Haji - Zanzibar & Pemba

Little Beach is one of those sites we always recommend to people visiting Port Stephens, especially if they’re newer to wreck diving or just want a chill poke around. The real draw here isn’t the beach itself, though the shallows near the boathouse do hold some nice surprises like schooling fish and the occasional cuttlefish for wide-angle shots. No, our pick is the barge wreck, about a hundred metres off the jetty at around 10-11m. It’s not a massive wreck, but it’s nicely broken up, creating a maze of nooks and crannies. You’ll weave through metal plates and twisted beams, and that’s where the action is. We’ve found frogfish tucked into the crevices, little pygmy leatherjackets hiding amongst the kelp that grows on the hull, and quite a few wobbegongs just chilling on the sand next to the wreckage. The current can pick up sometimes, but generally, it’s a calm dive, making it perfect for an extended rummage or for honing those wreck skills without feeling overwhelmed. Visibility averages about 7m, which is decent for a wreck this size – enough to appreciate the structure and spot the smaller critters without getting lost.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-5.735700, 39.328400
Type
wreck

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Zanzibar & Pemba

Nearest Dive Centres to Haji

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 Haji

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 diving depths at Haji (Koh Haa) dive sites?
At the Haji dive site in Zanzibar & Pemba, divers can expect a sloping reef that starts from 10 meters. The maximum depth for this site is 16 meters. This makes it a great spot for various skill levels to explore the reef.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Haji (Koh Haa)?
Divers at Haji will encounter a rich variety of hard and soft coral, including a significant section of plate coral. The site is home to diverse coral fish, green turtles, eels, pufferfish, rays, and some grouper.
Is Haji (Koh Haa) suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a more challenging dive site?
The Haji dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. While not suitable for absolute beginners, divers with some experience will find it an enjoyable and rewarding exploration.
When is the best time of year to dive at Haji (Koh Haa) for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at Haji for optimal conditions and marine life sightings is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on diving seasons, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required to explore the various dive spots at Haji (Koh Haa)?
The specific dive certifications required to explore the Haji dive site are not detailed in the provided information. Given its intermediate difficulty, an Open Water Diver certification or higher is generally recommended for such sites.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at Haji (Koh Haa) dive sites?
At the Haji dive site, visibility is almost always good, with an average visibility of 12 meters. Details regarding the usual current conditions at this site are not specified in the available data.