Ocean Dive

Ocean Dive operates from two distinct bases on Zanzibar, Matemwe and Nungwi, providing access to the most significant marine environments in the region. The Matemwe location is ideally positioned for trips to the Mnemba Atoll, with boat departures coordinated according to the tides.

For those staying further north, the Nungwi base offers direct access to the reefs surrounding Tumbatu Island. Whether you are looking to complete a certification or simply want to explore the local reefs, the centre's dual-location setup ensures you are close to the best diving the north coast has to offer.

As a PADI affiliated centre, Ocean Dive maintains a professional approach to both instruction and guided excursions. The team is dedicated to marine sustainability and the conservation of the local ecosystems they dive in every day.

The centre is set up to accommodate a variety of diver needs, from beginners through to those working towards their Dive Master certification. Their service is conducted in both English and French, ensuring clear communication during briefings and training sessions.

Ocean Dive offers a comprehensive PADI curriculum suitable for all experience levels. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the PADI Scuba Diver course, which includes theory, pool sessions, and open water dives.

For more experienced divers, the centre provides the Advanced Open Water Course, Rescue Diver training, and EFR. They also facilitate the Open Water Referral and the PADI Open Water Course via E-Learning to streamline your training. Professional candidates can enquire about the Dive Master programme directly with the team.

Excursions are carried out on traditional dhows, offering a local and authentic way to reach the dive sites. These vessels provide a stable platform for your day at sea, typically lasting around 4 hours.

Onboard, you will find water, snacks, fruit, tea, and cake provided during the surface interval between dives. The trips are organised to include two dives at different locations, allowing you to experience the variety of the Zanzibar reefs.

The centre provides full kit hire for those who do not wish to carry their own equipment. While specific brands are not listed, they maintain a professional standard of equipment for all divers.

For those needing a refresher before heading back into the water, pool sessions are available to help you get comfortable with your kit and buoyancy before your next sea excursion.

The reefs are teeming with life, from large pelagics to colourful reef fish. You will frequently encounter schools of Fusilier (Caesio), yellow snappers, and various species of snapper (Lutjanus). Larger visitors such as Blue trevallies, Tuna (Thunnus), and various Jacks (Carangidae) are often seen in the water column.

For those looking for larger animals, the area is home to Bottlenose dolphin (Delphinidae), Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), and Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus). You may also spot various stingrays, including blue spotted stingrays and torpedo rays, patrolling the sandy patches.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe among the corals and crevices. Look out for the Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of Octopus (Octopus vulgaris). The reef is also a habitat for many crustaceans, including Mantis shrimp, Spiny lobster (Palinuridae), and various types of shrimp.

The seascape is defined by healthy coral gardens, including soft corals and various reef-building structures that support a massive array of colourful reef fish, such as Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), and Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae).

Dive planning at the Matemwe base is closely tied to the tidal cycle, particularly for excursions to the Mnemba Atoll. Boat departures and access to certain beaches are adjusted to ensure safe and efficient transit.

Excursions are typically structured as half-day trips, with divers returning to the centre between 13:00 and 14:00.