Eco2 Diving

Located in the Mikindani Bay in southern Tanzania, Eco2 Diving provides access to some of the most remote and biodiverse marine environments in East Africa. The centre is built around a commitment to ocean conservation, operating as an SSI Blue Ocean site and a PADI 100% Aware dive centre.

Divers can choose between shore dives on the local reef or full-day excursions to the Mnazi-Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park. This marine park is one of the most isolated in the world, offering untouched conditions and exceptional marine life far from the typical tourist routes.

The centre is led by Martha and Laurent, who bring 14 and 10 years of diving experience respectively. They live on-site and personally oversee the dive operations, ensuring a personalised approach for every guest. The team is supported by local captains, Shaibu and Ikram, and Buruhani, who assists with equipment and local conservation projects.

The instructors provide training in both English and French. To ensure safety and a high-quality experience, the centre maintains a guide-to-diver ratio of two divers per guide. This small group size is particularly beneficial for those looking to focus on macro life or participating in the centre's conservation initiatives.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of training through both PADI and SSI affiliations. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving, Bubblemaker, or the Open Water Diver course. For those looking to progress, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster certifications are available.

Specialised training is also provided, including the Emergency First Response course and the ReActivate programme. For divers interested in environmental stewardship, the centre offers a Coral Reef Restoration Certification. Specialty Diver and Master Scuba Diver courses are available upon request.

The centre operates a 6-metre fiberglass dive boat powered by a 40hp Suzuki engine. The vessel is equipped with a shaded area to protect you from the sun during transit and trips. For longer excursions, such as those to the Mnazi-Bay Marine Park, the boat is used for full-day trips that include snacks and fresh fruit.

Safety is a priority on board, with life jackets, a first aid kit, and emergency oxygen always available. The boat is used for morning and afternoon trips, as well as sunrise and night dives.

Eco2 Diving provides full equipment hire using high-quality Scubapro and Aqualung kit. This includes all the essentials needed for both reef and muck diving.

On-site facilities are designed with an eco-friendly approach, following a strict no-single-use-plastic policy. The centre is deeply involved in the 'Corals of Mikindani' project, which includes coral nurseries and reef monitoring.

The macro life at the local shore dive sites is exceptional. You can find a diverse range of species including seahorses, frogfish, pipefish, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, and mantis shrimp. Look closely among the soft corals and anemones to spot ribbon eels, scorpionfish, leaf fish, and various species of shrimp and crabs.

In the wider marine park and surrounding reefs, the biodiversity is vast. You will encounter various reef fish such as damselfish, butterflyfish, bannerfish, Moorish idols, surgeonfish, and great barracuda. Larger residents include sea turtles, various species of moray eels, and octopus.

From August to November, the area offers the chance to see humpback whales. On land and near the estuary, the environment also supports hippopotamuses and crocodiles.

Diving in the Mikindani area is possible year-round, with the Mnazi-Bay Marine Park being a reliable destination in any season. The centre offers various dive timings, including sunrise and night dives, to take advantage of different biological activities.

Access to the region can be made via flight to Mtwara or by bus from Dar-Es-Salaam. The centre also notes seasonal access possibilities from Mozambique.