ALMASI

Best months: Jul–Oct

Protected Area

Dar es Salaam

Why dive here

With 312+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue-spotted stingrays, dolphins, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks - ALMASI offers some of Zanzibar & Pemba's richest wreck 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

CharacterWreck dive · max 3m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Almasi is not your typical wreck dive. Forget deep exploration; this is a true piece of history, just breaking the surface. The schooner, built in 1898, met its fiery end in 1961 when its cargo of aviation fuel detonated. Now, it's a skeletal outline, almost a ghost ship, in just three metres of water. We love Almasi for its sheer accessibility and the way it tells its story. What you'll find here isn't a grand, intact vessel, but rather the scattered ribs and timbers, a testament to that powerful explosion. It’s an easy, sun-drenched snorkel or a very shallow dive, perfect for photographers looking to capture the interplay of light and shadow on the aged wood. Schools of small silversides often shimmer around the remains, and we’ve spotted plenty of juvenile reef fish taking shelter amongst the debris. It’s a site for contemplation, for imagining the past, and for appreciating how quickly the ocean reclaims what’s hers. Come at high tide for the best visibility, when the water is calmest.

Typical ALMASI Dive Profile

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

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today06:0418:1712h 13m daylightGolden hour 17:49

ALMASI Wreck History

Year Sunk

1961

Vessel Type

schooner

Cause

fire

The story of the Almasi is one of dramatic and fiery destruction. This 30-meter schooner, a classic vessel built in 1898, met its end on November 13, 1961, in a catastrophic explosion. While anchored, its volatile cargo of aviation fuel ignited, completely destroying the ship in a massive fireball. The force of the blast scattered the vessel across the seabed, leaving little of its original form intact.

Lying in just 3 meters of water off Zanzibar, the remains of the Almasi are less a wreck dive and more an underwater archaeological site accessible to snorkelers and novice divers. The site is a scattered field of debris, with charred timbers and metal fittings testament to its violent end. Despite the destruction, the shallow, sunlit waters have encouraged coral growth on the wreckage, attracting a vibrant array of reef fish. It serves as a stark reminder of the power of the sea and the dangers of maritime trade, now reclaimed by nature.