Dive Pemba Island

FUNDU LAGOON IS INCLUDED IN OUR BOOK, DIVE IN STYLE

Designed to be eco-friendly, the lodge blends into the natural environment and is only accessible by boat. Hidden away on the west coast of Pemba Island, this hotel was carved out of the jungle by a group led by enterprising British fashion designer Ellis Flyte. In 2001 they stumbled on the location almost by mistake, and they then took a gamble on an unknown South African architect for the design. The risk has paid off: the result is a truly unique resort, now finally complete with the recent addition of a stunning double infinity pool.

There are fourteen bungalows, consisting of spacious tents built on wooden decks and set under thatched roofs, each with an en-suite bathroom and veranda-you never forget you are in Africa. The resort offers two bars, an excellent restaurant serving local and international cuisine and a massage and treatment room.

What makes this part of Zanzibar so special is the coral, which is both pristine and extremely varied. Reputed to be the best diving in East Africa, the Pemba Channel, and specifically the area around Mesali, has over 320 coral species – more than twice the number of anywhere else in the region. An added plus is that you will find no one else for miles; exploring these virgin reefs in near-solitude adds a wonderful dimension to the experience.

Pemba is still relatively uncharted territory, but it has plenty to offer: marine life of all sizes, acres of coral, an untouched environment, and some brilliantly organized diving. Now is the time to come.

Just off the jetty of Fundu Lagoon, this incredibly well-run dive centre is the focus of all the resort’s water-based activities. Whether you want to snorkel, dive or spend a day on a deserted beach, this operation will make your dreams come true. While the centre is quite large – there is a school room and freshwater rinse-down tank – the groups are kept small, and it’s up to you to set your own pace.

Alternative itineraries include day-trip dive safaris to the north or south of Pemba, complete with lunch on deserted white sand beaches. To the south there are excellent dive sites but also the incredibly picturesque Emerald Lagoon, more often than not dotted with photogenic dhows.

The best dive of all, and particularly on an incoming tide, is Mapanduzi where you can drift along a wall and see schools of hammerheads or barracuda coming in on the strong currents.