Chris prestegaard
Guest
Hey !
If you are going to Zanzibar and are planing to do some diving, or maybe to learn it, I would like to give you a few tips on the way.
I have worked as Padi Instrutor for many years on Zanzibar,and has lived there since 2002.
The diving on Zanzibar can be in world class on a good day, and some of the reefs is even to the very experienced diver something to remember.
With out doubt the best reefs are reached from Kendwa or Nungwi on the north tip of Zanzibar.
I have made a small list of the 5 best reef in this area, and it would be a shame to miss these if you really loves diving.
There is a description of each reef and Certification level in the end of this post.
Diving centres in Kendwa & Nungwi
I am not going to name any specific dive centre as the best or worst..Things can change fast on Zanzibar and what was good last year can suddenly turn bad.
But one thing is for sure..you get what you pay for..So if you are looking for the cheapest Dive course or the cheapest diving, don't expect to get the best or the safest diving.!!!!
When it comes to the Open Water Course..Make sure you get all details and what is included before you sign up.
And remember..You are the one who is paying so if you feel that things are moving to fast or maybe you feel that you are pushed to finish the course...Talk to the owner of the dive centre...Diving is fun,its fantastic..But it can also be very dangerous so make sure you get a good beginning and a professional course.
For certified divers...Always check your equipment..if there is something you are not happy with get them to change it on the spot !!..and before you go on the boat.
Diving is business..and dive centre will go to reefs that make them the best profit..But that is sometimes not the best reefs..Check out the reefs below, these are the top so maybe you want to skip a day and save your money for the best.
Ask how many divers there are in a group...Max should be 6..less even better...Unfortunately some dive operators tend to put 6-8 or even more divers in a group with a dive master...this is a mess and you are only going to see the sand the others kick up.
Again..Your money..Get what you want or check out the next operator.
If anyone got some questions or need a tip I will be happy to hear from you.
Chris
Top Dive Sites Zanzibar
1. Hunga Reef
This reef is absolutely world class, and despite of its relatively small size, it is an overwhelming experience for everyone. The shear number of fish that gathers around this reef can blow you away, and you will be surrounded with shoals of barracudas, snappers, unicorn fish, surgeon fish, trevallys and tunas. On the reef and bottom you will see huge moray eels, crocodile fish, stingrays, napoleon wrasse and sometimes turtles.
Certification level: OPEN WATER
Max. depth: 20 meters
2. Nankivell Reef
Another world class reef close to Hunga Reef. Sometimes it seems as these 2 reefs compete of showing the greatest variety & quantity of fish. Occasionally you will lose sight of the reef because you are surrounded with shoals of fish. Other visitors to this reef can be squids, cuttlefish, huge groupers, porcupine fish and octopus.
Certification level: OPEN WATER
Max. depth: 18 meters.
3. Leven Bank
This undersea plateau is rising from very deep waters and is only for experienced divers.
Once you reach Leven Bank you are first stunned by the fantastic blue colour of the water. As you descend to the top of the reef at 18-20 meter depth you will be thrilled with the clear water and the feeling of open Ocean. Huge shoals of pelagic fish are frequent here due to the deep waters surrounding Leven Bank. Manta rays, reef sharks, huge tunas and shoals of trevallys and kingfish can be seen here. Strong current is possible and dives are carried out as drift dives.
Certification Level: ADVANCED+
Depth: 30+
4. Mnemba Atoll
This tiny island is surrounded with a huge reef with many different diving areas that range in depth from 12 to 30 meters. Definitely the most popular and visited diving area on Zanzibar. The water around Mnemba has this fantastic turquoise glow and dolphins are often seen here. Turtles both green and hawksbills are common to this area together with shoals of reef fish. In season this is also the top spot for seeing the impressive whale shark.
Certification Level: OPEN WATER+
Depth 12-30+
5. Mwana Wa Mwana
For those who love corals this is the place to go. This tiny island is blessed with such a variety of soft corals that it is absolutely stunning. This little underwater Shangri La will keep you captured in all its beauty. Shoals of colourful reef fish and other marine life will leave you with a fantastic experience. Turtles and rare spices like sea horses can be found here as well.
