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If you have a thing for beaches and adventure, Tanzania could be the place to head to for your next vacation! Tanzania has exotic beaches which offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience of a sea-life. You can do scuba diving in Tanzania to closely experience the wildlife underwater.

The beaches in Tanzania are warm and the scuba diving is convenient because of the warmer water of the Indian Ocean. You can experience the enriched marine water treasures of the Indian Ocean, including whale sharks. Manta Rays can also be seen during the period of November to February.

10 Best Places In Tanzania For Scuba Diving

Scroll down to find the best spots for your scuba diving adventure in this charming East African country. Don’t forget to tell your adventure-hungry BFFs about them too!

1. Pemba Island

Pemba Island

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If you are crazy about the blues of the sea, you must plan a trip to Tanzania’s northernmost island. It is one of the outstanding places for scuba diving in Tanzania. You can get an awesome view of the corals in the seabed. The island attracts a number of sea lovers. The reef is rich with a variety of corals. Several sites for diving are there on Pemba Island. North Horn is the most famous site because a large number of sharks are present here. You can witness a large number of sharks of different varieties like Silvertips, White tips and the rarest Hammerheads.

You can also get to see other aquatic animals like Potato Cod, Big Eye Trevally, and Humphead parrot fish. One of the biggest benefits of visiting Pemba Island is underwater visibility. It ranges between 20 to 40 m.

Pemba Island can be your place if you are looking for some advanced diving experience with more adventure. As a pelagic visitor, you should visit the southern part of the island. If you dive from the Mtangani dive site, there are more chances for you to see the Hammerhead sharks.

Must Read: 10 Tanzania Travel Tips Every Traveler Must Keep In Mind Before Flying Out!


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2. Mnemba Atoll, Zanzibar

Mnemba Atoll

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Zanzibar is one of the most exotic beach tourism spots in Tanzania. You should never miss scuba diving in Tanzania Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Island is situated off the coast of Tanzania. It is well enriched with the diving sites. In the northernmost tip of the island, you can get the best experience of diving. Consider visiting the island during the months of September and October. This is the best time to visit as you can witness several Humpback and Sperm Whales migrating through this region.

You must try visiting this place during the period of December to April to witness the sharks and Manta Rays. This place is also known the Fish capital of Eastern Africa. You can even try wall diving in this place.

3. Mafia Island

Mafia Island Marine Park

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The Mafia Island situated along the course of Tanzania is an infamous diving site for the tourists. In the year 1996, a marine park was situated in this place which happens to be the biggest in East Africa. You can get to see some 42 kinds of corals and over 400 types of marine fishes that dwell here. In the Mafia Diving sites, there are great chances of witnessing the Whale Sharks. If you want some exclusive experience of scuba diving while a trip to Tanzania, consider visiting this place. This place can surely be one of the leading places for the best scuba diving in Tanzania.

Moreover, it can be different as you might get a number of peaceful beaches to see in the place which can make your trip memorable up to a large extent. While at the Mafia Island, don’t forget to explore the different dive sites of the Milimani Reef, Jina Pass, and the Dindini Wall. The leading types of aquatic animals which you might witness while going underwater are Groupers, Sea turtles, Snappers, Sting Rays, and Tuna.

Suggested Read: Safari In Tanzania: For An Exquisite Encounter With The Wild Side of Africa!

4. Mesali Island

Mesali Island

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The Mesali Island coral garden is one of the leading coral hot-spots of East Africa. If you are interested to witness the breathtaking beauty of underwater corals never forget to visit the Mesali Islands. You can also get to see different colorful marine fishes, turtles, and eels in this area. The Mesali Island with all its beauties can always conquer the place in the top 6 dive sites of Tanzania.

You should always consider the best time to dive in Tanzania during the time when aquatic animals generally migrate. Going scuba diving during the offseason can be a bit boring to you because you might see an adequate number of aquatic animals.

If you are passionate about taking photographs of the corals underwater, Mesali can be the best place to do that. A large number of untouched corals are present here that you can take the photos of. You can even go for a drift dive in the Mesali Coral Island. In the drift dive, you can experience the gigantic drifts present in the seas.

Suggested Read: Tanzania In December: Witness Wildlife, Adventure And Nature At One Place This Year In Winters!

5. Leven Bank

Leven Bank

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This is a diving spot in Tanzania for the experienced divers who can easily go for advanced diving. If you are a beginner, you should avoid visiting this place for diving. If you are open to adventure and ready to take the challenge of withstanding the currents of the Indian Ocean, try it here.

The location of Leven bank is different from others as it is in the open ocean location. You can get the flavor diving in the open sea. You can also see a lot of big fishes as the strong currents favor Kingfish, Trevall, and Moray eels.

