Zanzibar Beach Escape
Beach stay with Mnemba Atoll snorkeling added.
Your investment
From $2,950 per couple
View this journeyThings to Do · Coast & Lakes
Snorkeling & Diving in Tanzania
Coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins and whale sharks in the warm Indian Ocean, plus freshwater snorkeling in Lake Tanganyika.
- 5-Star Rated
- Founder & team guiding since 2004
- Certified dive centres
- Private boats on request
Is Tanzania good for snorkeling and diving?
Yes. Tanzania has over 1,400 km of Indian Ocean coast, three main islands and protected marine parks with warm, clear water all year. Snorkeling needs no experience. Scuba diving in Tanzania suits beginners in Zanzibar and Mafia, and experienced divers in Pemba.
- Water temperature
- 25 to 30°C
- Visibility
- 15 to 30 metres, more in Pemba
- Best time
- October to March, and July to September
- Whale sharks
- October to March, Mafia Island
- Snorkeling
- all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers with a life vest
- Diving
- from age 10, no certificate needed for a first try dive
Snorkeling or diving: which is right for you?
Snorkeling
You float on the surface with a mask, snorkel and fins. No training, no certificate. Trips last 2 to 4 hours by boat. Best for families and first-timers.
Scuba diving
You breathe underwater from a tank and go down to the reef. Certified divers can dive straight away. Beginners can do a try dive with an instructor or a 3 to 4 day open water course.
Where to snorkel and dive in Tanzania
From Zanzibar to Lake Tanganyika, these are the best places in the water.
Zanzibar
Most popular
Mnemba Atoll: The best Mnemba Atoll snorkeling is on the shallow reef off the north-east coast, with turtles, reef fish and dolphins on the way. Good for snorkelers and divers of every level.
- Nungwi and Kendwa: Easy reef dives and snorkeling from the north coast beaches.
- Tumbatu Island: Quiet reefs with fewer boats.
- Chumbe Island Coral Park: A protected reef sanctuary, snorkeling only, limited guests per day.
- Stone Town islands: Bawe and Pange sandbanks, shallow reefs and old wrecks.
- Menai Bay (Kizimkazi): Dolphins and sandbank snorkeling in the south.
Pemba Island
- Pemba walls: Deep wall dives, strong currents and visibility over 30 metres. Best for experienced divers.
- Misali Island: A protected reef with calm snorkeling.
Mafia Island
Whale sharks
Mafia Island Marine Park: Tanzania's first marine park. Swim with Mafia Island whale sharks from October to March, then dive Chole Bay and Kinasi Pass.
Mainland Coast
- Dar es Salaam: Bongoyo and Mbudya islands, an easy half-day stopover.
- Pangani: Maziwe Island sandbank and marine reserve.
- Tanga: Coelacanth Marine Park.
- Kilwa: Quiet reefs beside the Swahili ruins.
- Mtwara: Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park at Msimbati.
Lakes
- Lake Tanganyika (Mahale and Kigoma): Freshwater snorkeling among hundreds of colourful cichlid fish found nowhere else.
- Lake Nyasa (Matema Beach): Clear freshwater and cichlids below the Livingstone Mountains.
Zanzibar vs Mafia vs Pemba
Choose Zanzibar for easy access and variety, Mafia for whale sharks and quiet reefs, Pemba for serious diving.
| Zanzibar | Mafia Island | Pemba | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners, families, variety | Whale sharks, quiet reefs | Experienced divers |
| Highlight | Mnemba Atoll | Marine park, Chole Bay | Wall dives, Misali Island |
| Crowds | Busiest | Quiet | Very quiet |
| Access | Direct international flights | Short flight from Dar es Salaam | Short flight from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam |
Best time for snorkeling and diving in Tanzania
October to March is calm and clear, and it is whale shark season in Mafia. July to September is also good, with humpback whales passing the coast. April and May bring heavy rain and lower visibility. The best time to dive in Zanzibar 2027 is October to March.
What marine life will you see?
- Green and hawksbill turtles
- Dolphins
- Whale sharks (Mafia, October to March)
- Humpback whales (July to September)
- Reef fish, rays, octopus and moray eels
What is included?
- Boat, skipper and guide
- Mask, snorkel and fins
- Dive equipment and certified instructor for dives
- Marine park fees
- Drinking water and fruit
Beach and marine itineraries
Three ways to add the ocean to your trip.
Mafia Island & Marine Adventure
Marine park snorkeling, diving and whale sharks in season.
Your investment
From $2,450 pp (Non-Resident)
From $1,900 pp (Resident)
View this journeyTanzania Safari + Mafia Island
Safari first, then the reef.
Your investment
From $4,950 pp (Non-Resident)
From $3,800 pp (Resident)
View this journeyCan you dive before or after a safari flight?
Do not fly for 18 to 24 hours after scuba diving. If your trip includes a light aircraft flight, we plan your dives at the start of your beach stay and keep the last day for snorkeling. Snorkeling has no flight restriction.
Snorkeling and diving FAQs
Where is the best snorkeling in Tanzania?
Mnemba Atoll in Zanzibar and the Mafia Island Marine Park.
Where is the best diving in Tanzania?
Pemba for walls and visibility, Mafia for calm reef dives, Zanzibar for variety.
When can I swim with whale sharks in Tanzania?
October to March, off Mafia Island.
Do I need a certificate to dive?
No. Beginners can do a try dive with an instructor. Certified divers should bring their card.
Can non-swimmers snorkel?
Yes, with a life vest and a guide in shallow water.
Can children snorkel and dive?
Children can snorkel at any age with a parent. Try dives start from age 10.
Can I snorkel on a safari without going to the coast?
Yes. Lake Tanganyika at Mahale has freshwater snorkeling.
Is the water warm?
Yes, 25 to 30°C all year.
Explore more safaris
The ocean pairs well with these.
- Safari + Zanzibar Bush first, beach after.
- Zanzibar North coast, east coast and Stone Town.
-
Mafia Island Whale sharks and quiet reefs. -
Pangani & Saadani Where the bush meets the ocean. - Honeymoon Safaris Private camps and beaches for two.
- Chimpanzee Trekking Mahale and Lake Tanganyika.
-
Game Drives Morning, afternoon and full-day drives. -
Walking Safaris On foot with an armed ranger.
Let's plan your snorkeling and diving trip in Tanzania
Tell us where you want to swim. We reply within 24 hours.