Spanish Dancer Divers

Spanish Dancer Divers has been a fixture of the Zanzibar diving scene since 2001, located on the beach in Nungwi. As a PADI 5 Star centre, it has built a reputation for reliability and experience in the local waters, focusing on the diverse marine ecosystems found around the northern coast and the Mnemba Atoll.

You can expect a professional setup that prioritises safety and small-group dynamics. The centre operates daily excursions, including frequent night dives, allowing you to experience the reef's nocturnal transition. Whether you are looking for a relaxed reef exploration or a more challenging offshore dive, the operation is structured to accommodate various skill levels.

The team is composed of highly qualified PADI instructors and Divemasters, ensuring a high standard of supervision. To cater to an international clientele, the staff are multilingual, speaking English, French, German, Spanish, and Swahili.

Safety is integrated into the daily routine through strict procedures and EFR certified personnel. The centre maintains a close partnership with the nearest hyperbaric chamber in Stone Town to ensure comprehensive emergency support. You will typically dive in small groups, with an average ratio of four divers per guide.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of PADI certifications. You can begin with Discover Scuba Diving and progress through Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver, up to the Divemaster level.

Specialty courses are also available to refine your skills, including Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Navigation, Peak Performance Buoyancy, and Multilevel & Computer Dive. For those interested in specific disciplines, the centre offers training in Underwater Photography, Drift Diving, and specialised courses like the Underwater Naturalist and Fish Identification dives.

The centre operates four traditional dhows to transport divers to the various sites. The Kidude is a 12-metre vessel with a capacity for 16 divers, powered by twin 90cv engines. The Shemeji, also 14 metres long, is equipped with twin 90cv engines and is noted for its comfort.

The Mazoweya is a 10-metre boat with twin 40cv engines designed for diving trips, while the Maamkwe is a 14-metre traditional sailing dhow dedicated specifically to snorkeling excursions at Mnemba Atoll. All boats are equipped with life jackets and emergency oxygen, and diving trips include water, fresh fruit, snacks, and coffee.

The centre provides high-quality rental kit as part of its diving packages, including Scubapro regulators, Tusa BCDs with integrated weight systems, Mares fins, and a variety of masks. Cylinders are made of steel to provide stable buoyancy.

On-site, the air is certified to a high standard by Bauer. The facility also offers Wi-Fi and coffee at the reception area for divers between sorties.

The reefs are characterised by vibrant hard and soft corals, providing a backdrop for a vast array of tropical fish. You will frequently encounter schools of yellow snappers, Fusilier (Caesio), blue trevallies, and Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus). Larger pelagics such as Tuna (Thunnus), rainbow runners, and whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) are also present, with Humpback whale sightings possible during August and September.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe in the crevices and sandy patches. The area is home to Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae). You can also look for garden eels (Gorgasia), mantis shrimp, and various species of octopus (Octopus vulgaris) tucked away in the reef structure.

On the sandy bottoms and reef slopes, you are likely to see green turtle (Chelonia mydas), blue spotted stingrays, and various species of rays. Other notable inhabitants include triggerfish (Balistidae), parrotfish (Calotomus), and several types of eels, including honeycomb moray eels.

Diving conditions in Zanzibar can vary by season. The best periods for diving are from mid-February to April and from October to mid-December, when the seas are generally calm. Conversely, the period from mid-December to mid-February can see stronger north winds and more agitated seas.

While most sites offer low-current environments, Leven Bank is known for strong currents, and the Mnemba Atoll can experience moderate currents. These conditions should be considered when selecting your dive sites.