5-15m
    Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania
    Menai Bay

    Abbas reef

    Best months: Jul–Oct

    Protected Area

    Menai Bay

    Why dive here

    With 312+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue-spotted stingrays, dolphins, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks - Abbas reef offers some of Zanzibar & Pemba's richest reef diving. Water ranges 26-30°C, warmest February, March, April.

    Best timeJul–Oct
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Blue-Spotted Stingrays, Dolphins, Eagle Rays and Hammerhead Sharks · 312+ species recorded
    Water26-30°C · warmest February, March, April
    CharacterReef dive · max 5-15m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Abbas Reef, just a quick hop from Kizimkazi, is one of those places we always recommend for a relaxed afternoon. It’s got a gentle vibe, perfect if you’re still building confidence, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s boring. We found a surprising density of activity here, especially in the shallower sections. The reef itself is a pretty healthy patch of coral, not enormous, but what’s there is vibrant. We’ve drifted over sandy patches thick with seagrass, spotting green turtles grazing – always a treat. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too. We’ve seen blue-spotted stingrays half-buried in the sand, their electric blue spots popping against the beige, and a few times, we’ve been lucky enough to spot seahorses clinging to the weed. The nudibranchs here are surprisingly colourful, a real photographer’s delight if you’re patient. Visibility hovers around 15 metres, often better on a calm day, and with a maximum depth of 15 metres, you get plenty of bottom time to explore. It’s an easy, unhurried dive, great for focusing on macro life or just enjoying a peaceful drift.

    Typical Abbas reef Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Today06:0318:1612h 13m daylightGolden hour 17:48

    Nearest Dive Centres to Abbas reef

    Dive shops near Abbas reef

    View all dive centres in Zanzibar & Pemba

    Reviews for Abbas reef

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Abbas reef

    Abbas reef Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Abbas reef, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-5.98, 39.4) (10km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    27°C

    81°F · Range: 25.9–28.4°C

    Air Temperature

    26°C

    79°F

    Wind Speed

    4.72 m/s

    9.2 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1013.8 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Zanzibar & Pemba, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Zanzibar & Pemba

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Zanzibar & Pemba.

    Search stays in Zanzibar & Pemba

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Abbas reef

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Zanzibar & Pemba