6. Lake Tanganyika

Lake Tanganyika

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Taking a dip in the Lake Tanganyika? Sounds cool right? While everyone may go dive in the sea, you can play differently in diving in the marine water lake of Tanganyika. The lake is comprised of clear water and you can find a lot of cichlid in the lake. Colorful marine life is what you can expect to see in the Tanganyika Lake.

If you expect to make something different out of the trip to Tanzania, you should head towards the Tanganyika Lake. The best time to dive in Tanzania in the Tanganyika Lake is during the months of October and November.

Suggested Read: Tanzania Travel Guide: Gear Up For An Exciting Holiday Amidst The Wilderness!


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Enjoying Scuba Diving Privately

Apart from the above places, there are many hotels and resorts in Tanzania which can deliver you with enhanced diving experiences that Africa is known for! Some of them are given below.

7. The Waikiki Zanzibar Resort

The Waikiki Zanzibar Resort

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Are you on a destination holiday to Tanzania? Do the beach blues turn you crazy? Waikiki Zanzibar resorts can be the best friend for you. You can have no headache as you will easily experience a dive which is organized by the hotel itself. If you don’t want to lose your time searching for a diving plan, you must visit this place.

Suggested Read: 12 Lively Tanzania Festivals Which Reflects The Cultural Diversity Of The Country!

8. Mnarani Beach Cottages

Mnarani

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You can just step away from all the city bustles while you choose to stay at the Mnarani Beach Cottages. These cottages are also located in Zanzibar. You can have a plan to dip into the sea while staying at the place itself. Here, you can be assured about the excellent quality of the food. While on a destination holiday to Tanzania, you can enjoy the tranquil blues of nature.
Zanzibar will never disappoint you when you are expecting to live a peaceful beach holiday in Tanzania.

9. Sea Cliff resorts and Spa

Sea Cliff resorts and Spa

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This is another place in the dive site hotspot, Zanzibar in Tanzania. You can get an all-inclusive beach holiday package in this resort. Easy rejuvenation is what you can get living here. You can get all types of amenities for a luxurious beach holiday. Go, have a dip in the sea without a headache! A fully planned diving experience is what you can get living here.

You can get a quality stay here and all the outstanding scuba diving experience will be on your feet.

Suggested Read: 10 Spots For Snorkeling in Tanzania Every Underwater Enthusiast Must Visit

10. Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort

Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort

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This is one of the perfect honeymoon resorts in Zanzibar you should choose from. A perfect place for a destination holiday Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort organizes diving in the blues of the seas. You can visit this place if you expect to dive with the dolphins. Witnessing the marine life will be easier for you if you visit the Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort. You can have outstanding qualities of meals and a bar is present too. It can serve you as a perfect destination for the honeymoon.

Further Read: Tanzania Nightlife: 10 Best Bars & Clubs To Stop By For An Unforgettable Evening

So, we hope we have given you a total overview of where to go for the scuba diving in Tanzania to help you plan your trip well. Now all you have to do is book a trip to Africa, rope in your best adventure-crazy pals, and get going for an evergreen and memorable diving experience in Tanzania.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving In Tanzania

What is Tanzania known for?

Tanzania is popular for its ancient cities, rich culture and exotic wildlife. Also, home to the second-highest peak in the world, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania sees a lot of tourists coming from all corners of the world to explore its wildlife and amazing marine life.

What to do in Tanzania?

Here is a list of some of the best things to do in Tanzania: 1. Climb to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro 2. Taste the Tanzanian Cuisine 3. Witness the great migration of wild animals. 4. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater 5. Take a hot air balloon ride

Is Tanzania a good place for diving?

Tanzania is listed among the top places for scuba diving in the world. The warm waters of Tanzania hold exotic marine life which is perfect for scuba diving activities.

Is scuba diving in Tanzania safe for first-timers?

Yes. First-timers can feel perfectly safe while scuba -diving in Tanzania but make sure that you have undergone all necessary trainings or are assisted by a trained professional.

How much does scuba diving cost in Tanzania?

The minimum coast for scuba diving in Tanzania starts from INR 3200 ($45)

Which is the best scuba diving centers in Tanzania?

Top five scuba diving centers in Tanzania where you can get all scuba diving gears and assistance are: 1. Divine Diving 2. One Ocean Dive Centre – Stone Town 3. DiveTime Zanzibar 4. Buccaneer Diving 5. Spanish Dancer Divers

Which is the best time to visit Tanzania?

The driest weather in Tanzania is between July and October and is the perfect time to visit this beautiful country. But since its the peak season, you can expect the place to be very crowded.

Is a diving certificate necessary for scuba diving in Tanzania?

A diving certificate is not mandatory for scuba diving in Tanzania but its highly recommended that you have one.


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Category: Africa, Tanzania, Water Activities

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