Excellent diving and snorkelling retreats in Tanzania
We have a separate web-page with comments on Diving & snorkelling around Zanzibar (which includes Mnemba Island and Chumbe Island) - but away from this two other islands are particularly well-known for their pristine coral reefs:
North of Zanzibar, Pemba Island has some excellent dives, although because of its currents, which are sometimes quite strong, we recommend it for more experienced divers.
South of Zanzibar, Mafia Island is a lovely quiet spot, with a lagoon which suits learners and newly-qualified divers, and more challenging wall dives outside the lagoon where big fish make for very exciting dives.
Black Pepper Beach Holiday
7 days • 1 location
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$2,300 - US$3,980 per person
Fundu Lagoon
For diving off the coast of Tanzania, Fundu Lagoon offers plenty of choice. The Pemba Channel offers some extremely challenging drift dives and the chance to see the larger pelagic fish, while for gentler dives and snorkelling there are the reefs around Misali Island.
Lemon Grass Beach Holiday
6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$2,040 - US$3,020 per person
Pole Pole
Pole Pole offers fantastic diving in the Mafia Island Marine Park. This is some of the best diving on the East African coast. When we were last there, diving cost $40 for a single dive and $300 for a 10-dive package (plus $20 a day equipment-hire fee).
Chole Mjini
Scuba diving in Mafia Island Marine Park is superb, and if you come here between October and March you may get the chance to swim with whale sharks.
Jasmine Beach Holiday
7 days • 1 location
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$3,070 - US$3,950 per person
Manta Resort
For diving and snorkelling in Zanzibar, Manta Resort on Pemba Island offers coral reefs and – for experienced divers only – waters with exhilarating currents. And in its new Underwater Room you have the underwater world around you, even while you’re sleeping!
Best camps & lodges for Diving & snorkelling in Tanzania
Fundu Lagoon
For diving off the coast of Tanzania, Fundu Lagoon offers plenty of choice. The Pemba Channel offers some extremely challenging drift dives and the chance to see the larger pelagic fish, while for gentler dives and snorkelling there are the reefs around Misali Island.
Kinasi Lodge
Within the Mafia Island Marine Park – Kinasi offers great diving and snorkelling. Snorkelling trips inside Chole Bay usually cost $25, and take you out to a quiet and sheltered reef with an abundance of coral and fish. Diving can either be inside or outside the bay.
Manta Resort
For diving and snorkelling in Zanzibar, Manta Resort on Pemba Island offers coral reefs and – for experienced divers only – waters with exhilarating currents. And in its new Underwater Room you have the underwater world around you, even while you’re sleeping!
Shamba Kilole
Shamba Kilole has its own motorised sailing dhow, set-up for diving, and equally good if you just want to get to some choice snorkelling spots. Marco, the co-owner of the lodge, has been diving the waters off Mafia for decades and knows them inside out.
Pole Pole
Pole Pole offers fantastic diving in the Mafia Island Marine Park. This is some of the best diving on the East African coast. When we were last there, diving cost $40 for a single dive and $300 for a 10-dive package (plus $20 a day equipment-hire fee).
Butiama Beach
From November to March, Butiama offers good opportunities to swim with whale sharks. It is also a short drive from the protected reefs of the Mafia Marine Park on the east side of the island.
Chole Mjini
Scuba diving in Mafia Island Marine Park is superb, and if you come here between October and March you may get the chance to swim with whale sharks.
Diving & snorkelling elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Diving & snorkelling in other countries.
Malawi
As a body of fresh water, Lake Malawi has a high alkalinity and exceedingly high proportion of ...
Mozambique
From clownfish and angelfish, over rays and sharks, to whales and dugongs - they can all be found ...
Seychelles
Set in the heart of the sparkling blue Indian Ocean, the Seychelles offers perfect conditions for ...
Zanzibar
The Zanzibar archipelago is surrounded by coral reefs, hidden in the sparkling blue waters of the ...
Where to see wildlife species in Tanzania
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,289 sightings from 4,066 observations
Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,117 sightings from 4,509 observations
Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,118 sightings from 3,424 observations
Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
956 sightings from 3,010 observations
Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,355 sightings from 4,294 observations
Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,671 sightings from 3,981 observations
Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
2,792 sightings from 3,370 observations
Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes
The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.
100% SUCCESS
28 sightings from 28 observations
Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
48% SUCCESS
1,553 sightings from 3,212 observations
Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
3,971 sightings from 4,369 observations
Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
69% SUCCESS
1,422 sightings from 2,056 observations
Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.
76% SUCCESS
93 sightings from 123 observations
Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
3,806 sightings from 4,433 observations
Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
2,915 sightings from 3,260 observations
Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
24% SUCCESS
536 sightings from 2,226 observations
Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
23% SUCCESS
517 sightings from 2,237 observations
Sitatunga
Tragelaphus spekii
The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.
19% SUCCESS
68 sightings from 367 observations
Striped Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.
14% SUCCESS
130 sightings from 950 observations
Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,170 sightings from 4,958 observations
Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
78 sightings from 3,586 observations
Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
60 sightings from 3,613 observations
Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
30% SUCCESS
661 sightings from 2,201 observations
Other styles of holiday in Tanzania
Discover all that Tanzania has to offer
Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.
Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.
Diving & snorkelling
Find captivating marine life beneath the waves
Family holidays
Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.
Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family
Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.
Solo Travel
Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.
Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.
Walking safaris
Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.
Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations
Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.