Shetani / Three Turtles - Zanzibar & Pemba

The Toho V isn't just a sunken boat; it's a bustling apartment block for a huge array of fish, and we love it for its approachability. Dropped intentionally, this 55-meter longliner sits upright on a sandy bottom at 20 meters, practically inviting you inside. We always find the wheelhouse and engine room offer fantastic swim-throughs, especially with a good torch to pick out the detail – look for the big groupers lurking in the shadows. What makes it special for us is how quickly marine life has taken over. You'll find schools of fusiliers so thick they practically obscure the wreck in places, and we've seen everything from black angelfish to spotted groupers. Dive in April, and the wreck completely vanishes under a shimmering cloud of juvenile fish – it’s genuinely spectacular. While the resident lionfish are pretty, just remember to keep a respectful distance. This site is a brilliant choice for wreck novices and experienced divers alike, offering easy penetration and plenty of life without being overly demanding.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-5.828900, 39.211600
Type
wreck

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 Shetani / Three Turtles

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 Shetani / Three Turtles

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 at the Shetani / Three Turtles dive site?
The maximum depth at the Shetani / Three Turtles dive site is 17 meters. This site features a small wall that descends from 5 meters, offering a diverse underwater landscape for exploration.
What marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Shetani / Three Turtles?
Divers at Shetani / Three Turtles can expect to encounter beautiful pinnacles of both hard and soft corals. The site is teeming with many small coral fish in amazing shades of color, alongside blue spotted rays, ribbon eels, turtles, and puffer fish. Explore more about marine species in our wildlife database.
Is the Shetani / Three Turtles dive site suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered more challenging?
The Shetani / Three Turtles dive site is considered to have an intermediate difficulty level. While it offers a beautiful experience, its characteristics suggest it's more suitable for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive Shetani / Three Turtles for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Shetani / Three Turtles for optimal conditions or marine life encounters. For general information on seasonal diving, you can visit our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive at the Shetani / Three Turtles site?
The provided data does not specify the exact diving certifications required to dive at the Shetani / Three Turtles site. It is always recommended to check with local dive operators for specific requirements based on the site's intermediate difficulty.
Are there typically strong currents or any specific water conditions to be aware of when diving Shetani / Three Turtles?
The provided data does not mention specific information regarding strong currents or other particular water conditions to be aware of at the Shetani / Three Turtles dive site. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 12 meters.