Mwana Wa Mwana - Zanzibar & Pemba

Puri Pinnacle, sometimes called Anti-Chovy, sits north of Yulliet Pulau in South Misool. It's a broad plateau, around 7 to 10 metres deep, that then drops away to about 25 metres. We often find ourselves drifting along its eastern side, where a few distinct pinnacles rise from the depths. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff here, the pygmygobies are particularly diverse-Stobbs', Forktail, and Yellow-red are all present. You'll likely spot a few Blue-spot V-wrasse darting about and some Purple eyebrowed tuskfish rummaging in the coral. Visibility averages a comfortable 21 metres, making it a good spot for divers who appreciate a relaxed pace and aren't chasing the big pelagics.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-5.759500, 39.218900
Type
pinnacle
Maximum Depth
2-15m

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 Mwana Wa Mwana

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 Mwana Wa Mwana

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 Mwana Wa Mwana?
The typical depth range for diving at Mwana Wa Mwana is between 2 meters and 15 meters. The maximum depth recorded for this site is 14 meters. This range makes it suitable for divers with varying levels of experience.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Mwana Wa Mwana?
Divers at Mwana Wa Mwana can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life. Notable sightings include seahorses, silverfish, cuttlefish, scorpion fish, lionfish, nudibranchs, moray eels, octopus, and leaf fish. For more information on these species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Mwana Wa Mwana dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Mwana Wa Mwana dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its depth range of 2-15m is manageable, the intermediate rating suggests it might not be ideal for absolute beginners without proper guidance or experience. Divers should have some prior experience to comfortably enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year to dive at Mwana Wa Mwana for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Mwana Wa Mwana for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide. Always check local conditions before planning your trip.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Mwana Wa Mwana?
The provided data does not specify any particular diving certifications required to dive at Mwana Wa Mwana. However, given its intermediate difficulty, a minimum of an Open Water Diver certification is generally recommended for such sites. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements and recommendations.
What are the usual currents and visibility conditions like at the Mwana Wa Mwana dive site?
At the Mwana Wa Mwana dive site, divers can expect an average visibility of 12 meters. The provided information does not detail the usual current conditions for this site. It's always advisable to check with local dive centers for real-time current reports before your dive.