One Palm - Zanzibar & Pemba

The Rock Garden is one of those spots we love for an easy, unhurried dive, especially if you’ve had a few days battling current elsewhere. It’s a shallow site, topping out around 16 metres, which makes it perfect for longer bottom times and really soaking in the details. You'll start near the Whirlpool, which adds a bit of fun before you settle into the site proper, heading east along the back of Mabouya Island. What makes it special for us is the sheer amount of life packed into its varied landscape – a mix of coral heads, sandy patches, and those distinctive rock formations. We often find stingrays nestled in the sand, their outlines barely visible until they shift. Keep an eye on the turtle grass beds for green turtles munching away, and definitely peer into every crevice; it’s a hotspot for octopuses and those slightly unnerving snake eels. We've seen some fantastic juvenile fish here too – tiny parrotfish and damselfish flitting about, alongside the more common sergeant-majors and slippery dicks. Visibility hovers around 16 metres, usually offering clear enough views without being stark. It’s a genuinely relaxing dive, ideal for photographers or anyone who just wants to take their time exploring.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-6.466400, 39.542500
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Menai Bay

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 One Palm

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 One Palm

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 maximum depth for diving at One Palm Finolhu?
The maximum depth for diving at One Palm is 23 meters. Divers typically begin their descent from a plateau around 6-8 meters deep, then follow a steep slope downwards to reach the maximum depth.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at One Palm Finolhu?
Divers at One Palm can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including colorful coral formations. Besides smaller fish, you can often spot larger species such as barracudas and reef sharks. Bottlenose dolphins are also a very common sight here, almost always present. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is One Palm Finolhu a suitable dive site for beginner divers?
One Palm is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, making it less suitable for absolute beginner divers. The dive profile involves swimming down a steep slope, which requires a certain level of comfort and experience.
What is the best time of year to dive at One Palm Finolhu for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at One Palm for optimal conditions. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive at One Palm Finolhu?
As One Palm is an intermediate dive site, divers should possess certifications and experience beyond entry-level. This ensures comfort and safety when navigating the site's steep slope and maximum depth of 23 meters.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at One Palm Finolhu?
One Palm typically boasts excellent visibility, averaging around 22 meters. Information regarding typical current conditions at this specific dive site is not available in the provided data.