Dive Horizons Zanzibar

Dive Horizons is located in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, positioned to access some of the most diverse marine environments in the Indian Ocean. The centre focuses on connecting divers to the local underwater landscape, from the shallow reef flats to the more complex structures of the surrounding atolls.

Operating out of the Kwanza Resort area, the centre provides access to iconic locations such as the Mnemba Atoll and the hidden gems around Pungume Island. The approach is built around a commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the delicate coral ecosystems that define this region.

The team is composed of professional dive masters and marine experts who possess extensive local knowledge of the Zanzibar waters. They are able to conduct instruction and guided dives in English, German, Russian, and Italian, ensuring clear communication for an international diver base.

Safety and personalised service are the primary focuses for the staff. The team works to tailor experiences to the specific needs of each diver, whether they are participating in a supervised introductory dive or an advanced exploration.

The centre is an SSI affiliated facility, offering a comprehensive range of training programmes for all experience levels. Beginners can start with a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) course or progress through the Basic Diver and Scuba Diver levels.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre provides Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver courses. These certifications allow you to build the confidence and technical ability required for more complex underwater environments.

The centre operates a traditional dhow, a vessel that offers a unique way to experience the Tanzanian coast. This boat has a capacity for 12 people, making for a more intimate atmosphere on the water than larger commercial vessels.

During the trips, the crew provides water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit to keep you hydrated. They also provide beach towels for use after you return to shore. The dhow is used for various excursion types, including day trips and night dives.

Full equipment hire is available on-site for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes all the essential components required for a comfortable dive, from regulators to fins and masks.

For those looking to explore the reefs after dark, torches are available to assist with night dives. The centre is easily accessible from the Kizimkazi area, with transfer services available to bring you directly to the dive site.

The reefs are teeming with a vast array of colourful reef fish, including various species of Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae). You will often see large schools of Fusilier (Caesio), Snapper (Lutjanus), and various types of trevally and blue trevallies moving through the water column.

Large pelagics and predators are a regular sight, with divers encountering Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), sharks, and various types of rays such as blue spotted stingrays and eagle rays (Aetobatus). You may also spot dolphins (Delphinidae), sea turtles (Cheloniidae), and occasionally larger visitors like the whale shark (Rhincodon typus).

For those interested in macro life, the environment is ideal. Look closely for Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), various species of octopus (Octopus vulgaris), and many types of shrimp, including cleaner shrimp (Lysmata). The seabed and reef crevices host a variety of interesting creatures like frogfish (Antennarius), stonefish (Synanceia), and different species of moray eels (Muraenidae).

The reef structure itself is built upon a foundation of diverse corals, including soft corals and various reef-building species that support the entire ecosystem.

Diving in this area is characterised by the tropical nature of the Indian Ocean. The centre offers night diving, allowing you to experience the reef as the nocturnal species become active.

Local knowledge is used to navigate the specific conditions of the atolls and islands, ensuring that dives are conducted when the environment is most suitable for the planned activity.