MARINASI I - Zanzibar & Pemba

The **Marinasi I**, just off Dar es Salaam, is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to. Sunk after a fire in 1979, this 64-meter motor vessel now rests in only three meters of water, which makes it perfect for a leisurely dive or even a snorkel if the visibility is good. We’re talking about a genuine historical site you can practically touch, the bow section still rising impressively from the seabed. The shallow depth means sunlight drenches the wreck, painting every corner with that tropical blue glow. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially when those schooling bannerfish drift through the bridge structure. We’ve spent hours just poking around the deck, watching angelfish pick at the growth and the occasional blue-spotted stingray glide by the sand patches. It’s easy, relaxed diving, suitable for anyone who wants to explore a substantial wreck without the stress of depth or strong currents. For us, it’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon, soaking up the history and enjoying the easy pace of the reef.

Location: Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates: -6.851111, 39.298610
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 3m

Marine Protected Area: Dar es Salaam

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 MARINASI I

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 MARINASI I

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