MOWE - Zanzibar & Pemba

The MOWE offers a slice of history, scuttled back in 1914 to prevent its capture by the British. It’s not a deep dive, sitting right in Dar es Salaam harbour, so you won’t be pushing any limits here. What you will find are the remains of a German survey vessel, a sturdy hull now home to various reef fish darting between the rusted metal. It’s a good choice for newer wreck divers or those looking for a relaxed exploration with a story behind it, particularly if you’re already in Dar.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-6.865278, 39.297222
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Zanzibar & Pemba

Nearest Dive Centres to MOWE

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 MOWE

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 the MOWE wreck dive site?
The MOWE wreck dive site is listed with a depth of 0m. This indicates it is likely a very shallow wreck, possibly even partially exposed or just below the surface, making it accessible for various dive levels. You can learn more about this fascinating wreck in Zanzibar & Pemba.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the MOWE wreck?
Based on the provided data, the primary underwater feature at the MOWE dive site is the wreck itself, classified as a "Wreck showing any portion of hull or superstructure." The description details it as a survey vessel scuttled in 1914. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided context, wrecks typically attract a variety of reef fish and other marine creatures over time, which you can explore in our wildlife database.
What is the difficulty level for diving the MOWE wreck?
The MOWE wreck dive site is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience and comfort with diving conditions to fully enjoy and safely navigate the site. For more details on the site, visit the MOWE dive site page.
What is the best time of year to dive the MOWE wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the MOWE wreck for optimal conditions. General information about diving seasons in the Tanzania region can often be found on our When to Dive page, which might offer insights into regional weather patterns.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the MOWE wreck, especially if considering wreck penetration?
While the MOWE wreck is rated as an intermediate dive, the provided data does not specify particular certification requirements for diving this site or for wreck penetration. Generally, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is recommended for intermediate dives, and specialized wreck diving certifications are essential for any form of wreck penetration. Always consult with local dive operators in Zanzibar & Pemba for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the MOWE dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current or visibility conditions at the MOWE dive site. For up-to-date conditions and local insights, it is always best to consult with local dive centers in Zanzibar & Pemba before planning your dive.