Scuba Diving in Zanzibar: Mnemba Atoll, Leven Bank & Discover Scuba for Beginners
The reefs around Zanzibar are warm, colourful and rich in life, with more than five hundred species of fish recorded. Mnemba Atoll is the best-known dive area, with walls, gardens and the chance to meet turtles.
Whether you are a certified diver or a first-timer, we match you with a dive operator and an instructor you can trust.
Duration
Half day
Tour Type
Scuba Diving
Difficulty
Beginner to Advanced
Age
10+ Years (with restrictions)
Refreshments
Snacks & Water
Equipment
Included
Wildlife
Sea Turtle Encounters
Pickup
Available
Overview
Certified divers can book a double dive, usually at Mnemba Atoll or further afield on sites such as Leven Bank, which is known for larger fish and stronger currents. First-timers can try a discover scuba dive with a PADI-certified instructor, who stays by your side and explains each step.
All diving equipment, the boat and the instructor are included. Dive times are chosen to suit tides and visibility, and sea turtles are a frequent bonus.
Please tell us your certification level, last dive date and any medical conditions when you book. Safety always comes first.
Mosum Tours & Safaris is a Zanzibar-based operator with more than ten years of experience in ground handling. Our guides and drivers live on the island, know it well and are on WhatsApp from 8 AM to 9 PM every day.
Highlights
Mnemba Atoll
Famous reef and wall dives
Sea turtles
Common on many dives
Coral gardens
Hard and soft corals
Wall dives
For certified divers
PADI instructors
Safe, patient teaching
Leven Bank
Advanced offshore site
Warm water
Comfortable year-round
Good visibility
Often 15 metres or more
Itinerary
Pickup and briefing
We collect you from your hotel and take you to the dive centre for paperwork and a briefing.
Equipment fitting
Try on your wetsuit, mask and fins, and meet your instructor.
Boat to the dive site
Ride to Mnemba Atoll or another site chosen for the day.
First dive
Descend with your group and explore the reef, with the instructor leading.
Surface interval
Rest, drink water and eat a snack on the boat.
Second dive and return
Dive again at a second site, then return to shore and your hotel.
Price
Includes
- Professional dive instructor
- All diving equipment
- Boat
- Snacks and water
- All government fees
- Hotel pickup and return (available for an extra cost)
Best Time to Dive in Zanzibar
Zanzibar offers warm-water diving all year. The dry months — June to October and December to March — bring the calmest seas and clearest water, with visibility often exceeding 20–30 metres. September to December adds the seasonal chance of whale sharks around Mnemba, while April and May (the long rains) see reduced visibility and some sites running on a limited basis.
- JanExcellent
- FebExcellent
- MarGood
- AprModerate
- MayModerate
- JunGood
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepExcellent
- OctExcellent
- NovExcellent
- DecExcellent
- Excellent — calm seas, best visibility
- Good — occasional wind or showers
- Moderate — long rains, limited sites
Peak dive months fill up fast — booking a few days ahead is recommended to secure your preferred date and site.
What Guests Say
The best tourist guide in Zanzibar!!
Very nice visit to Stone Town with Mohamed. Good explanation and Mohamed is very knowledgeable about Zanzibar's history. Recommended.
We were attended by Mohamed who provided us with impeccable service. Great driver, super polite and helpful! In addition to knowing Zanzibar very well and being a great guide!!!
Erg goede gids, wist veel te vertellen van Stonetown. Goed gezelschap!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be certified?
No. A discover scuba dive is open to beginners. Certified divers can book a double dive instead.
What is the minimum age?
Ten years old, with restrictions and parental consent.
How long does the trip last?
A typical double-dive outing takes around half a day, including transfers and surface intervals.
What will I see?
Reef fish, turtles, rays and occasionally dolphins, depending on the site and season.
Do you offer PADI courses?
Yes, through our partner dive centres. Message us with your goals and we will suggest a course.
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Book This Tour
Tell us your dates and group size and we will confirm availability, pickup time and the final price. Prefer to chat? Message the Mosum Tours & Safaris team on WhatsApp.