Zanziocean Dive Centre

Located in Pwani Mchangani, Zanziocean Dive Centre serves as a gateway to the marine diversity of the Zanzibar archipelago. The centre is positioned near comfortable accommodation, situated just a three-minute walk from the dive base, making logistics straightforward for those staying locally.

Operating with both PADI and SSI affiliations, the centre provides a structured environment for both recreational divers and those looking to begin their underwater training. Whether you are heading out for a reef exploration or a dedicated dolphin tour, the operation is built around the local marine landscape of the north-east coast.

The instructional team at Zanziocean is composed of experienced professionals, with the centre itself having been established for over 15 years. This longevity in the local waters ensures that the staff is well-acquainted with the specific conditions of the Tanzanian coast.

Training is conducted through both SSI and PADI frameworks, catering to a wide range of skill levels. The centre manages everything from introductory sessions like Try Scuba and the SSI Bubble Maker programme to more advanced specialty courses.

Zanziocean Dive Centre offers a comprehensive curriculum for all stages of diver development. For those new to the water, the centre provides Try Scuba and the SSI Bubble Maker programme to introduce the basics of buoyancy and breathing.

For those pursuing formal certification, the centre delivers a full range of SSI Specialty Courses. The instruction is available through both SSI and PADI systems, ensuring compatibility for divers regardless of their preferred training agency.

The centre operates fibre boats to transport divers to the local sites, including the Mnemba Atoll and the north-east coast reefs. These vessels are used for diving, snorkeling, and 'Safari Blue' excursions.

During the trips, tropical fruits from Zanzibar are served to divers between sessions. For groups of fewer than five people, the centre provides complimentary taxi transfers to and from the dive centre.

The waters around the Mnemba Atoll and the north-east coast are home to frequent sightings of Bottlenose dolphin (Delphinidae). You will often encounter large schools of colourful reef fish, including various species of Snapper (Lutjanidae), Fusilier (Caesio), and many tropical fish.

Larger pelagics and reef residents include Bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and various types of Jack (Carangidae). You may also spot Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), and various stingrays, including blue spotted stingrays.

For those interested in macro life, the reefs host a variety of smaller organisms. Look for Octopus (Octopoda), Seahorse (Hippocampus), and various species of shrimp and crabs, such as anemone shrimp and porcelain crabs. The crevices and coral structures also hide Leaf scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus), Frogfish (Antennariidae), and Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani).