Pemba dive shop

[turkbalikadam]

I trained Michael to become a NAUI instructor in Pemba Island. I lived there for two decades, I still rate the diving there as exceptional. Its great to see Michael carry on the legacy and keep diving in Pemba. Kudos to him and Afro Divers.

 

[bfwolf1]

Are there any recommendations for alternatives to Pemba Paradise for lodging? I am looking at going in February and they are booked out entirely from Christmas through February.

 

[carono6333]

Are there any recommendations for alternatives to Pemba Paradise for lodging? I am looking at going in February and they are booked out entirely from Christmas through February.

The only ones i remember were:
Manta [expensive]
Pemba Moonlight [very basic]

I seem to remember Afro Divers having a webpage with accommodation options on it?

 

[bfwolf1]

The only ones i remember were:
Manta [expensive]
Pemba Moonlight [very basic]

I seem to remember Afro Divers having a webpage with accommodation options on it?

Their website lists Pemba Paradise and The Aiyana which is very expensive. Pemba Moonlight looks too basic. I need A/C.

Gecko Nature Lodge might be the best bet. They're the same place as Swahili Divers, but it sounds like Swahili isn't recommended due to not having a speedboat?

 

[carono6333]

I’m not sure about Gecko. If they don’t have a speedboat it might not be a big deal - just means more time getting to/from dive sites.l

 

[bfwolf1]

Yes It was lovely and I would recommend it the rooms were nice and priced fairly. The food was ok.
The next hotel over on the beach is the Aiyana which is a luxury hotel (rooms were 3 to 4 times the price of Pemba Paradise) that you can walk to during low tide. They have a great restaurant and bar area in which they allow walk-ins to use. If the tide comes in during your meal just ask the desk to get a cab back to PP. The food and beverages are priced about the same as The Pemba Paradise but much better quality. So we walked over for a few of our meals. They also had a better wine selection.
Another thing is that we arranged our airport pick up through Afro Divers, which was perfect. If you want Afro Divers will also arrange for you to have a meal in the local village near by and provide transport after the dive, Michael and Carlotta were super nice.

I ended up getting a place at Pemba Paradise next month. How long does it take to walk along the beach to Aiyana? When I arrive, I have to decide if I want to go a la carte (though breakfast is included) or half board (also includes dinner) for $30/day or full board (lunch and dinner) for $60 a day. Sounds like you would recommend a la carte?