Diving in Zanzibar

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Year-round resident but most active during the Kusi monsoon (June–October). Commonly sighted at Fundu Gap, Njao Gap, Leven Bank, and the Pemba Channel drift sites. Often seen in small groups of 2–5 individuals.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Year-round resident and the most commonly encountered turtle species in Zanzibar. Guaranteed sightings at Mnemba Atoll (House Reef, The Wall), Chumbe Island, Misali Island, and Matemwe Reef. Highest density during the Kusi season when visibility is best.

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Common year-round on coral reef systems. Frequently sighted at Mnemba Atoll (Watumbi Reef, Boribi Reef), Misali Island, and Tumbatu Coral Gardens. Sightings are more reliable on healthy coral reefs than in seagrass areas.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Year-round resident in Menai Bay Conservation Area near Kizimkazi. Reliable dolphin-watching tours operate daily. Also sighted in the Pemba Channel and around the Mnemba Atoll. Early morning (6–8 AM) offers the best encounters.

Great Barracuda

Destination note

Common year-round at all reef systems. Often seen in loose schools near drop-offs and channel entrances. Particularly abundant at Mnemba Atoll Wall, Leven Bank, and Fundu Gap.

Broadclub Cuttlefish

Destination note

Common year-round on coral reefs and sandy areas. Frequently sighted at Mnemba Atoll, Nungwi Reef, and Chumbe Island. Most active during morning and late afternoon.

Mauritian Anemonefish

Destination note

Common year-round in shallow reef areas with sea anemones. Most frequently sighted at Mnemba Atoll, Pange Reef, and Chumbe Island at depths of 2–15m.

Red Sea Sailfin Tang

General species description, not specific to this destination

A sailfin tang with a deep disk-shaped body, high dorsal and anal fins, and ornate vertical striping with spots on the head and body. When its fins are extended it appears much taller than most surgeonfishes. Like other tangs, it has a sharp scalpel-like spine near the tail base.

Triton's Trumpet

General species description, not specific to this destination

A very large marine snail with a thick, high-spired shell patterned in cream and brown, and a fleshy foot used for slow crawling. It is famous as a predator of crown-of-thorns starfish, helping balance reef ecosystems. The impressive shell makes it vulnerable to collecting, so live animals should be left in place.

Harlequin Sweetlips

Destination note

Common year-round on coral reefs. Frequently sighted at Mnemba Atoll, Chumbe Island, and Misali Island. Adults solitary near coral heads; juveniles in shallow sheltered areas.

humphead wrasse

Destination note

Resident but not abundant. Most reliably sighted at Fundu Gap and Njao Gap in Pemba. Also reported at Tumbatu East Wall and Leven Bank. Sightings are most common during the Kusi monsoon (June–October).

Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse

Destination note

Guaranteed sighting on every reef dive in Zanzibar. Cleaning stations at prominent coral heads across all sites. Most active 8 AM–4 PM.