5-12m
    Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania
    Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP)

    Bawe South

    Best months: Jul–Oct

    Protected Area

    Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP)

    Why dive here

    With 312+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue-spotted stingrays, dolphins, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks - Bawe South 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 5-12m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Bawe South is our pick for a chill afternoon dive, especially if you’re staying near Stone Town. The main draw here is the shallow, gentle reef that runs along Bawe Island. It’s perfect for getting back into the swing of things after travel, or for newer divers finding their fins. We love dropping in here and just drifting along, watching the light play on the coral. You’ll find big coral bommies scattered across sandy patches, some with those truly enormous barrel sponges that feel like they belong in a cartoon. Keep an eye out for the resident green and hawksbill turtles; they’re pretty used to divers and often just cruise past, unbothered. We’ve had some great encounters with flowery flounders here, too, blending perfectly with the sand until they make a quick dart. Visibility usually hovers around 13 metres, good enough to appreciate the details without feeling overwhelming. It’s a lovely, relaxed dive, a real breather after a busy morning exploring Stone Town.

    Typical Bawe South 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.

    Today06:0518:1712h 13m daylightGolden hour 17:50

    Nearest Dive Centres to Bawe South

    Dive shops near Bawe South

    View all dive centres in Zanzibar & Pemba

    Reviews for Bawe South

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Bawe South

    Bawe South Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Bawe South, 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 Bawe South

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

    Back to Zanzibar & Pemba