Fundu Lagoon / 710 Dive Centre

Dar es Salaam & Offshore Islands, Tanzania

The team at Fundu Lagoon’s 710 Dive Centre run a smooth operation. We love that they’re right on Pemba, cutting out the hassle of day trips from Zanzibar, and putting you straight onto some genuinely compelling sites. We’re talking dives like Shimba Hills, where we’ve seen eagle rays cruise past, their wingtips catching the sun, and sometimes even a guitar shark chilling on the sandy bottom. Then there’s Panza Wreck, a steel cargo ship that’s become an apartment block for moray eels and lionfish. What really stands out, though, is their access to the Pemba Channel itself. That deep trench acts like a marine highway, bringing in bigger pelagics. We’ve had incredible drift dives there, eyes peeled for tunas and barracudas, and once, a fleeting glimpse of a hammerhead in the blue. Visibility here can be superb, often hitting 30 metres, especially during the drier months from July to October. But be warned, currents can be strong, so it’s definitely one for divers comfortable with a bit of movement. Their PADI 5 Star rating means good facilities and well-maintained gear, which is always reassuring when you’re out on a boat heading to the channel. If you’re looking for a relaxed, resort-based dive trip with serious potential for big fish encounters, Fundu Lagoon nails it.