Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania
    Maziwe Island

    SSI Freediving

    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 - SSI Freediving offers some of Zanzibar & Pemba's richest 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
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Zanzibar and Pemba are, for us, some of East Africa's most underrated spots for getting truly comfortable on a single breath. Forget the often-crowded reef dives. Here, the focus is on the journey into the blue itself. We love the feeling of slipping into the warm Indian Ocean, the water so clear you can watch the boat disappear above you as you descend. It’s a gentle, almost meditative experience, especially in the shallower, sheltered bays where visibility often stretches for what feels like forever. Our favourite spots are often found just off the coast of Pemba, where the shelf drops away, offering a real sense of openness without the intimidation of a strong current. You’ll spend your time fine-tuning your technique, learning to relax into the silence, rather than chasing specific creatures. Though, if you keep an eye out, the sandy patches often hold fascinating shells – we’ve spotted everything from elegant Granulated Drupes to the more intricate Arthritic Spider Conchs. It's a fantastic choice for anyone looking to develop their freediving skills in a serene, supportive environment, where the conditions allow for maximum focus on breath and form.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for SSI Freediving

    SSI Freediving Ocean Conditions

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

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    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

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