Pemba Diving Trip • Afro Divers Lodge
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Diving on Pemba, an undiscovered paradise!
Pemba Island is one of those places that makes you wonder why more people don’t know about it. Located north of Zanzibar, close to the maritime border with Kenya, this lush island feels like a well-kept secret. No mass tourism, no resorts—just tropical jungle, quiet villages, and a coastline that’s barely touched by human hands. Pemba is rugged, unspoiled, and breathtakingly beautiful—both above and below the water.
During this trip, you’ll be staying in the northern part of the island, where you’ll go diving with Afro Divers. This small-scale PADI dive center is run by Michael from the Netherlands and Carlotta from France, and is known for its personalized approach, high quality, and deep respect for the ocean.
The dives are varied and challenging. Steep drop-offs, colorful coral walls, and strong tidal currents make for plenty of action and impressive encounters. Pelagic fish such as tuna, barracuda, and reef sharks are common here. In August and September, there’s even a chance to spot humpback whales. Dolphins are also regularly spotted during the boat trips.
Pemba is also a paradise for lovers of tiny creatures. On the coral reefs, you’ll find a colorful array of macro life: mandarin fish, ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and all kinds of shrimp. Night dives here are magical, when the reef glows with fluorescent colors and its tiniest inhabitants emerge.
Pemba is not a destination for novice divers. The currents can be strong, and diving here requires experience. But for those looking for an adventurous, unspoiled diving destination far from the crowds, this is one of the most beautiful places in the world
The best months for a diving vacation to Pemba Island are March, October, November, and December. During these months, underwater conditions are ideal: warm, clear water, good visibility, and an abundance of marine life. October and November, in particular, are known for large schools of fish and frequent sightings of pelagic species.
January and February are also great months, with sunny weather and pleasant temperatures. However, you may experience a northerly wind during this time.
The rainy season begins in April and peaks in May. The dive center closes in May due to heavy rainfall and unpredictable conditions. Starting in June, the weather gradually clears up and the dive school reopens. July is the windiest month of the year, but you can still dive in sheltered areas along the west coast.
August and September bring calmer waters, but also cooler temperatures; the water temperature drops to around 23°C during this time. However, this is also the peak of whale season: the chances of seeing humpback whales are highest then.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit Recommendations for Pemba Island, Tanzania
Since the water temperature usually ranges between 26°C and 29°C, a 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient for diving. Consider a 5mm wetsuit around July and August, as the water can sometimes drop to 23°C in August.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Days 1 & 2 | The Trip to Pemba Island
Your trip to Pemba begins with a flight to Zanzibar, a journey of about 9 hours. Depending on the airline, you’ll fly directly or with a short layover. From Zanzibar, you’ll transfer to a small local flight that will take you to lush, tranquil Pemba in about 25 minutes. The aerial views along the way alone are worth the trip.
At Pemba Airport, a driver will be waiting to pick you up and take you to your accommodations in the northern part of the island. This is where the real fun begins.
Since you’ll be traveling through Zanzibar, this diving trip is the perfect way to combine your trip with a stay on the island. Want to spend a few extra days diving or relaxing in Zanzibar? Why not—you’re already there anyway!
Days 3–9 | Diving around Pemba
The next few days will be all about diving! You’ll go on 14 dives spread out over 7 days.
The lodge and dive school are on the same grounds, so you don’t have to get up early to get to the dive school on time. You’ll do your dives from the boat, but the surface interval is spent on the beach. This means you can fully relax and recharge before starting the second dive of the day. Whenever possible, you’ll visit a different beach each day, and Afro Divers will make sure there are snacks, cold drinks, coffee, and tea available. Around 1:00 PM, you’ll be back at the lodge and have the rest of the afternoon to relax or head out and explore Pemba. Dinner is served at the lodge. You’ll enjoy a freshly prepared three-course menu featuring local ingredients every day.
