Breathtaking diving experience
Diving in Pemba offers some of the most spectacular underwater experiences anywhere in the world. Some of the dive sites around the island are remarkable by any standards. The deep Pemba Channel rises dramatically toward the island’s west coast in near vertical walls along many of the reefs. Diving in this region is characterized by exceptionally clear, blue water drop-offs and vibrantly healthy shallow reefs. Hard and soft coral gardens support a proliferation of reef and pelagic fish, making diving in Pemba a truly unforgettable marine adventure.
1. The Swiss Reef
System of sea mountains running parallel to the wall on a platform 25 m down. The mountains have different profiles; from just a few meters up to 100 m long. The thing to do here is drift dive over the system from one mountain to another, discovering the amazing reef life. Good chance of seeing big pelagic and turtles.
Recommended for: Experienced divers.
2. Shimba Hills
The last corner of the Shimba Wall breaks into two and forms a valley at 12 m depth with sand bottom with lots of barrel sponges and anthias, red sea sweatlips, fusiliers, red tooth triggerfish, etc.
Recommended for: Novice Divers
3. Shimba Wall
4. The Edge
Just west of the north-western peninsula. This is the last wall before Pemba island drops into the Pemba channel The wall starts at 30 meters and falls down steep! On the top of the wall huge barrels sponges and spirals corals grow up to two meters high. This is a great place for encounters with Napoleon fish, potato grouper, cubera snapper, big pelagic, turtle and even white tip shark. Recommended for: Deep divers certificate apply. Strong currents occur.
5. Pole Pole Mountain
Mountain of coral that lumes from 30 m to 16 m, the base of the mountain is scattered with smaller hills of coral, with lots of spotted sweet lips, nudibranches and turtles, this site is for experienced AOW divers and above, and can only be dived at slack tides.
6. Scorpions Secret
Situated a 2 min boat ride from the resort a gentle sloping wall starting at 5 m down to 18 m. Clear visibility and gentle currents make this site perfect for novice divers (DSD and OW) and snorkelers alike, as well as night dives. Well know for its camouflaged scorpion fish. Leaf fish, lion fish and giant frog fish.
7. House Reef
Right on the entrance to the manta resort coming from the ocean, an open patch of sand at 5m with superb visibility, flowing into big coral bomies filled with tropical fish and nudibranches, is perfect for snorkelers and divers of all levels, as well as night dives, Keep an eye out for large eye squid and octopus.
8. Njao Gap
A 30 min boat ride from the resort, Njao Gap which separates Njao island from the main island, you will find 5 different dive sites (Coral Garden, North Wall, South Wall, Slip stream, Jahazi Reef)ranging from 5 m to 40 m with sheer walls, mountains and coral gardens. This site focuses on good visibility, a massive variety of hard and soft coral, strong currents and a healthy vibrant range of marine life for example, Titan trigger fish, Napoleon wrasse, green turtles, giant trevally and dog tooth tuna, to name but a few, on the deeper dives we have been known to see white tip reef sharks, the sites are suitable for divers and snorkelers of all levels.
9. Fundu Gap
Situated South of Njao island about a one hour boat ride from the resort Fundu Gap separates Fundu island and Njao island. The 5 dive sites (Mandela Wall, Pinnacle, Coral Garden, Crack, South Wall) at Fundu range from 5 m to 40 m and allows for clear visibility, strong currents and large coral formations. These sites are better know for their larger fish species such as Eagle rays, Napoleon’s, GT’s and Barracuda. The deep drop-offs and cooler waters allow for amazing soft coral growth such as Gregorian sea fans and anemone cities. The Macro life on these softer coral gardens is phenomenal and is suited for all levels of diver and snorkeler, U/W photography is a must.
Diving in Pemba is the perfect way to begin your underwater journey. The island is home to one of the healthiest coral reef systems in the Indian Ocean, with water temperatures averaging a comfortable 26ºC.
