Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania
    Maziwe Island

    Nankivell

    Best months: Jul–Oct

    Protected Area

    Maziwe Island

    Why dive here

    With 312+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue-spotted stingrays, dolphins, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks - Nankivell offers some of Zanzibar & Pemba's richest reef diving. Water ranges 26-30°C, warmest February, March, April.

    Best timeJul–Oct
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeBarracuda, Blue-Spotted Stingrays, Dolphins, Eagle Rays and Hammerhead Sharks · 312+ species recorded
    Water26-30°C · warmest February, March, April
    CharacterReef dive
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Nankivell, for us, is one of those sites that just feels *good*. It’s a patch reef, yes, but it’s a focused one, making it a proper treasure hunt. We love dropping in when the visibility is up – 14 metres is the average, but we’ve seen it push 20, and that’s when it truly shines. It’s got that vibrant, almost electric coral cover, densely packed, where you feel like you’re swimming through a living tapestry. The real draw here, beyond the sheer density of colour, are the smaller wonders. We’ve spent whole dives just combing the crevices, finding everything from Golden-Yellow Cones to the ridiculously ornate Blood-stained Frog Shell. Keep a keen eye out for the Granular Frog Shell too, their textured shells are just beautiful. Our favourite? Trying to spot the elusive seahorses that have made this place their home; it’s a patience game, but incredibly rewarding when you finally catch a glimpse. The yellow snapper schools create a shimmering curtain against the deeper blues, a constant, gentle motion. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers and anyone who loves to take their time exploring the intricate details of a healthy reef.

    Today06:0418:1712h 12m daylightGolden hour 17:49

    Nearest Dive Centres to Nankivell

    Dive shops near Nankivell

    View all dive centres in Zanzibar & Pemba

    Reviews for Nankivell

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Nankivell

    Nankivell Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Nankivell, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-5.98, 39.4) (10km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    27°C

    81°F · Range: 25.9–28.4°C

    Air Temperature

    26°C

    79°F

    Wind Speed

    4.72 m/s

    9.2 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1013.8 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Zanzibar & Pemba, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Zanzibar & Pemba

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Zanzibar & Pemba.

    Search stays in Zanzibar & Pemba

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Nankivell

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Zanzibar & Pemba