Pure Pemba – Go exploring with Afro Divers
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Diving on Pemba, an undiscovered paradise!
Pemba Island is one of those places you wonder why more people don’t know about it. Located north of Zanzibar, near the water border with Kenya, this verdant island feels like a well-kept secret. No mass tourism, no resorts; but tropical jungle, quiet villages and a coastline that’s barely touched. Pemba is rugged, pure and breathtakingly beautiful. Both above and below the water.
During this trip, you will stay in the north of the island, where you will dive with Afro Divers. Run by Dutch Michael and French Carlotta, this small-scale PADI dive center is known for its personal 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, barracudas and reef sharks are no exception here. In the months of August and September, there is even a chance of spotting humpback whales. Dolphins are also regularly spotted during the boat trips.
Pemba is also a paradise for lovers of the small stuff. On the coral reefs you will find a motley collection of macro life: mandarin fish, ghost whistle fish, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and all kinds of shrimp. Night dives here are magical, when the reef lights up in fluorescent colors and the smallest inhabitants emerge.
Pemba is not a destination for the novice diver. The currents can be punchy and the diving 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 periods, underwater conditions are ideal: warm and clear water, good visibility and plenty of marine life. October and November in particular are known for large schools of fish and regular pelagic species.
January and February are also attractive months, with sunny weather and pleasant temperatures. However, you may experience north winds during this period.
The rainy season begins in April and peaks in May. The dive center closes in May due to heavy rains and unpredictable conditions. Starting in June, the weather slowly clears and the dive center reopens. July is the windiest month of the year, but you can still dive sheltered on the west coast.
August and September bring calmer waters, but also lower temperatures, the water temperature dropping to about 23°C at this time. However, this is also the peak of whale season: the chances of seeing humpback whales are highest then.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Pemba Island, Tanzania
Since the water temperature usually fluctuates between 26°C and 29°C, in most cases you will be fine diving in a 3mm. Consider a 5mm around July/August, as there are times in August when the water is 23°C.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 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 direct or with a short layover. From Zanzibar, you’ll transfer to a small local flight, which will take you to green, tranquil Pemba in about 25 minutes. The aerial views alone along the way are worth it.
At Pemba airport you will be met by a driver, who will take you to your accommodation in the north of the island. This is where the real enjoyment begins.
Because you travel via Zanzibar, this diving trip can be perfectly combined with a stay on that island. A few extra days of diving or relaxing on Zanzibar? Why not, you’re there now anyway!
Day 3 to 9 | Diving around Pemba
The next few days are all about diving! You will make 14 dives spread over 7 days.
The lodge and dive center are on the same property, so you don’t have to get up early to get to the dive center on time. The dives are made from the boat, but the surface interval is from the beach. Optimal enjoyment and rest before starting the second dive of the day. Where possible you will visit a different beach each day, and Afro Divers will provide snacks, cold drinks, coffee and tea. Around 1:00 pm you will be back at the lodge and have the rest of the afternoon to rest or go out and explore Pemba. Dinner will be served at the lodge. You get a freshly prepared 3 course menu with local products.
Diving around Pemba Island
Diving in Pemba is exciting thanks to the deep and crystal clear waters, such as the Pemba Channel. The tidal range of more than 4 meters creates strong currents, especially between the small islands around Pemba, where small passages, called “gaps,” are created. 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 descend from an average of 12 meters deep to 50 meters deep, some even deeper. Drifting past these spacious dive sites is a great reason to come to Pemba, especially when surrounded by abundant reef fish and unpredictable big fish swimming by.
Thanks to the strong currents and remote location, you will find an impressive variety of marine life here. Some highlights:
- Tuna, mackerel, Napoleon fish and trevallies are regularly seen. At some dive sites you even have a chance of seeing sharks such as gray reef sharks or hammerhead sharks in the right season.
- Because of its location on the deep Pemba Channel, you have a chance to see the unexpected – think manta rays, mobula and even sailfish.
- Nudibranchs, leaf fish, ghost whistle fish and shrimp species that are difficult to spot.
