Bawe South - Zanzibar & Pemba

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.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-6.153800, 39.135600
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-12m

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 South

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 South

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 diving at the Bawe South dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the Bawe South dive site is 16 meters. This makes it an excellent location for divers seeking a shallower experience while still exploring a vibrant and diverse reef environment.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see when diving at Bawe South?
Divers at Bawe South can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life, including Titan trigger fish, Stingrays, king fish, and thornback box fish. The true stars of the site are the resident green and hawksbill turtles. The reef itself is characterized by big coral bommies and huge barrel sponges growing on sandy patches, creating a thriving habitat. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Bawe South considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginner divers?
While Bawe South is described as ideal for snorkellers and beginner divers due to its long shallow reef, it is officially rated with an intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while the shallower sections are very accessible, deeper areas with coral bommies might offer more challenge or require slightly more experience. It's a versatile site suitable for a range of skill levels.
What is the best time of year to dive at Bawe South for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Bawe South for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you might find our When to Dive guide helpful.
What diving certifications are typically required or recommended to dive at Bawe South?
The provided information does not specify the diving certifications typically required or recommended for Bawe South. Given its suitability for beginner divers and an intermediate difficulty rating, an Open Water Diver certification is generally a good starting point for such sites. We recommend checking with local dive operators in Zanzibar & Pemba for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Bawe South dive site?
At the Bawe South dive site, divers can expect an average visibility of 13 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef and its inhabitants. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site.