Diving Pemba Island

Pemba Island is the second-largest island in the Zanzibar Archipelago. It sits about 50 kilometers (31 miles) off the coast of mainland Tanzania and is home to a population of about 400,000 people.

It is also known as one of the best diving destinations in the world, with pristine coral gardens and an awe-inspiring variety of marine life that match the lush scenery above the water’s surface. Here you won’t just discover beautiful coral you can also enjoy drift dives and dramatic walls, when it comes to marine life, you can spot dolphins and see white-tip reef sharks, whales, turtles and rays as well as fish of myriad colors darting about.

Most of the diving is done from liveaboards but if you want to try shore dives there are a few available. The most discovered sites are those to the west and south. Water temperatures around Pemba Island average 26C (61F) year-round which makes for an inviting environment and the visibility is a dazzling 30-40m (98-131ft). Whether you want to explore underwater mountain scenery or photograph marine life, explore lush coral gardens and huge sea fans, or even try dramatic swim-throughs you’ll find it all at the dive sites here. Around Pemba Island you will also find some great places to try night dives.

The descriptions provided here are intended as general information and personal experiences related to specific dive sites and locations and should not be construed as definitive advice or recommendations. Before diving, please confirm that diving is permitted at your chosen location, and comply with all relevant local laws, regulations, and posted signage. The responsibility for verifying the legality of the dive and assessing any associated risks rests entirely with you.