Scuba Diving Excursions in Zanzibar

If you're planning a trip to Zanzibar and are considering scuba diving, you're in for a real treat! Zanzibar is one of the top diving destinations in the world, and for good reason. The waters surrounding this stunning island are teeming with vibrant marine life, coral reefs, and underwater wonders that make it a must-visit spot for divers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a complete beginner, there are diving options to suit every skill level.
For those who aren’t certified divers but are curious about the world beneath the waves, there’s good news: you don’t need to be a professional diver to enjoy the underwater beauty of Zanzibar. Many dive centers on the island offer what’s called a "Discover Scuba Diving" program, which is perfect for beginners or anyone who simply wants to try diving for the first time.

Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners

If you’ve never dived before and feel a bit intimidated, don’t worry. The Discover Scuba Diving programs in Zanzibar are designed for people just like you—those who are curious about scuba diving but have no prior experience. It’s a chance to dive under the supervision of experienced instructors and get a taste of what the underwater world has to offer.
There are several well-known diving centers in Zanzibar that offer these programs, and they have great reputations for ensuring both safety and enjoyment for their divers. Here are a few I recommend:
- Spanish Dancer Divers
- One Ocean Dive Center
- Buccaneer Diving
Each of these dive centers offers Discover Scuba Diving courses for beginners. What I love about these centers is that they prioritize safety while also making the experience enjoyable. They take you through the basics, like how to use the equipment, what to expect underwater, and how to breathe properly while diving. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to take the plunge into Zanzibar’s crystal-clear waters!

Now, if you’re wondering whether it’s worth the effort to go through a dive course as a beginner, let me assure you: it is. Diving in Zanzibar allows you to explore some of the most stunning underwater scenery you’ll ever see. From colorful coral reefs to a wide variety of fish species and even the possibility of spotting dolphins or sea turtles, the experience is one you won’t forget.

Certified Divers
For those who are already certified, you’ll find plenty of options for dive excursions in Zanzibar. The island offers a range of dive sites that cater to all levels, from easy, shallow reef dives to more challenging dives for advanced divers.

Some popular dive sites include:
- Mnemba Atoll: This is one of the most famous dive spots in Zanzibar and a must-see for anyone diving here. The marine life at Mnemba Atoll is abundant, and you can expect to see everything from turtles to dolphins and a variety of tropical fish. The coral formations are also stunning and well-preserved, making it a top choice for divers.
- Leven Bank: This dive site is better suited for advanced divers due to the strong currents, but it’s an incredibly rewarding spot. It’s known for attracting large pelagic species like barracudas and even the occasional reef shark.
- Tumbatu Island: This site is great for divers of all levels and offers a mix of reef and wall diving. The waters are teeming with marine life, and the visibility is often fantastic, allowing you to take in the full beauty of the underwater environment.
Whether you’re diving in shallow reefs or exploring deeper dive sites, the waters around Zanzibar are home to a wide variety of marine life. In addition to the tropical fish, you’ll often see rays, moray eels, octopus, and even dolphins, depending on the season.

Recommendations for Non-Certified Divers
If you’re not certified but still eager to explore the underwater world, I’d highly recommend the Discover Scuba Diving program mentioned earlier. It’s a great way to get started without committing to a full certification course. These programs typically begin with a briefing and a shallow water session, allowing you to practice basic skills before heading out for a dive in open water.
As a beginner, I recommend you go with a reputable dive center to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the experience. Both Spanish Dancer Divers and One Ocean Dive Center are known for their professionalism and excellent customer service. The instructors are friendly, patient, and knowledgeable, making the whole process much less intimidating.
When you book a Discover Scuba Diving course, you don’t just learn how to dive—you also get the opportunity to explore some of Zanzibar’s most incredible dive sites, even if it’s your first time. You’ll likely start with a shallow reef dive, where you can see a wide range of fish and corals without needing to dive too deep.

To make your diving adventure in Zanzibar even more fulfilling, I suggest picking up a copy of “Zanzibar Tanzania Travel Guide 2024 - 2025” by Sandi H. Newman. This guidebook is packed with valuable information for travelers, including hidden gems to visit, practical safety tips, and detailed sections on scuba diving and other water activities. When I was planning my trip, this book made everything so much easier. It helped me narrow down my options for where to dive, where to stay, and what to expect in terms of costs and logistics.
Having a well-researched travel guide like this one can help you make the most of your time on the island, especially if you're new to diving or traveling in Zanzibar. You’ll find all sorts of useful information that you might not have considered, and it’s a fantastic resource whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler.

What to Expect During Your Dive Excursion
Once you’ve signed up for a diving excursion, here’s what you can expect. Most dive trips in Zanzibar are well-organized, with transport to and from the dive sites provided by the dive centers. Depending on the location, you may travel by boat to reach the dive sites, and this is often an adventure in itself!
The first dive is usually a shallow dive to get you comfortable with the equipment and environment. For beginners, this dive often stays at depths of around 10-12 meters, which is more than enough to see plenty of marine life. The visibility in Zanzibar’s waters is often excellent, which makes it easy to spot the vibrant corals and fish.
For more experienced divers, deeper dives are available at several locations around the island. Advanced divers can explore wrecks, caves, and even encounter larger species like sharks or rays, depending on the dive site and conditions.

What to Bring for Your Dive Trip

It’s always a good idea to bring a few essentials for your dive excursion. Here are some tips on what to pack:
- Swimwear: Of course, you’ll need your swimsuit! Many dive centers provide wetsuits, but you’ll want to wear swimwear underneath.
- Towel: After your dive, it’s nice to have a towel to dry off.
- Sunscreen: The sun can be quite strong, especially during the boat ride out to the dive site. Make sure you bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the environment.
- Water and Snacks: Diving can be tiring, and you’ll want to stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle and some snacks to keep your energy up between dives.
- Camera: If you want to capture your underwater adventure, bring an underwater camera or GoPro. Just make sure it’s waterproof and rated for the depth you’ll be diving.

Zanzibar offers some of the best scuba diving experiences in the world, and whether you’re a certified diver or trying it out for the first time, you’ll be amazed by the underwater beauty that surrounds this island. For beginners, programs like Discover Scuba Diving are perfect for getting a taste of what diving is all about, while experienced divers can explore the more challenging sites and deeper waters.