Aquarium - Zanzibar & Pemba

China Shop is one of those gentle Komodo sites we always make time for, especially if we’ve spent the morning battling currents at some of the park’s more infamous spots. It’s a beautifully sheltered slope, maxing out around 20 metres, and truly does feel like a delicate porcelain shop floor because of the sheer density of bowl corals. We’ve seen them stacked high, spilling over each other in shades of brown, green, and cream. The currents here are usually mild, making it a great place to slow down and really look. That’s when the nudibranchs start to pop out – we always spot several different types along the coral heads. We’ve also had eagle rays glide by in the bluer water off the slope, and once watched a couple of high hat triplefins sparring over a tiny patch of reef. It’s a relaxed drift, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in the sheer amount of coral without fighting a washing machine.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-5.826300, 39.381600
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
15-40m

Marine Protected Area: Maziwe Island

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 Aquarium

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 Aquarium

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Aquarium dive site, and are there sections suitable for different experience levels?
The Aquarium dive site features a coral drop off starting at 15 meters, with a maximum depth of 19 meters. Due to the depth profile, divers should be at least advanced certified to explore this site safely. It is not recommended for beginner divers.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at the Aquarium dive site?
Divers at the Aquarium dive site can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including groupers, sweetlips, yellowfin fusiliers, and lionfish. During the right season, it's also possible to witness big schools of barracuda. The site is characterized by a coral drop off and features two impressive formations of Turbinaria coral, creating a vortex of active fish life.
How challenging is the Aquarium dive site, and is it recommended for beginner or advanced divers?
The Aquarium dive site is considered moderately challenging, primarily due to its depth profile starting at 15 meters. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that divers hold at least an advanced certification to safely explore this site. It is not suitable for beginner divers.
When is the best time of year to dive at the Aquarium dive site for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data indicates that it is possible to see big schools of barracuda at the Aquarium dive site during the right season. However, specific details regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions or other marine encounters are not provided in the current information. For more general information on when to dive in the region, please visit our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required or recommended to explore the Aquarium dive site fully?
To safely explore the Aquarium dive site, divers are recommended to hold at least an advanced certification. This is due to the dive site's characteristics, including a coral drop off that begins at 15 meters deep.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Aquarium dive site?
The Aquarium dive site boasts excellent average visibility of 18 meters, offering clear views of its vibrant marine life and coral formations. Information regarding typical current conditions at this specific dive site is not provided in the available data.