Nankivell - Zanzibar & Pemba

Pyramid is a solid, easy dive on Mafia. We typically start around the coral bommies, working our way up a gentle slope to a shallow bank reef. You’ll definitely spot the distinct pyramid-shaped rock formation that gives the site its name, which is neat. It’s a good spot for macro fans; we’ve had luck finding nudibranchs, various shrimp, and some well-camouflaged crabs tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for the resident honeycomb moray and the ribbon eel, too. It’s a relaxed dive, usually with mild currents and decent visibility around 15 metres, making it a good choice for newer divers or anyone wanting a chilled-out afternoon. If the whale sharks are around, you might even get lucky with a distant sighting on the way in or out.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-5.737100, 39.209700
Type
reef

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 Nankivell

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 Nankivell

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 Nankivell?
Divers exploring Nankivell can expect a typical depth range between 6 meters and 16 meters. The maximum depth recorded for this site is 16 meters, making it a versatile reef dive.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Nankivell?
At Nankivell, divers will be delighted by a concentrated patch reef densely covered with very colorful corals. You can expect to encounter vibrant schools of fish, such as yellow snapper, and it's also known as an excellent spot to find seahorses. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Nankivell dive site for different experience levels?
The Nankivell dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This means it's well-suited for certified divers with some experience, offering a rewarding exploration without being overly demanding for advanced divers.
What is the best time of year to dive at Nankivell for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Nankivell for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Nankivell?
The provided data does not specify any particular diving certifications required for Nankivell. However, given its intermediate difficulty, divers are generally expected to hold at least an Open Water certification and possess some prior diving experience.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Nankivell?
Divers at Nankivell can typically expect excellent visibility, with an average of 14 meters, making it a truly pleasurable dive. The provided data does not, however, specify the typical current conditions at this site.