Kibwana Divers Zanzibar

Located in Matemwe on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, Kibwana Divers provides access to some of the island's most significant marine environments. The centre is positioned approximately 60 minutes from Stone Town and the airport, with airport transfers available to assist your arrival.

Since its establishment in 2018, the centre has focused on providing authentic local expertise through its team of Tanzanian divers. Whether you are looking for a shallow reef exploration or working towards professional certifications, the operation is geared towards the specific conditions of the Zanzibar coastline.

The team is composed of experienced Tanzanian divers who bring a deep understanding of the local waters to every trip. Instruction is conducted in English, ensuring clear communication for international divers.

As a PADI affiliated centre, they provide a structured pathway for progression. The staff manages everything from introductory try dives to advanced professional training, maintaining a focus on local reef ecology and safe diving practices.

Kibwana Divers offers a complete PADI curriculum for all experience levels. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course or participate in a Try Dive, which includes instruction and a dive to 12 metres.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre provides the Advanced Diver and Rescue Diver courses. Professional divers can also train for the Divemaster certification on-site.

The centre operates a boat with a capacity for 15 people. During your dives, water and fruit snacks are provided on board to keep you hydrated and energised between sessions.

A full range of diving equipment is available for hire, including regulators, BCDs, and exposure suits. The centre ensures that all kit is regularly serviced and maintained for safety.

On-site facilities include a local restaurant located directly above the dive shop, making it easy to refuel after a day on the water. For those looking to explore the Matemwe area independently, the centre also offers scooter and car rentals.

The reefs around Mnemba Island are home to a vast array of tropical fish. You will encounter various species including Snappers (Lutjanidae), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), alongside schools of Fusilier (Caesio) and colourful reef fish. Larger predators such as Bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus), Barracuda (Sphyraena), and Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) are also part of the ecosystem.

Macro life and specialised species add significant interest to the dives. Look closely for Seahorse (Hippocampus), Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of Octopus (Octopoda). You may also spot Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda), and various types of Scorpionfish or Stonefish (Synanceia) amongst the reef structure.

In the wider area, you may encounter larger pelagics and marine mammals. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently seen in the vicinity, and the presence of Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a highlight for many divers. Other notable residents include stingrays, various species of grouper, and moray eels.

The diving in this area is centred around the reef structures of the Mnemba marine reserve. Divers should be prepared for typical reef conditions when navigating the shallow sections and swim-throughs.