Seahorse - Zanzibar & Pemba

The Drop Bali starts with a boat entry into a shallow patch, often a good spot to check your gear before drifting. It’s a teardrop-shaped reef that slopes down to 21 metres, where you’ll find some seriously impressive barrel sponges and big fan corals. We’ve had dives here with loads of clown anemonefish tending their homes, and if you look closely, both Northern Bicoloured and Largemouth Triplefins hugging the reef. Keep an eye out for turtles cruising by and the occasional whitetip reef shark in the blue. Currents can be a bit lively, making it more suited for divers comfortable with a drift, but the payout of reef fish and potential for larger visitors makes it a solid dive.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-5.821700, 39.380200
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 Seahorse

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 Seahorse

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 maximum depth for diving at the Seahorse dive site?
The typical maximum depth for diving at the Seahorse dive site is 17 meters. This makes it a suitable spot for divers looking for a moderate depth experience in Zanzibar & Pemba.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at the Seahorse dive site?
At the Seahorse dive site, divers can expect to explore a large seagrass area and follow coral formations to deeper depths. The site is notable for its many big tube sponges and, as its name suggests, is full of seahorses. These seahorses are very small and best searched for amongst the seagrass.
How difficult is the Seahorse dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Seahorse dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers a rewarding experience, its intermediate rating suggests it might be more suitable for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year or season to dive at the Seahorse dive site for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year or season to dive at the Seahorse dive site for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or recommended to dive at the Seahorse dive site?
The provided information does not specify any particular diving certifications required or recommended for the Seahorse dive site. Given its intermediate difficulty, a basic open water certification is generally sufficient for sites of this nature, but advanced training is always beneficial.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Seahorse dive site?
Divers at the Seahorse dive site can typically expect an average visibility of 15 meters. The provided data does not, however, include specific details about the usual current conditions at this location.