Diving around Pemba Island
Diving in Pemba is exciting thanks to the deep, crystal-clear waters, such as those of the Pemba Channel. The tidal range of more than 4 meters creates strong currents, especially among the small islands surrounding Pemba, where narrow passages—which we call “gaps”—form. The many mangrove forests on Pemba contribute to a biodiverse and healthy ecosystem on which the reefs depend.
Most of our dive sites are steep walls that drop from an average depth of 12 meters to 50 meters, with some even deeper. Drifting along these expansive dive sites is a great reason to visit Pemba, especially when you’re surrounded by an abundance of reef fish and unpredictable large fish swimming by.
Thanks to the strong currents and its remote location, you’ll find an impressive variety of marine life here. Some highlights:
- Tuna, mackerel, napoleon fish, and trevally are frequently spotted. At some dive sites, you might even see sharks such as gray reef sharks or hammerhead sharks during the right season.
- Thanks to its location on the deep Pemba Channel, you might encounter some unexpected sights—such as manta rays, mobula rays, and even sailfish.
- Nudibranchs, leaffish, ghost pipefish, and shrimp species that are hard to spot.
Aren’t two dives a day enough? You can do up to four dives a day with Afro Divers, provided the conditions are right. So you can always add more dives to your package.
Day 10 | Exploring Pemba Above Water
There’s no diving on the schedule today, because it’s a dry day. It’s the perfect time to explore Pemba above water. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll set out to truly experience the island’s atmosphere. You’ll visit traditional villages and quaint towns where Swahili culture is still very much alive. Along the way, the guide will tell you all about local customs, traditions, and daily life on the island.
What makes this excursion special is that you don’t just observe—you actually get to interact with the people who live here. There’s also time for some local shopping, giving you the chance to take home local products or handicrafts.
The excursion lasts half a day, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax afterward. Enjoy a quiet afternoon by the pool or on the beach at the lodge.
Would you rather do something else today? Feel free to ask about other excursion options.
Day 11 & 12 | Return home
Today you’ll fly back home via Zanzibar. Don’t want to go home just yet? Then consider extending your diving vacation in Zanzibar. You can also go on a safari in Tanzania or Kenya. Technically, Kenya is just around the corner…. A safari extension can range from just a few days to a full week. We work with partners who specialize in customized itineraries.
Are you planning to go home? If so, you’ll usually be back home the next day, on day 12.
Would you prefer a shorter stay on Pemba and end your trip with a safari or some time on the beach?
From Pemba, you can fly on to Zanzibar for a relaxing end to your trip, or to Dar es Salaam to start a safari there.
A good example of such a combination is a trip to Mafia Island that includes a safari.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from the underwater world in Pemba?
Whales, Dolphins & Marine Life
From August through September, humpback whales are regular visitors to Pemba’s waters, an impressive sight and sound to witness. Often accompanied by playful dolphins, they provide unforgettable moments during your dive or boat trip. Outside of whale season, there are regular encounters with large pelagic species such as barracudas, rays, and reef sharks. Especially in October and November, the underwater world is teeming with activity, making for exciting and varied dives full of wildlife.
Spectacular drop-offs
One of the most impressive aspects of diving around Pemba Island is the steep drop-offs and vertical walls. These often begin just below the surface and plunge meters deep into the ocean. The walls are covered with colorful soft corals, gorgonians, and sponges, and are home to countless reef fish, lobsters, and nudibranchs. Due to the currents, these walls are also popular with larger predatory fish, such as barracudas and jacks. The dramatic topography, combined with the biodiversity, makes this a paradise for enthusiasts of deep or current diving.
Colorful Macro Life
Pemba is a true paradise for macro enthusiasts. The coral reefs are home to small, colorful creatures such as seahorses, mandarin fish, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and fluorescent shrimp. Night dives offer an extra spectacle: the coral life comes alive with beautiful colors and intriguing behavior. For those who enjoy discovering the small, hidden wonders of the ocean, Pemba is a top destination.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
Afro Divers Lodge
Located on the unspoiled east coast of Pemba Island, Afro Divers Lodge offers an authentic and comfortable base for your diving adventure. The lodge features 12 charming rooms, each designed with natural materials and decorated in warm, earthy tones. The rooms have private bathrooms and a veranda where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean or the tropical garden in the morning.
Afro Divers Lodge offers accommodations that include a hearty breakfast featuring local and fresh produce. For lunch and dinner, the lodge restaurant serves a varied menu of dishes prepared with fresh fish and regional ingredients, allowing you to truly experience the flavors of Pemba during your vacation.
Guests can relax by the pool or enjoy a refreshing drink at the lounge bar while taking in the view of the glistening water and tropical surroundings. The laid-back atmosphere and personalized service make Afro Divers Lodge the perfect place to unwind after a day of diving on the beautiful reefs around Pemba.
The diving school
Learn more about the dive center
Afro Divers
Afro Divers is located amid the baobabs, right on the beach, surrounded by incredible nature. They are small and personal, with small dive groups for more fun.
The Afro Divers team, led by Dutch Michael & French Carlotta, consists of experienced and well-trained members, most of whom are from Pemba. They communicate in several languages, including English, Italian, Dutch, German, French, Spanish and Swahili. The team takes pride in their mix of European and local employees, working with the local community and seeking to leverage local products and services to improve economic prosperity in the area.
Their philosophy focuses on environmental awareness and responsible diving to minimize damage to the reef. Pemba is considered one of Tanzania’s last natural paradises, largely untouched by tourism, with intense and pristine habitats.
Afro Divers is the only independent dive center on the island of Pemba and is located as close as possible to the dive sites. They offer an all-inclusive service from pickup at your hotel or resort to return. With PADI certification, a fast boat and high-quality diving equipment, they strive for optimal comfort and the best diving moments.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to Pemba Island is available starting at £ 2.713 per person, based on two people sharing a room. The diving trip can be extended as desired. A number of items are included as standard in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to learn more about this diving vacation to Pemba Island in Tanzania? Contact us!
Included in this diving trip, from £ 2.713 p.p.
- 7 nights in a Sea View Suite
- Stay on a half-board basis (breakfast & dinner)
- Round-trip Transfers from Pemba Airport
- Dive package consisting of 10 dives
- VZR & administration fees
- Calamity Fund
Excluding
- Flight to Zanzibar starting at £ 935 per person
- Flight from Zanzibar to Pemba Island starting at £ 175 per person
- Visa fees £ 58 s per person
Optional
- Afternoon dive (3rd dive of the day) £ 94 s per person
- Night dive (3rd or 4th dive of the day) £ 94 s per person
- Nitrox, per tank ±£ 11
Email this diving holiday
Want to save or share the details of this diving trip with someone? You can do so by sending the trip by email.
Where may we send the email to?
Frequently asked questions about this diving holiday
Diving on Pemba: General Information
Boat dives. Expect Macro, but also flow dives with big stuff.
Some dive sites are already about 10 minutes by boat from the dive center. Other dive sites may be slightly longer boat rides.
Maximum 4, the package includes 2 morning dives. You can extend this with an afternoon dive and night dive – on site by arrangement.
Yes you can.
No, you only do boat dives. However, a number of dive sites are fairly close by.
Yes, you can learn to dive here, earn your Advanced or Rescue certification, or take a specialty course.
Yes, the diving school and the lodge are on the same property.
Diving equipment
No, all tanks are 11.1L (80 cu ft aluminum)
Yes, this costs $10 per tank
Yes, for a week you pay $100 for a wetsuit, bcd/wing, regulator, fins, mask, dive computer AND surface buoy (SMB).
Activities, Excursions and Wellness
Yes, you can snorkel here – but don’t expect to see too much. There is one special snorkeling excursion where you can be taken to a place where the coral reef is really beautiful for snorkeling. All around the hotel is more barren. But if you just want to swim / snorkel, it’s fine.
Yes, but not very extensive there are massages offered, among other things.
For this, see the description at Day 7.
Accommodation / Resort
Yes, and this one is fairly reliable.
Related diving trips
We are EWDR