In combination with excellent water conditions, Dive 360 Pemba, a 5-star PADI dive center, offers everything you need for an outstanding diving experience in Pemba. From a two-level training pool and professional dive instructors to a multilingual team ready to support you — everything is designed to make you feel as free as a fish in the sea.
A Coral Reef Safari is an immersive and educational way to experience diving in Pemba. Participants embark on guided tours led by expert dive guides to discover the island’s rich underwater landscapes, teeming with colorful corals, exotic fish, and other marine life. These safaris offer a unique opportunity to learn about coral reef ecology, the importance of marine conservation, and the diverse species that inhabit these delicate ecosystems — all while enjoying world-class diving in Pemba.
Enhance your experience of diving in Pemba with a Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV). These underwater scooters allow you to effortlessly glide through the water, covering greater distances with minimal effort. Explore even more of Pemba’s vibrant marine life and experience the underwater world like never before.
Yes, divers are expected to follow standard diving regulations, including respecting marine protected areas, avoiding touching or damaging corals, and maintaining proper buoyancy control.
The water temperature around Pemba Island typically ranges from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F) year-round. This warm water makes for comfortable diving conditions, though a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit is recommended for extended dives.
While sightings of whale sharks and dolphins are not guaranteed, they are occasionally spotted in the waters around Pemba Island. For a higher chance of encountering these majestic creatures, consider visiting during their migration seasons and joining specialized excursions.
Yes, diving on Pemba Island is generally safe, especially when you dive with reputable dive centers that follow strict safety protocols. It’s important to listen to your dive guides, adhere to safety briefings, and ensure your equipment is in good condition.
Divers exploring Pemba Island’s coral reefs can expect to encounter a stunning array of underwater features and marine life. The island’s reefs are known for their dramatic drop-offs, underwater caves, and vibrant coral gardens. Marine life is abundant and diverse, with regular sightings of colorful reef fish, octopuses, and various species of rays. Additionally, lucky divers might spot larger marine creatures such as dolphins, turtles, and even reef sharks. One particularly fascinating feature is the Mesali Island Marine Reserve, which offers some of the best diving spots with well-preserved coral and a high density of marine biodiversity.
All revenues are donated to the local Marine Conservation Area Committee and rangers. Further donations are very welcome and appreciated. Our conservation boxes can be found at the diving centre and main lounge area.
For certification courses, it is recommended to complete the theory portion online through the PADI website before arriving. Get started with your e-learning and register with “Dive 360 Pemba”. Our dive centre number is 35453.
Discover scuba diving
For the ones that doubt diving really is as good as everyone says, this course gives you the opportunity to take a look down under. We will give you 1 theory lesson, 1 pool session and then a fantastic dive on the sea at a maximum of 10 meters, with a professional diver close by your side at all time.
1 dive …………………….$130
2 dives …………………..$160
Open water diving
The OWD is the first step in becoming a recreational diver. Includes 5 theory sessions, 5 confined waters sessions and 4 open water dive in the sea. You can book direct at the dive shop when you have arrived at the resort, or make your reservation when you book your room at the resort. After this course you will receive your Open Water Certificate, which will allow you to dive down to 18 meters, anywhere in the world.
E-Learner ……………$540
Referral ………………$330
Scuba review
Course ……………………….$130
Advanced diving
5 dives ……………..$400
Private tutoring
Dive Master …………………..$130 / day
Instructor……………………$200 / day
Rescue diver
Rescue Diver …………………………$400
Emergency first response
Emergency First Response ……..$270
Please note that proof of certification and insurance is required prior to diving commencement. All equipment included in the price.
Near reef diving
1 dive …………………….$80
2 dives ………………….$135
6 dives ……………..…..$385
10 dives ………………..$625
16 dives ………………..$960
10% discount for divers with own gear.
Far reef diving
1 dive …………………….$110
2 dives ………………….$170
10% discount for divers with own gear, excluding the $30 supplement for far reef dives.
Coral reef safari
Coral reef safari ……………………$
Diver Propulsion Vehicle
DPV rental ……………………$
