Plongée à Pemba Island — Tanzania

Pemba Island sits north of Zanzibar but gets a fraction of the divers. The Pemba Channel drops to 800m, creating dramatic walls and upwellings that feed incredibly healthy coral. Napoleon wrasse encounters are almost guaranteed, and the diving here feels like Zanzibar did 20 years ago — before the crowds arrived.

Score
62.0
Visibilité
9–30m
Température
25–29°C
Meilleurs mois
October, November, December
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World Class
Intermediate
Pemba Island
TanzaniaEast Africa
62.0

SCORE

-5.0333°N

39.7833°E

Pemba Island sits north of Zanzibar but gets a fraction of the divers. The Pemba Channel drops to 800m, creating dramatic walls and upwellings that feed incredibly healthy coral. Napoleon wrasse encounters are almost guaranteed, and the diving here feels like Zanzibar did 20 years ago — before the crowds arrived.

Tanzania's Secret Coral Island

Visibility9–30 m
Temperature25–29°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$65
Best MonthsOctober, November, December, January
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML40.0CH71.0VIS70.0SV42.0TMP71.0DA62.0OP73.0TS64.0GT68.0VAL62.0CRD87.0SP57.0

Marine Life

40.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
48
Megafauna Encounters
28
Reef Fish Abundance
74
Macro Life
0
Endemic Species
35
Marine Life Diversity
40.0
Coral & Reef Health
71.0
Visibility & Conditions
70.0
Dive Site Variety
42.0
Water Temperature
71.0
Depth & Access
62.0
Operator Quality
73.0
Topside Experience
64.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
62.0
Crowding
87.0
Social Proof
57.0

Dive Types

reefpelagic

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Misali Island snorkelingclove plantation tourNgezi Forest Reserve hikedhow sailingChake Chake town walk

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Chake Chake old town
  • Mkama Ndume Ruins

Non-Diver Score

5/10

Limited topside — plan ahead for non-diving partners.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber100 km — Zanzibar Hyperbaric Chamber, Stone Town
Nearest Hospital15 km

Small hospital on Pemba; flight to Zanzibar (20 min) for chamber; limited emergency infrastructure

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Swahili Divers

PADI

4.8
140 reviewsNITROX

Pemba Paradise Diving

PADI

4.6
90 reviews