Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania
    Menai Bay

    Stingray city

    Best months: Jul–Oct

    Protected Area

    Menai Bay

    Why dive here

    With 312+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue-spotted stingrays, dolphins, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks - Stingray city 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

    Forget what you’ve heard about Stingray City elsewhere, this isn't a crowded tourist trap. Zanzibar’s version is a much more organic affair, a shallow, sandy patch where blue-spotted stingrays genuinely gather, often seeking out the warmth. We love how interactive it feels without being forced. You’ll settle onto the sand, perhaps at 8-10 meters, and watch as these elegant creatures glide in, sometimes brushing right past your fins, their tails trailing behind them like silk ribbons. It’s an ideal spot for macro enthusiasts, too, especially if you take your time. While the rays are the obvious draw, look closely for juvenile wrasse darting in the ripples, cowries hunkering down in the sand, and the occasional little post horn squid jetting by. The visibility can vary, but generally, it’s clear enough to capture some lovely natural light shots. Our advice? Go in the mid-morning when the light is good and before any potential afternoon chop picks up. It’s a gentle dive, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting a relaxed encounter with some genuinely beautiful marine life.

    Today06:0318:1612h 13m daylightGolden hour 17:48

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Stingray city

    Stingray city Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Stingray city, 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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