Pemba Diving

Pemba has some of the most spectacular diving in the world. The Pemba channel itself, separates Shimoni in Kenya from Pemba Island. The channel runs deep until it approaches the Pemba coastline and then begins a dramatic rise creating a sheer wall off the coast. Diving is conducted on the western side and is characterised by crystal clear, blue water drop-offs along with pristine shallow reefs. Hard and soft coral gardens abound with schools of coral fish, pelagic marine life, mantas and turtles.

Here are a few of the more famous dive sites with their descriptions, although there are many more spectacular dive sites available around the islands all waiting to be explored.

FUNDU REEF
The visibility ranges from 20m-40m and there is a large sheer wall with many overhangs and caverns. The coral is remarkable, especially the large rose coral and red and yellow sea fans. Many types of fish are to be found here in large numbers including kingfish, triggerfish and wrasse. The reef is relatively shallow and therefore Fundu is a good spot for a first dive.

KOKOTA REEF
This is an ideal site for night diving as the waters are shallow and generally calmer, ranging from between 8 and 20m. Of all the numerous creatures that come out after dark, the Spanish dancer makes a particularly outstanding spectacle.

MANTA POINT
Visibility averages from between 20 and 40m. Manta Point is one of the best sites in the world for close encounters with the giant manta rays that inhabit this area. The rays can be seen in groups of up to 15 and rise to depths as shallow as 9m! The enormous variety of coral, fish and other marine life found at the pinnacle can easily occupy one dive so it is highly recommended to include at least 2 dives as this is truly one of the finest dive sites in the world.

MISALI ISLAND
Visibility averages between 40 and 50 metres! This is a wall dotted with small caves and ridges. Large rivers of sand run off the top of the reef to form wide canyons that enter the wall at approximately 25m. Gorgonian fans are in abundance below 20m and on a turning tide the marine life is exceptional and the currents, strong. Giant grouper drift lazily through the reef and hundreds of surgeonfish cruise below divers.

NJAO GAP
Njao Gap is well known for its amazing wall diving. Mantas can be seen here in season and the coral is spectacular, but what distinguishes this particular location is the profusion of titan triggerfish. Visibility varies from day to day, but is usually good to 30 metres.

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