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A stunning island with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters

Zanzibar diving holidays, with the Tanzania experts.

Diving Holidays In ZanzibarZanzibar is an ideal destination for a luxury scuba diving holiday, combining world-class underwater experiences with exceptional comfort and style.

Best Time To Go
5★ on Google — 190+ reviews Every hotel personally vetted by us ATOL & TTA — 100% protected
A stunning island with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters The south east coast is home to an amazing coral reef that runs the length of the coast and is ideal for snorkelling and diving A great location to combine with the ultimate bucket list safari experience in East Africa
When to go

The Zanzibar season at a glance

The strongest, most reliable dive months are highlighted below — based on our own time on the water here, not guesswork.

JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
Best dive season Good dive season Quieter months
Why you'll love Zanzibar

Why you'll love diving in Zanzibar!

Diving Holidays In Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an ideal destination for a luxury scuba diving holiday, combining world-class underwater experiences with exceptional comfort and style. The island's warm waters are home to vibrant coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, dolphins, and occasionally whale sharks. Exclusive resorts and boutique hotels offer beachfront suites, private pools, and personalized service. Our partner dive centres offer a tailored experience, from private dive boats to expert guides, making every dive seamless and memorable.

With over 30 dive sites, including reef, wall, and wreck diving, Zanzibar is more than just a beach island where you can relax. The strong currents of Levan Bank are a haven for big game fish such as kingfish, trevally and tuna. Don’t forget that Zanzibar is also one of the world’s premier locations for sighting the ocean's biggest fish, the whale shark. Mnemba Atoll is a 7km reef that is a conservation success story. In the months from September to December, turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks can be seen.

The Diving Off Zanzibar's North

There are around 30 dive sites for divers at all levels of experience and these can be dived day or night. From any of the hotels in the north, a pick up can be arranged that takes up to 30 minutes to the little town of Nungwi and boats depart from Nungwi to the following areas:



Mnemba Atoll: This marine protected area is one of the big names for diving in Zanzibar. An attractive off-shore spot with amazing underwater marine life. Reefs are home to a wide variety of animals, from the tiniest shrimp to huge turtles. Watch out for the dragon moray eel and the Djibouti Spanish dancer, the world's largest nudibranch. (full-day boat trip: normally 2 guided dives)



Tumbatu: Enjoy a 30-minute sail on a traditional dhow, quicker by speedboat, to the wonderful island of Tumbatu. The island is surrounded by a ring-shaped coral reef where you can dive or snorkel. You may see majestic turtles, giant groupers, morays, rays, dozens of colourful sea slugs, and much more... In season there is the chance of swimming with the giant whale sharks (half-day boat trip: normally 2 guided dives)



Local Dives: There are lots of dive sites for divers at all levels that can be reached between 5 and 30 minutes by dhow or speedboat. (half-day boat trip: normally 2 guided dives)

The Diving Off Zanzibar's South East

While you can reach the Mnemba Atoll on full day trips from the south-east coast most diving is done in the following areas:



Paje & Jambiani: Twice-daily diving excursions can be arranged to the outer coral reefs (weather dependent). Dive and snorkel Jambiani lagoon, where seahorses and stingrays are the main attractions.



Dongwe & Bwejuu: For the adventurous diver, diving here offers gentle reef dives up to the more challenging Blue Wall.
Google ★★★★★ 5/5

Speak to a Tanzania expert

We've dived every spot and stayed in every hotel we sell in Tanzania. Tell us your dates and level — we'll tell you honestly whether Zanzibar is your best match.

Or call +44 1273 921 001 — Mon–Fri 9am–6pm
Is it right for your level?

Skill level match

How well Zanzibar suits each stage of your dive journey.

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Our top suggested tailor-made tours

Dive, plus everything else you'd hate to miss

Combine your Zanzibar stay with everything else worth travelling for — every tour built around your dates, level and budget.

