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Scuba diving in Zanzibar: best dive sites (Mnemba, Nungwi, Chumbe), intro dive and prices
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Scuba diving in Zanzibar: best dive sites (Mnemba, Nungwi, Chumbe), intro dive and prices

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Updated on October 23, 2026

Zanzibar is an accessible dive destination: shallow coral reefs, warm water, and dive centres based mostly in Nungwi, Kendwa and Matemwe on the north and north-east coast. The most often cited sites are Mnemba Atoll (reef, in a marine protected area), the reefs of Nungwi and Kendwa (including Tumbatu) and, near Stone Town, the Chumbe reserve. For advanced divers, a deep site off Nungwi is often mentioned by dive centres. The prices below are ranges from dive-centre and booking sites in October 2026: they vary by centre, so confirm what is included.

Highlights

The anemones and reef fish of Mnemba

The anemones and reef fish of Mnemba

Mnemba is the island's most reputed dive site: coral, reef fish and turtles. Dives go from Matemwe, Kendwa or Nungwi, with the area's conservation fee added in some cases.

Practical info

Tips

  • An intro dive (Discover Scuba, no certification) is listed at about 150 USD for a pool or shallow-water session followed by one Mnemba dive, with a second dive about 50 USD more, Mnemba fee included according to that offer. Two dives for certified divers cost about 160 USD at a Nungwi centre (noted in a blog for the 2024/2025 season, to be confirmed), plus gear rental (about 30 USD a day) and a park fee of about 30 USD for Mnemba according to that source; other sources quote 15 to 25 USD. PADI centres list intro trips with two dives of 45 to 60 minutes. Bring your certification card and logbook; non-divers can join as snorkellers on the same trip at some centres. If you prefer to stay on the surface, compare with snorkelling Mnemba or the Chumbe reserve. To stay near the centres, see Nungwi.

How to get there

Dive centres are mostly in Nungwi, Kendwa and Matemwe; trips leave from the beach by boat (crossing 15 to 45 minutes depending on the site, not confirmed). From Stone Town, allow a transfer of about an hour and a half or more to the north, or pick a centre near your hotel.

Opening hours

Best: June to October, in the morning
Two dives in the morning, usually leaving around 8 or 9 am and back in early afternoon (exact times from the centre)

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