Zanzibar: Diving and Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean | Traveler by Unique
Zanzibar is located on the coast of Tanzania and has many diving and snorkeling spots that are good for both beginners and professional divers. So if you want to go on a dreamy adventure of the sea, you must visit these spots.
What makes Zanzibar an excellent diving and snorkeling spot?
Zanzibar is a wonderful combination of both beautiful beaches and a colorful world underground that is to leave you in awe. If you wish to do more at the beach than just sitting in the sand or getting your feet wet, then you can dive into the waters and discover beautiful species of fish and astounding coral reefs.
Diving
The temperature of the water is moderate (around 27° Celsius), which makes it a divers dream. The water has good visibility, which is around 20 meters to 60 meters. Therefore, it is open to diving throughout the year. There are many diving spots in Zanzibar, such as Boribu Reef, Renco Bommi, Kendwa Reef, Shane's Reef, Coral Garden, Chakatuni Turtle Gap, Mbwangawa, Haji, Kichafi, and many more. However, we are going to talk about some of the most popular spots.
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Leven Bank:
Although the spot is mostly open for professional divers because the drops can go as far as 55 meters and some powerful currents can also be experienced, which requires some serious toleration that cannot be offered by beginners. However, the effort will be worth it as you can see marine animals such as white tip reef shark, tuna, dolphins, rays, bluefin trevallies, guitarfish, honeycomb moray eels, and much more.
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Nankivell and Hunga Reefs:
If you are a beginner and want to go scuba diving as part of your vacation, then the Navikell or the Hunga Reefs is a good option for you. Their deepest descend is around 16 meters, which is a very safe depth. If you think they are not deep enough to see some of the delightful coral reefs, you are wrong. You will be able to see some fascinating coral reefs that are home to many fish. Sightings of reef sharks, barracudas, dolphins, silver sweetlips, parrotfish, and surgeonfish are here.
Snorkeling
Zanzibar is heaven for snorkelers. Throughout the year, the visibility and the temperature of the water provide favorable conditions for snorkeling. Snorkeling is the perfect aquatic activity to enjoy on vacation with your family or your loved ones. It is a perfect activity for venturesome and daring people.
There are many popular spots for snorkeling, such as Chumbe Island, Kendwa Reef, Prison Island, and Stone Town Reef. However, we have discussed some of the most popular snorkeling spots of Zanzibar below.
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Mnemba Atoll
Mnemba Atoll is a conservation area and is very popular for snorkeling. The visibility in this region is around 10m to 30m, making it ideal for snorkeling. If you are in the Zanzibar area, this place is something you want to check off from your "to-do list." Having a snorkel around this area, you will be able to see some appealing coral reefs, rare fish species, turtles, dolphins, etc.
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Tumbatu Island
Tumbatu Island is well known as it located away from the hustle and bustle of the developed areas. The local people live more simply and traditionally, which makes the place more beautiful. If you go snorkeling here, get ready to meet rare cute whip, batfish, leaf fish and ribbon eels. You will also get a chance to get close to the marine animals.