Levenbank - Zanzibar & Pemba

Nurses Quarters isn't just a dive site, it's a mood. We love this spot just west of Rottnest because it consistently delivers that thrilling, shadowy cave experience. You drop down, usually to about 18-20m, and the reef wall quickly gives way to the main attraction: a proper cave. We're talking big, dark, and often home to a lazy gang of grey nurse sharks just hanging out. The entry to the cave itself is quite wide, but it narrows as you go deeper, leading to a sand bottom around 22m. Inside, the light plays tricks, making the sharks look even more formidable as they glide slowly past. It’s a completely different feel to open reef diving. We've seen Port Jackson sharks and wobbegongs tucked into crevices on the reef outside the main cave, too. If you're comfortable with overhead environments and have the right training, this place is a standout for that unique, close-up shark encounter. Just remember to bring a good light, it gets properly dim in there.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-5.703300, 39.291600
Type
cave

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 Levenbank

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 Levenbank

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 is the typical depth range for diving at Levenbank?
Levenbank is known as a deep dive, with a maximum depth reaching 35 meters in some areas. Divers typically explore from deeper sections to a shallower pinnacle, which has a maximum depth of 25 meters. This makes it an exciting site for those comfortable with varying depths.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Levenbank?
Divers at Levenbank can expect to see a vibrant pinnacle covered in both hard and soft/sponge corals. The site is home to a variety of impressive marine life, including big moray eels, groupers, barracuda, batfish, bluefin trevally, and different kinds of angelfish. For more details on species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Levenbank, and is it suitable for all experience levels?
Diving at Levenbank is considered a deep dive and is best suited for advanced divers. Due to its depth and the nature of the dive, it is not recommended for all experience levels. Divers should have appropriate training and experience for deep diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Levenbank for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Levenbank for optimal conditions. However, you can often find general information about diving seasons in Zanzibar & Pemba on our When to Dive page.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Levenbank?
Given that Levenbank is described as a deep dive best for advanced divers, an advanced open water certification or equivalent is highly recommended, if not required. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience for the depths involved. Always check with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Levenbank dive site?
At Levenbank, divers can expect an average visibility of 21 meters, offering clear views of the underwater environment. Information regarding typical current strength or water temperature is not available in the provided data.