extra $30, with 10% off for early birds—the best deal I found after extensive research. Their boat serves fresh wraps, fruit, and snacks, while the attentive crew (comparable to Southeast Asia’s famous dive hospitality) handles every detail, letting you focus on the experience.