Wattabomi - Zanzibar & Pemba

Ampo Reef presents a gentle slope covered in a mix of hard and soft corals. It's a relaxed dive, good for taking your time to spot smaller reef inhabitants like gobies and nudibranchs tucked away in the coral branches. We often see resident lionfish and occasional turtles cruising by. This site is well-suited for less experienced divers or anyone looking for a calm, easy dive.

Location
Zanzibar & Pemba, Tanzania, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
-5.828700, 39.383100
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-12m

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 Wattabomi

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 Wattabomi

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 depth range for diving at Wattabomi?
The typical depth range for diving at Wattabomi is between 5 and 12 meters, making it a relatively shallow dive. While the pinnacles are found at these depths, the site also features a coral drop-off that extends down to 25 meters, though the maximum recommended depth for the site is 18 meters.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Wattabomi?
Divers at Wattabomi can expect to encounter stunning coral formations, including pinnacles made of various hard corals, complemented by soft corals and anemones. The site is particularly renowned for its diverse marine life, where you can commonly spot at least four different species of moray eels, including the rare Dragon moray. Additionally, Stonefish, lionfish, and triggerfish are frequently seen throughout the reef.
Is Wattabomi a suitable dive site for beginner divers, or is it considered more challenging?
While the description mentions "very easy dive" for the pinnacles at shallow depths, Wattabomi is officially classified with an intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while parts of the dive may be straightforward, certain aspects, perhaps related to the coral drop-off, might require more experience. Therefore, it is generally more suitable for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners.
What are the best months or seasons to dive at Wattabomi for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or seasons for diving at Wattabomi for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Wattabomi?
Given that Wattabomi is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site with a maximum depth of 18 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is generally recommended and sufficient. This certification allows divers to explore the typical depth range of 5-12 meters and safely reach the maximum depth. Always ensure your certification level matches the dive plan.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Wattabomi dive site?
Divers at Wattabomi can typically expect excellent visibility, with an average of 18 meters. The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions at this dive site. It's always advisable to check with local dive operators for real-time current reports before diving.