The Great Northern - Zanzibar & Pemba

Zuzuao Plane Wreck, just a short run east of Papatura, is one of those Solomon Islands sites we always make time for. It’s an SBD Dauntless dive bomber, resting upright on a sandy bottom at 23 metres. We love how complete it is, the outline of the plane unmistakable even after all these years. You can fin around the cockpit, spot the engine block, and peer down the wings. Often, we find schooling snapper sheltering under the fuselage, and small reef fish darting in and out of the bomb racks. While the wreck itself is the draw, don’t forget the nearby patch reef. It’s a nice spot for a safety stop, usually buzzing with anthias and fusiliers. Visibility typically runs around 15 metres here, good enough to really take in the bomber's silhouette as you descend. Just be aware that if there’s a strong easterly blowing, this site can get a bit lumpy on the surface, but it’s rarely affected by current. It’s a straightforward dive, perfect for anyone keen on getting up close with a piece of history.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-6.174800, 39.150200
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP)

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 The Great Northern

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 The Great Northern

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

How deep is The Great Northern shipwreck dive site?
The Great Northern shipwreck rests in the sand at depths ranging between 4 and 12 meters. The maximum depth for this dive site is 13 meters, making it accessible for many divers.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at The Great Northern?
Divers exploring The Great Northern can expect to see the remains of a British cable-laying ship that sank in 1902, now serving as a magnificent artificial reef. The site is a macro-lover's paradise, boasting many species of shrimps and pipefish, alongside some of the best coral in Zanzibar & Pemba. Keep an eye out for anemone fish during your dive.
Is The Great Northern considered a difficult dive for scuba divers?
The Great Northern is considered an intermediate difficulty dive. This means it offers a rewarding experience for divers with some prior experience.
What is the best time of year to dive The Great Northern for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive The Great Northern for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are needed to dive The Great Northern?
The provided data does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required to dive The Great Northern. Given its intermediate difficulty, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is often recommended for such sites, but it's best to check with a local dive operator.
What are the typical water currents and visibility like at The Great Northern dive site?
Divers at The Great Northern can typically expect an average visibility of 13 meters, offering clear views of the wreck and marine life. The provided data does not specify information regarding typical water currents at this dive site.