Jackfish Alley - Zanzibar & Pemba

Manta Point on Aliwal Shoal, it’s a site that always gets us excited, especially between May and October. Forget the name for a moment though, because while mantas do pass through, they’re not the daily showstopper here. Instead, we’re all about the hammerheads, particularly the great hammerheads that cruise in from the deeper water, often in the early mornings. It's a flat reef, maxing out around 18 metres, with a mix of low coral formations and sand patches. We love setting up at one of the small pinnacles, finding a good sandy spot, and just watching the blue. That's the real magic: the sense of anticipation. You’re waiting, scanning the periphery, and then suddenly a dark shape resolves itself into that distinctive hammerhead profile. Along with the sharks, you’ll likely spot big schools of fusiliers, dorado zipping past, and plenty of pickhandle barracuda hanging out. It’s a dive for those who enjoy patience and the thrill of a potential big animal encounter, rather than intricate macro life. If you’re into pelagics and don't mind a bit of a wait for the action, Manta Point is a definite standout.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-5.817100, 39.416800
Type
reef

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 Jackfish Alley

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 Jackfish Alley

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

How deep is Jackfish Alley for diving?
The maximum recommended diving depth for Jackfish Alley is 22 meters. While the site features a dramatic drop-off that extends from 24 meters down to approximately 60 meters, the primary diving area is within the shallower range. Divers can explore a fantastic cavern at 35 meters, which is always bustling with various fish species.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Jackfish Alley?
Divers at Jackfish Alley can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life and impressive underwater features. The site boasts a fantastic cavern at 35 meters, teeming with diverse fish species, and a huge drop-off extending from 24 to 60 meters. Near the walls, you'll spot snappers of every color, lobsters, and titan triggerfish, while schools of jackfish are often seen emerging from the deeper waters.
Is Jackfish Alley considered a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginners?
Jackfish Alley is classified as an intermediate dive site. This means it is not typically recommended for absolute beginners, but rather for divers with some experience. Its features, such as the drop-off and cavern, require a certain level of comfort and skill underwater.
What is the best time of year to dive at Jackfish Alley for optimal conditions?
The provided data for Jackfish Alley does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general information on when to dive in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are recommended or required to dive at Jackfish Alley?
The available data for Jackfish Alley does not explicitly state recommended or required dive certifications. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. It is always best to consult with a local dive operator in Zanzibar & Pemba for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at Jackfish Alley?
At Jackfish Alley, divers can generally expect excellent visibility, averaging around 24 meters. However, the provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current strengths or water temperatures at the site. For the most up-to-date conditions, it's advisable to check with local dive centers in Zanzibar & Pemba.