Suggested tour Mount Meru Climb + 3 night Safari

Mount Meru Climb + 3 night Safari

From £5,900 pp

Start with the drama of a Mount Meru climb, trekking through dense forest and open moorland to reach the summit at sunrise, with vast views stretching across northern Tanzania towards Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a real adventure — wild, rewarding and far less crowded — offering a true sense of achievement at the start of your journey. From there, fly into the heart of the Serengeti National Park for a three-night luxury safari. Stay in an intimate tented camp or boutique lodge, where expert guides, beautifully prepared food and elegant surroundings combine with world-class wildlife viewing. Early morning and late afternoon game drives bring you close to lion, elephant and, depending on the season, the Great Migration, while afternoons are for relaxing with sweeping plains stretching endlessly before you.Then finish by the ocean, either in Zanzibar or along the Kenyan coast or islands, where the focus shifts entirely to your chosen ocean sport. Whether that’s kitesurfing, diving, snorkelling or wingfoiling, this final chapter is all about warm water, steady wind or clear reefs — pure, active beach living to round off an extraordinary summit-to-savannah-to-sea journey.

Discover this tour →
Suggested tour 7 nights Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar

7 nights Tanzania Safari + Zanzibar

From £6,900 pp

This privately guided Tanzania safari is a perfectly paced journey through the country’s most iconic wildlife regions, from the elephant-filled landscapes of Tarangire and the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands to the predator-rich heart of the Serengeti and the remote northern plains near the Mara River. Outstanding game viewing, dramatic scenery and an authentic safari feel, with intimate tented camps and expert guiding throughout. It combines seamlessly with a week in Zanzibar, creating the ideal bush-and-beach experience. After the excitement of daily game drives, Zanzibar offers a complete change of pace with white-sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, excellent snorkelling, diving, Wingfoiling or Kitesurfing. The contrast between wild safari adventure and effortless beach downtime makes this a beautifully balanced and memorable holiday.

Discover this tour →
Suggested tour Tarangire and Serengeti Luxury Experience

Tarangire and Serengeti Luxury Experience

From £5,900 pp

A fusion of sublime safari lodges and explorer-style tented safari camps creating the ultimate circuit through northern Tanzania. Embark on a safari that's truly out of the ordinary — one where refined comfort meets a strong conservation ethos, and where unscripted adventure is complemented by an unhurried pace and completely bespoke service. It provides the very best that northern Tanzania has to offer. With access to large tracts of unspoiled wilderness, a dedicated vehicle and a private guide, you have complete freedom to follow where nature leads and curate your experience to your own preferences. Prepare for an inspired journey that's purely personal and utterly unequalled. True. Wild. Free.

Discover this tour →
Only the best, hand-picked

Recommended hotels in Zanzibar

We've stayed in them, walked the beaches and checked the dive logistics — these are the ones we'd book ourselves.

★★★★★ 5* White Sands Luxury Villas, Zanzibar From £477/night · half board

White Sands Luxury Villas

  • The most luxurious hotel on this part of Zanzibar
  • On the best spot for kitesurfing with a school just next door
  • Perfect for luxury family diving or kitesurfing holidays
Family Luxury Honeymoon
Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ 5* Gold Zanzibar Beach Resort, Zanzibar From £282/night · half board

Gold Zanzibar Beach Resort

  • Set on the on the Northwestern coast on the tropical beach of Kendwa
  • Close to the Zanzibar watersports centre
  • Incredible spa and wellness centre at the hotel
Spa Family
Discover this hotel →
★★★★ 4* Kisiwa on the Beach, Paje, Zanzibar From £357/night · half board

Kisiwa on the Beach, Paje

  • Fantastic beach resort in a beautiful area of Zanzibar
  • Calm shallow waters with an idyllic sandy beach
  • Well-appointed private villas with stunning ocean views
Spa Family Honeymoon
Discover this hotel →
★★★★ 4* Dhow Inn, Zanzibar From £80/night · half board

Dhow Inn

  • Barefoot luxury hotel with its own kitesurf centre
  • Situated less than 1 hour from Stone Town
  • Incredible on-site restaurant
Honeymoon
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★★★★ 4* Kiwengwa Boutique, Zanzibar From £148/night · breakfast

