Coast & Islands · Zanzibar Archipelago
Honeymooners' Paradise
Set 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Zanzibar and long in its shadow, those who do travel to the wonderful island of Pemba are seldom disappointed. Not many know of this island off the Tanzania coast, but it offers a spectacular experience all of its own, with a unique topography and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to stay in an underwater hotel room.
Covered in forest and spice plantations and ringed by great beaches, it’s still early days for tourism to Pemba, which makes it perfect for people looking for a Tanzania beach holiday without the crowds. Pemba also offers swimmers easy access to the coral reef at low tide, a memorable experience for snorkellers.
- One of Africa's best scuba diving locations
- Magnificent underwater walls and excellent topography
- Forest, clove and spice plantations inland
- Easy reef access at low tide for snorkellers
Good to Know
Pemba Island at a Glance
Wildlife You May Spot
Location
50km north of Zanzibar, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago.
Best Time
June to October for dry, sunny weather; December to February is hot and clear.
Diving
Wall dives and drop-offs rated among the finest anywhere in Africa.
Getting There
Short flight or ferry from Zanzibar, with onward connections to Dar es Salaam.
- Reef Fish
- Manta Ray
- Green Turtle
- Hawksbill Turtle
- Dolphin
- Pemba Flying Fox
- Coral Gardens
- Moray Eel
Things to Do
Dive the Walls, Then the Spice Farms
The diving is the reason most people come. Steep walls drop away from the reef edge, the water is clear, and the sites see a fraction of the traffic of Zanzibar’s more popular spots.
Above water, the island is covered in forest and clove plantations, and a spice tour makes an easy half-day. The beaches are among the most beautiful in Tanzania, and arguably in all of Africa.
- Wall diving and drift dives on the western reefs
- Snorkelling straight off the reef at low tide
- Clove and spice plantation tours
- A stay in an underwater hotel room
The Quieter Island
Pemba is a world away from Unguja. Tell us your dates and diving experience and we’ll match the resort.