Pemba Dive Center

Dar es Salaam & Offshore Islands, Tanzania

The team at Pemba Dive Center are the people we send our friends to when they want a proper Tanzanian diving adventure. They really specialise in getting you off the beaten track around Pemba and the smaller offshore islands, which we think is their real draw. If you’re looking to explore untouched reefs far from the crowds, these are your guys. They’re fantastic for both seasoned divers wanting to rack up some unique dives, and newer divers looking for a slightly more intimate, less commercial experience. We love how they focus on getting you to those less-frequented spots. Think drift dives over reefs spilling with fusiliers, where the current carries you past massive gorgonian fans and the occasional patrolling reef shark. The water around Pemba often has this gorgeous, deep blue hue, and when the sun hits it just right, the light beams through, illuminating schools of snapper. Our favourite dives with them often involve a relaxed surface interval on a deserted sand cay, followed by a second dive in an area that feels like it hasn’t seen another diver in weeks. They're PADI certified, so you can sort out your training there too, but we’d suggest you go for the experience, not just the card. Just be ready for a true island vibe; this isn’t a resort, it’s an adventure.