Certification level: SCUBA DIVER
Max. depth: 12 meters
If you are going to Zanzibar and are planing to do some diving, or maybe to learn it, I would like to give you a few tips on the way.
I have worked as Padi Instrutor for many years on Zanzibar,and has lived there since 2002.
The diving on Zanzibar can be in world class on a good day, and some of the reefs is even to the very experienced diver something to remember.
With out doubt the best reefs are reached from Kendwa or Nungwi on the north tip of Zanzibar.
I have made a small list of the 5 best reef in this area, and it would be a shame to miss these if you really loves diving.
There is a description of each reef and Certification level in the end of this post.
Diving centres in Kendwa & Nungwi
I am not going to name any specific dive centre as the best or worst..Things can change fast on Zanzibar and what was good last year can suddenly turn bad.
But one thing is for sure..you get what you pay for..So if you are looking for the cheapest Dive course or the cheapest diving, don't expect to get the best or the safest diving.!!!!
When it comes to the Open Water Course..Make sure you get all details and what is included before you sign up.
And remember..You are the one who is paying so if you feel that things are moving to fast or maybe you feel that you are pushed to finish the course...Talk to the owner of the dive centre...Diving is fun,its fantastic..But it can also be very dangerous so make sure you get a good beginning and a professional course.
For certified divers...Always check your equipment..if there is something you are not happy with get them to change it on the spot !!..and before you go on the boat.
Diving is business..and dive centre will go to reefs that make them the best profit..But that is sometimes not the best reefs..Check out the reefs below, these are the top so maybe you want to skip a day and save your money for the best.
Ask how many divers there are in a group...Max should be 6..less even better...Unfortunately some dive operators tend to put 6-8 or even more divers in a group with a dive master...this is a mess and you are only going to see the sand the others kick up.
Again..Your money..Get what you want or check out the next operator.
If anyone got some questions or need a tip I will be happy to hear from you.
Chris
Top Dive Sites Zanzibar
1. Hunga Reef
This reef is absolutely world class, and despite of its relatively small size, it is an overwhelming experience for everyone. The shear number of fish that gathers around this reef can blow you away, and you will be surrounded with shoals of barracudas, snappers, unicorn fish, surgeon fish, trevallys and tunas. On the reef and bottom you will see huge moray eels, crocodile fish, stingrays, napoleon wrasse and sometimes turtles.
Certification level: OPEN WATER
Max. depth: 20 meters
2. Nankivell Reef
Another world class reef close to Hunga Reef. Sometimes it seems as these 2 reefs compete of showing the greatest variety & quantity of fish. Occasionally you will lose sight of the reef because you are surrounded with shoals of fish. Other visitors to this reef can be squids, cuttlefish, huge groupers, porcupine fish and octopus.
Certification level: OPEN WATER
Max. depth: 18 meters.
3. Leven Bank
This undersea plateau is rising from very deep waters and is only for experienced divers.
Once you reach Leven Bank you are first stunned by the fantastic blue colour of the water. As you descend to the top of the reef at 18-20 meter depth you will be thrilled with the clear water and the feeling of open Ocean. Huge shoals of pelagic fish are frequent here due to the deep waters surrounding Leven Bank. Manta rays, reef sharks, huge tunas and shoals of trevallys and kingfish can be seen here. Strong current is possible and dives are carried out as drift dives.
Certification Level: ADVANCED+
Depth: 30+
4. Mnemba Atoll
This tiny island is surrounded with a huge reef with many different diving areas that range in depth from 12 to 30 meters. Definitely the most popular and visited diving area on Zanzibar. The water around Mnemba has this fantastic turquoise glow and dolphins are often seen here. Turtles both green and hawksbills are common to this area together with shoals of reef fish. In season this is also the top spot for seeing the impressive whale shark.
Certification Level: OPEN WATER+
Depth 12-30+
5. Mwana Wa Mwana
For those who love corals this is the place to go. This tiny island is blessed with such a variety of soft corals that it is absolutely stunning. This little underwater Shangri La will keep you captured in all its beauty. Shoals of colourful reef fish and other marine life will leave you with a fantastic experience. Turtles and rare spices like sea horses can be found here as well.
Certification level: SCUBA DIVER
Max. depth: 12 meters