Kiwengwa Boutique

  • Charming small hotel away from the busy area
  • One site Wingfoil, Kitesurf and Scuba Diving school
  • Great value for money small property
Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ 5* Nungwi Resort, Zanzibar From £130/night · half board

Nungwi Resort

  • Set on the most northern tip of Zanzibar in the traditional fishing village of Nungwi
  • Situated directly on the beach offering water sports, pool bar and sun beds
  • Amenities include a fitness center, pool, massage treatments, two restaurants and a pool bar
Discover this hotel →
★★★★ 4* Mr Kahawa The Lofts, Zanzibar From £187/night · bed & breakfast

Mr Kahawa The Lofts

  • The coolest place to stay in Paje!
  • Amazing food and coffee
  • Directly on the best kitesurf beach
Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ 5* Breezes Beach Club and Spa, Dongwe, Zanzibar From £117/night · half board

Breezes Beach Club and Spa, Dongwe

  • Incredible on-site watersports centre
  • Situated along a pristine and untouched beach
  • Loads of extra activities available at the hotel
Spa Luxury
Discover this hotel →
Beyond Zanzibar

Want to explore the rest of Tanzania?

Our top recommended hotels across Tanzania — on and off the water — perfect to weave into a tailor-made tour with your Zanzibar stay.

★★★★★ Marataba Private Luxury Safari Lodge, Marakele National Park Around £1,250/night

Marataba Private Luxury Safari Lodge

Marakele National Park Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ LION SANDS GAME RESERVE, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve Around £950/night

Lion Sands Game Reserve

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ Nyasi Migrational Camp, Northern Serengeti

Nyasi Migrational Camp

Northern Serengeti Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel, Victoria Falls Around £450/night

Stanley And Livingstone Boutique Hotel

Victoria Falls Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ Matetsi Luxury River Lodge, Victoria Falls Around £840/night

Matetsi Luxury River Lodge

Victoria Falls Discover this hotel →
★★★★ Lemala Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Around £1,065/night

Lemala Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Discover this hotel →
★★★★ Zanzibar Serena Inn, Stone Town

Zanzibar Serena Inn

Stone Town Discover this hotel →
★★★★ Dhow Palace Hotel, Stone Town

Dhow Palace Hotel

Stone Town Discover this hotel →
★★★★ Singita Faru Faru Lodges, Tanzania Wildlife Reserve

Singita Faru Faru Lodges

Tanzania Wildlife Reserve Discover this hotel →
★★★★ Singita Sasakwa Lodges, Tanzania Wildlife Reserve

Singita Sasakwa Lodges

Tanzania Wildlife Reserve Discover this hotel →
★★★★ Angata Tarangire Camp -  Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Around £800/night

Angata Tarangire Camp - Tarangire National Park

Tarangire Discover this hotel →
★★★★ Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp, The Serengeti National Park Around £1,000/night

Lemala Ndutu Tented Camp

The Serengeti National Park Discover this hotel →
★★★ Mount Meru Climb, Mount Meru Around £1,400/night

Mount Meru Climb

Mount Meru Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ Mnemba Island Lodges, Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island Lodges

Mnemba Island Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ Gibb’s Farm, Karatu, Ngorongoro Around £1,000/night

Gibb’s Farm, Karatu

Ngorongoro Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ Olakira Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti, Northern Serengeti Around £2,000/night

Olakira Migration Camp, Northern Serengeti

Northern Serengeti Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Stone Town Around £250/night

Park Hyatt Zanzibar

Stone Town Discover this hotel →
★★★★★ Oliver’s Camp, Tarangire Around £1,500/night

Oliver’s Camp

Tarangire Discover this hotel →
★★★★ Kisiwa House Stone Town, Stone Town

Kisiwa House Stone Town

Stone Town Discover this hotel →
★★★★ Azura Selous, Tanzania

Azura Selous

Tanzania Discover this hotel →
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