Luxury Diving in Tanzania

Tanzania already has a firm reputation as a top safari destination, but what many travellers don’t realise is that a luxury diving holiday in Tanzania is equally fantastic. With roughly 150 species of coral, 28 species of marine mammal, and all five Western Indian Ocean sea turtles found in its waters, Tanzania’s marine diversity is among the highest in East Africa.

The best locations for luxury diving in Tanzania can be found on one of the country's idyllic islands, Zanzibar (also known as Unguja), Pemba Island (part of the Zanzibar Archipelago), and Mafia Island, which are all just a short flight or ferry journey from the mainland.

While each of these islands has something slightly different to offer, they all fit the profile of a tropical paradise, with white sand, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. Whichever island you find yourself on, there's no shortage of world-class accommodation, whether it's The Manta Resort on Pemba Island, the Mnemba Island Lodge on Zanzibar or one of our other favourite luxury hotels.

Mafia Island

Mafia Island is one of our top choices for luxury diving in Tanzania. As the largest marine park in the country, covering 317 square miles, it's host to multiple ecosystems, from mangroves to coral reefs to seagrass beds. The park is home to over 380 species of fish, including migratory whale sharks which pass by the island between October to February each year. It's also a wonderful spot for whale watching, with humpback whales and sperm whales sighted between August and November.

Zanzibar

If you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday (with a side of diving and rich culture) then Zanzibar is your best option for luxury diving in Tanzania. By far the best place for diving on the island is the Mnemba Atoll, which has several fantastic dive sites. Kichwani, a coral wall that begins at two metres and extends down to 30, is great for both beginners and advanced divers, with beautiful corals and an abundance of reef fish, such as batfish, butterfly fish and moorish idols. Occasionally, divers may even encounter curious dolphins.

Rest days in Zanzibar are just as thrilling, with the option of spending the day exploring the streets of historical Stone Town, spotting Red Colobus Monkeys in Jozani Forest, or taking a spice tour.

Pemba Island

Similar to Mafia Island and Zanzibar, Pemba Island boasts beautiful coral reefs. However, more adventurous divers should venture to North Horn, one of the island's most popular dive sites, renowned for shark sightings. Here, you'll have the chance to dive among white-tip reef sharks, silvertips and hammerheads. The visibility in North Horn is fantastic, ranging between 20 and 40 metres, so keep your eyes peeled for sharks lurking in the distance.

Boasting more than one tropical island, luxury diving in Tanzania is the perfect combination of relaxing on the beach and discovering world-class dive sites. If you're considering visiting Tanzania, let our team help you to create a tailor-made itinerary for this once-in-a-lifetime holiday.