Scuba Diving Packages in Zanzibar

Since Zanzibar is a diver’s paradise, hotels offer diving experiences or tie up with local dive centres. There’s a synergy between dive operators and hotels allowing a diver to combine stay and play in one neat package. Depending on the dive operator, you’re bound to get different options. Here are a few to think about.

Big Ocean Divers is one of the newest operators in Zanzibar. If you are a novice, they have plans to help you to learn to dive and if you are an experienced diver then the packages are different. It is a PADI certified centre and the best part is it is a green dive business – committed to their environment.

Scuba Do Zanzibar is a fabulous operator with a wide variety of dive sites, more than twenty in number. Located in the north west of Zanzibar, close to Mnemba and to Kendwa. Scuba Do offers great options for dive groups so if you’re planning a holiday with family and friends, do consider this option. Most dive sites are close- a maximum of 40 minutes by speedboat.

The boutique hotel, The Zanzibari is in Nungwi. One of the most popular dive sites, Mnemba is also a natural marine reserve. It has great visibility and allows you to explore and understand marine life at close quarters. The hotel uses a dive centre close to its premises. The centre offers courses to newcomers and experienced divers. For the latter group, Mnemba offers the Big Wall with its steep drop from 35 to 70 meters. If you travel a distance, you can get to Wattabomi in the west and Leven Bank in the north. The centre has dive boats and transfers are arranged without additional cost.

One Ocean is the a reputed and respected dive centre in Zanzibar. It’s been in existence since 1993 and has an outstanding record for fabulous diving experiences. The boats are well-equipped, the divers are certified professionals and the dive groups are restricted to just 6 as a maximum number. One Ocean has tie-ups with some of the best hotels in the country. It combines stay with diving activities. Airport and hotel transfers are also provided, but do not come free. One Ocean offers free transfer within a stipulated distance in Kiwengwa and Matemwe.

Most packages include breakfast and arrangements are made for divers who desire taxis to get to different dive locations. In Mnemba, you can choose from the five star Garden Beach Hotel to many other options, including the rustic and basic Keys Bungalow. In Stone Town, loll in the luxurious Golden Tulip Hotel or keep it simple with the Kiponda Bed and Breakfast. One Ocean payments are inclusive of gear, guide, snacks and water and courses chosen.

In general, the price of the diving package is connected to the number of dives and the duration of the diving. At two dives per day, you can choose among 2, 3, 4- and 5-day dives. Prices range from 200 to 460 dollars in many cases. You can rent equipment depending on how long you want it for.  A few popular diving sites might need additional fees, for instance Mnemba. An experience you absolutely need to have is a night dive. It costs extra but it’s so worth the trip.