Buccaneer Diving

Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania

The team at Buccaneer Diving are what makes this operation special. They’re based right on Paje Beach, a spot we’ve always found a bit more laid back than some of Zanzibar’s busier hubs. They’re a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre, so you know the training is top-notch, from your first open water dives to instructor development. We’ve always been impressed with their approach to local diving, especially in Pemba. They put a lot of effort into finding those less-dived spots, and it pays off. Expect to hear some genuine excitement from the dive guides when they surface. We’ve seen healthy patches of hard coral here, brain corals in particular, with the light catching iridescent parrotfish as they graze. On a good day, the visibility can stretch for 30 metres, turning the deeper walls into something truly dramatic. Look out for the resident green turtles, often spotted munching on seagrass near the shallows. Our favourite tip for diving with Buccaneer? Ask about their day trips further afield. That’s where you’ll really feel the difference, escaping the crowds and getting onto reefs that feel genuinely pristine. They’re brilliant at catering to divers who want more than just a quick dip.