CHYKO - Zanzibar & Pemba

Chyko isn’t your deep, dramatic wreck dive, but it’s a lovely spot for something different, particularly if you’re into the history. This old steamship, sunk back in 1925, sits shallow enough that you can really take your time exploring. We’re talking a maximum depth of five meters here, so it’s fantastic for long bottom times and getting some relaxed shots. What’s left of the hull and superstructure is nicely broken up, creating plenty of nooks and crannies for resident reef fish. You'll often spot juvenile snappers darting between the metal plates, and we’ve seen some decent-sized pufferfish tucked away in there too. The corals are starting to colonise the wreck, softening the edges and adding some colour. It’s a great site for newer divers or for a chilled-out second dive when you just want to poke around without any pressure.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-6.900000, 39.516666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Mangrove

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 CHYKO

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 CHYKO

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 are the typical depths of the dive sites in Chuuk Lagoon?
Unfortunately, the provided data context does not contain information regarding the typical depths of dive sites in Chuuk Lagoon. Our current records only detail the CHYKO wreck in Tanzania, which has a depth of 5m. For specific details on Chuuk Lagoon, please consult our dedicated dive site pages.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at Chuuk Lagoon?
Information regarding the specific marine life and historical artifacts divers can expect to see at Chuuk Lagoon is not available in the provided data. While the CHYKO wreck in Zanzibar & Pemba is a steamship vessel built in 1905, details for Chuuk Lagoon are not present. You can explore general marine life information in our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving in Chuuk Lagoon, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The provided data context does not include information about the diving difficulty or suitability for beginner divers in Chuuk Lagoon. Our records indicate that the CHYKO wreck in Tanzania is classified as an intermediate dive. For specific difficulty ratings for Chuuk Lagoon, please refer to its dedicated dive site information.
When is the best time of year to dive in Chuuk Lagoon for optimal conditions?
Details regarding the best time of year to dive in Chuuk Lagoon for optimal conditions are not available within the provided data context. The information focuses on the CHYKO wreck and does not include seasonal diving advice for other regions. For general guidance on optimal diving times, you may visit our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required for diving the wrecks in Chuuk Lagoon?
The provided data context does not specify recommended or required scuba diving certifications for diving the wrecks in Chuuk Lagoon. While the CHYKO wreck is classified as an intermediate dive, certification requirements for Chuuk Lagoon are not detailed. Divers should always ensure they have appropriate training for wreck diving.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like in Chuuk Lagoon?
Information concerning the typical currents and water conditions in Chuuk Lagoon is not available in the provided data context. The details provided pertain exclusively to the CHYKO wreck in Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania. For specific environmental conditions in Chuuk Lagoon, please consult its dedicated dive site resources.