ALMASI - Zanzibar & Pemba

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.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-6.843333, 39.294445
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - ALMASI

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.

Marine Protected Area: Dar es Salaam

Best Time to Dive in Zanzibar & Pemba

The warmest water temperatures in Zanzibar & Pemba occur in January, averaging 28.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • February: 28.1°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • March: 28.1°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • April: 28.1°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • May: 28.1°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • June: 28.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • July: 28.1°C (air: 24.8°C)
  • August: 28.1°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • September: 28.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • October: 28.1°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • November: 28.1°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • December: 28.1°C (air: 27.3°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Zanzibar & Pemba

Nearest Dive Centres to ALMASI

Marine Life in Zanzibar & Pemba

Home to 331 recorded species including 266 reef fish, 14 sea snails & nudibranchs, 10 seagrass & algae, 8 hard corals, 8 sharks & rays, 7 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALMASI

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories