The coral reefs of Zanzibar are some of the most abundant in the world with over 500 species of marine species. In turn warm Indian Ocean water creates water temperatures consistently around 80F (27C) and visibility that often exceeds 100ft (30m). Zanzibar is a dive location where there is something for everyone, the snorkelers, the macro lovers and the deep divers. With over 30 dive sites that include, reef, wall and wreck diving, Zanzibar is more than just a beach island to relax. Levan Bank off the northern tip of Zanzibar is one of the islands’ most famous and impressive dives, where strong currents create a haven for big game fish such as kingfish, trevally and tuna. Don’t forget the Zanzibar is also one of the world’s premier locations for sighting the ocean’s biggest fish, the whale shark. Mnemba Atoll is a 4.5 miles (7km) reef that is a conservation success story, where turtles, dolphins and the whale sharks can be seen in the months from September to December.
Zanzibar Sea Life
Zanzibar’s warm equatorial waters attract a myriad of ocean creatures that habituate both the reef and the deeper pelagic waters. Common favourites among divers are blue spotted rays, crocodile fish, ribbon eels and dolphins. For advanced divers that wander into the outer reefs and deeper waters there is the opportunity to see barracuda, white tip, black tip reef and whale sharks. In addition Zanzibar is a magnet for macro creatures with various species of nudibranchs, frogfish and ghost pipefish. Night diving on the islands is recommended with sighting of hunting Bluefin trevally and honeycomb morays.
How To Get There
Certain airlines (Ethiopian, Kenya, Oman and Qatar airlines) fly direct to Zanzibar, however most large international airlines fly to Dar es Salaam, which is only a short ferry trip to the islands. Once on the islands it is easy to find transport, with the cheapest options being the dala-dala, the mini-bus taxi share that costs $1.50 to get from Stone City to the north, east of south coasts.If you prefer to take rent a car make sure you research companies with excellent reviews. Taxis and transfers are also available.
