Bawe Island - North - Zanzibar & Pemba

Cuatro Piedras is one of our go-to spots in the Catalinas, especially if we’re looking for a slightly more relaxed dive. The name means "Four Rocks," and that’s precisely what you get: four distinct rock formations creating channels and swim-throughs, all sitting in a sandy basin. It’s shallower than some of the other Catalina sites, topping out around 18 metres, which means more bottom time to really explore. We love picking a channel and just drifting through, keeping an eye out for whitetip reef sharks resting on the sand or patrolling the edges. Our favourite part is the sandy patch between the rocks. It’s a bit like a sheltered amphitheatre, often protected from the stronger currents that can sweep through the outer channels. Here, you’ll find plenty of bridled sand perches poking their heads out, and we’ve even spotted big bignose congers tucked into crevices. Visibility averages around 9 metres, which isn't Bali, but it’s usually enough to get a good sense of the layout and pick out the smaller creatures like antler dragonets scooting over the rocks. We often spend a good chunk of the dive just focusing on the sand, finding chocolate tonguefish and the occasional spotted sharpnose puffer. It’s a fantastic site for newer divers to get comfortable with currents without being overwhelmed, while still offering enough complexity to keep experienced divers engaged.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-6.143700, 39.133900
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP)

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 Bawe Island - North

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 Bawe Island - North

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 maximum depth for scuba diving at Bawe Island North?
The maximum depth for scuba diving at Bawe Island North is 16 meters. This makes it a fantastic site for divers looking to explore a vibrant coral wall without extreme depths.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Bawe Island North?
Divers at Bawe Island North can expect to explore a really nice continuous coral wall teeming with life. You'll discover fascinating marine creatures like cuttle-fish, moray eels, and seahorses hiding in blue sponges. Keep an eye out for rainbow runners and longfin batfish cruising in the blue, and blue spotted stingrays and torpedo rays in the sandy areas.
How challenging is the diving at Bawe Island North, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Bawe Island North is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers a rewarding experience, it might be more suitable for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners. Beginners might find other sites in Zanzibar & Pemba more appropriate to start their diving journey.
What are the best months or times of year to dive at Bawe Island North for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best months or times of year to dive at Bawe Island North for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Bawe Island North?
The provided data does not specify the exact diving certifications required to dive at Bawe Island North. Typically, an Open Water Diver certification is a minimum for most recreational dives, but it's always best to check with local dive operators in Zanzibar & Pemba for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at Bawe Island North?
At Bawe Island North, divers can expect an average visibility of 14 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site.