Is 2 dives per day not enough? A maximum of 4 dives per day can be made with Afro Divers, provided the conditions are good. So you can always expand your package.
Day 10 | Discovering Pemba overwater
No dive is scheduled today, as it is a dry day. A perfect time to discover Pemba above water. Together with a local guide you go out to really taste the atmosphere of the island. You will visit traditional villages and characteristic towns, where the Swahili culture is still very much alive. The guide will tell you everything about local customs, habits and daily life on the island.
What makes this excursion special is that you don’t just look, but really interact with the people who live here. There is also time for local shopping, where you get the chance to take home local products or handicrafts.
The excursion lasts half a day, leaving you with plenty of time to relax afterwards. Enjoy a quiet afternoon by the pool or on the beach at the lodge.
Prefer to do something else today? Feel free to ask about other excursion options.
Day 11 & 12 | Return home
Today you will fly back home via Zanzibar. Don’t you want to go home yet? Then consider extending your diving vacation in Zanzibar. You can also go on safari in Tanzania or Kenya. Theoretically, Kenya is right around the corner…. A safari extension can be as little as a few days to a full week. We work with partners where customization is standard.
Do you choose to go home? Then you are often home the next day, day 12.
Prefer a shorter stay on Pemba and finish with a safari or beach?
You can fly on from Pemba to Zanzibar for a relaxing finish, or to Dar es Salaam to start a safari there.
A good example of such a combination is the trip to Mafia Island with safari.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from the underwater world in Pemba?
Whales, dolphins & big life
From August to September, humpback whales are regular visitors to Pemba’s waters, an impressive sight to see and hear. Often accompanied by playful dolphins, they provide unforgettable moments during your dive or boat trip. Outside the whale season there are regular encounters with large pelagic species such as barracudas, rays and reef sharks. Especially in October and November, marine life is buzzing 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 are the steep drop-offs and vertical walls. These often begin just below the surface and plunge meters deep into the ocean. Covered with colorful soft corals, gorgonians and sponges, the walls are home to countless reef fish, lobsters and nudibranchs. Because of 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 deep or current diving enthusiasts.
Colorful macro life
Pemba is a true paradise for macro lovers. The coral reefs are home to small colorful creatures such as seahorses, mandarin fish, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and fluorescent shrimp. Night dives offer an added spectacle: coral life then 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 pristine east coast of Pemba Island, Afro Divers Lodge offers an authentic and comfortable base for your diving adventure. The lodge has 12 cozy rooms, each designed with natural materials and decorated in warm, earthy tones. The rooms have a private bathroom and a veranda where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean or the tropical garden in the morning.
Afro Divers Lodge provides stays that include a full breakfast with local and fresh produce. For lunch and dinner, the lodge restaurant offers a varied menu, with dishes prepared from fresh fish and ingredients from the region, giving you a true taste of Pemba during your vacation.
Guests can relax by the pool or enjoy a refreshing drink in the lounge bar while looking out over the shimmering waters and tropical surroundings. The relaxed atmosphere and personalized service make Afro Divers Lodge the perfect place to relax 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 dive vacation to Pemba Island is available from US$ 2.702 per person based on two people in one room. The diving trip can be extended as desired. A number of things 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 know more about this diving vacation to Pemba Island in Tanzania? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 2.702 p.p.
- 7 Nights in an Ocean View room
- Half board accommodation (breakfast & dinner)
- Return transfers Pemba airport
- Dive package consisting of 10 dives
- VZR & administration fees
- Calamity Fund
Excluding
- Flight to Zanzibar from US$ 932 p.p.
- Flight Zanzibar - Pemba Island from US$ 175 p.p.
- Visa fee US$ 58 p.p.
Optional
- Afternoon dive (3rd dive of the day) US$ 93 p.p.
- Night dive (3rd or 4th dive of the day) US$ 93 p.p.
- Nitrox, per tank ±US$ 10
Email this diving holiday
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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, get your advanced or rescue or take a specialty.
Yes, the diving school and the lodge are on the same property.
Diving equipment
No, all tanks are 11.1L (80cu ft alu)
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.
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