GLORONGAY - Zanzibar & Pemba

Glorongay is a quirky one, and we really enjoy a dive here when the conditions are right. It’s a yacht, about 38 metres long, that went down in ‘74 – a bit of a saga to get there, apparently, with a stranding off Mafia Island before its final resting place north of Zanzibar. We love its shallow depth, just 9 metres, making it a fantastic spot for extended bottom times and a more relaxed dive. What you get is a wreck that’s been thoroughly taken over by the reef. The old hull is now a scaffold for coral growth, particularly soft corals that sway gently with the surge. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs clinging to the metalwork, and we often spot moray eels peeking out from beneath collapsed sections. The bow and stern are still quite distinct, and you can swim around, even poke your head into some of the more open areas. It’s a very photogenic wreck, especially on a sunny day when the light dances through the clear water. Glorongay suits divers who appreciate the blend of history and natural reclamation, perfect for an easygoing afternoon dive, or for those working on their underwater photography.

Location: Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -5.766667, 39.400000
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 9m

Marine Protected Area: Maziwe Island

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to GLORONGAY

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

thalassia (Thalassia hemprichii) - Seagrass & Algae
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Species code: Tc (Thalassodendron ciliatum) - Seagrass & Algae
halodule (Halodule uninervis) - Seagrass & Algae
cymodocea (Cymodocea rotundata) - Seagrass & Algae
Humpbacked conch (Gibberulus gibberulus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
cowry (Monetaria moneta) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
cloth-of-gold cone snail (Conus textile) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Golden-Yellow Cone (Conus flavidus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Rock Cod (Cephalopholis boenak) - Reef Fish
Brown Frillfin (Bathygobius fuscus) - Reef Fish
Long-beaked Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) - Whales & Dolphins
Cigar wrasse (Cheilio inermis) - Reef Fish
Species code: Hs (Halophila stipulacea) - Seagrass & Algae
Sand-dusted Cone (Conus arenatus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
Pronghorn Spiny Lobster (Panulirus penicillatus) - Crabs & Lobsters
Grouper (Epinephelus areolatus) - Reef Fish
Coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae)
Sea lettuce (Ulva lactuca) - Seagrass & Algae
Pufferfish (Arothron hispidus) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for GLORONGAY

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