TRAVEL & LEISURE: Where To Go Diving and Snorkeling in Tanzania
By Space Coast Daily // August 22, 2018
PLACES TO GO, PLACES TO SEE, THINGS TO DO
Although Tanzania may not be renowned the world over as a diving hotspot in the same way that Malaysia’s Sipadan or the Blue Hole in Belize are, that’s not to say the East African nation doesn’t offer spectacular underwater adventure.
Each year more and more of us are heading to Africa on vacation, and with Tanzania holiday packages promising all-action experiences, the more adventurous amongst us are keen to find out what’s on offer.
For diving or snorkeling lovers, little is perhaps known before you pack your equipment, read our guide to the best places to go diving and snorkeling in Tanzania.
Zanzibar Island diving
Ideal for beginners, diving of the coast of Zanzibar is a great first step but for more experienced divers it’s best to explore some other locations.
Mnemba Island contains a shallow wall dive which goes down around 60 feet, with a sandy bottom and a nice coral cover. The island is easily accessible and can be combined with an afternoon of snorkeling.
Kizimkazi Reef is perhaps the best diving location on the island and is located in the southern reaches of Zanzibar, right next to Unguja Lodge. Again, this is a relatively shallow reef and forms part of a larger inner reef system.
World heritage site Stone Town is another location worth exploring. Located on the west coast of the island, the area off Stone Town contains a series of sunken wrecks worth getting the wetsuit on for.
Mafia Island diving
For the more hardcore divers out there, Mafia Island is the place to go. With great weather pretty much all year round, this small, unassuming island south of mainland Zanzibar has enough to keep even the most experienced diver occupied for several days.
The island’s Marine Park has been a protected zone since 1996, and has maintained its natural beauty as a result, making it one of the best diving hotspots in the entire region.
Pemba Island diving
Some distance away from Mafia Island, Pemba Island provides similarly captivating diving opportunities. Located to the north of the mainland, this quiet island’s waters are also known for its large fish shoals and provides medium to advanced divers with plenty worth exploring.
Northern Mozambique diving
Even further afield, a short connecting flight away is Northern Mozambique, where some of the world’s finest diving experiences can be found.
There are plenty of lodges that provide divers with the perfect base from which to explore, and divers can experience average depths of 130 feet as well as some shallower inner barrier diving, making it well worth the trip for true diving enthusiasts.
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