Diving the reefs off the coast of Stone Town
Where and Duration
On the reefs off the coast of Stone Town, West Ugunja (Zanzibar).
The experience includes 2 dives per day. The sea conditions will determine the exact reefs to explore on each day.
You can also take a night dive (1 tank).
When
All year round but in general the best diving season in Zanzibar is from February to May and October to December.
What's Included
This is a group activity. Dive boat, dive master, 2 tanks per day, mask, weights, snorkel, snorkel tube, wetsuit and fins.
1 tank for night dives.
More information
On the coast near Stone Town there are several reefs and even wrecks where you can do beautiful dives. The great diversity of hard and soft corals make the dives colorful. Staghorn corals, fans, sponges and brain corals are found in large numbers which make diving attractive and where you will find an abundance of small creatures. Seahorses, urchins and starfish are some of those creatures that you will see on the seabed.
Remember that the dive sites will depend on the state of the sea, your level of diving, the number of days/dives you are going to do, as well as the tides which will also mark the departure times. Underwater conditions vary daily.
1 – BAWE REEF
Level: All levels
Depth: from 5 to 18 meters.
Off the coast of Stone Town is the island of Bawe where we find 3 diving spots. The corals found in the deeper areas are full of life and green and hawksbill turtles are frequent in these reefs. The rays hide on the seabed hidden by the sand while the seahorses hide among the sponges.
2 – PANGE REEF
Level: All levels
Depth: from 5 to 22 meters.
The gentle slope of the reef will allow you to descend while exploring the coral looking for the marine fauna that inhabits it. At the bottom of the reef it is possible to find crocodile fish as well as octopus and nudibranchs.
This is also the favorite place to do night diving, being able to discover the moray eels when going out hunting and observe the flashes of the squid.
3 - AQUARIUM
Level: All levels
Depth: from 5 to 24 meters.
This is a wall with a gentle slope that descends to 24 meters. Lionfish, trumpet fish, lobsters, fusiliers and gobies are frequently seen during dives on this reef.
4 – TWO STONES
Level: All levels
Depth: from 5 to 24 meters.
This is a special place for observing fish from the scorpion family. The channel that crosses the 2 masses that make up the reef creates a perfect current for drift diving. In addition to the resident marine fauna, it is sometimes possible to find large schools of horse mackerel and anchovies.
5 – PINNACLES
Level: All levels
Depth: from 10 to 16 meters.
The pinnacles that make up this reef are probably the most photogenic coral formations on Zanzibar. Marine life is very rich and on a good day you can enjoy observing a wide variety of nudibranch species as well as turtles and many species of fish.
6 – THE GREAT NORTHERN, SHIPWRECK
Level: All levels
Depth: from 4 to 12 meters.
In 1902 the British ship The Great Northern sank in these waters. Resting at a depth of 12 meters, the passage of time has allowed the settlement of corals and a large community of fish that make it one of the richest in the area. For fans of macro photography, it is a great place to get beautiful photos of the various species of shrimp that live among the corals.
7 – THE ROYAL NAVY LIGHTER, SHIPWRECK
Advanced level
Depth: 30 meters.
This boat is located at a depth of about 30 meters, making it suitable for divers with a minimum advanced level. Located in the vicinity of the island of Bawe this is one of the most interesting places to dive.
Groupers and moray eels hide inside the boat. Around the boat it is common to find schools of snappers while on occasions it is possible to observe a nurse shark.
Diving the reefs off the coast of Stone Town
1 day (2 tanks):
150.00 usd per person
2 days (4 tanks):
210.00 usd per person
Night diving:
210.00 usd per person
