Serious diving
Deep channels, walls and healthy coral make it a favourite for experienced divers.
Islands & Beaches · Indian Ocean
Green hills, clove farms and deep reefs.
Pemba Island lies north of Zanzibar and feels quieter, greener and more local. Rolling hills are covered in clove and coconut plantations, and the coast is a patchwork of coves, mangrove channels and coral reefs. Pemba is known as a diver’s destination, with walls and channels that drop into deep water.
It is a good choice for travellers who have already seen the busy beaches of Zanzibar and now want something slower and less developed. Life moves at the pace of the farming villages and fishing boats, and visitors are welcomed warmly.
Away from the water you can visit a clove distillery, walk in the Ngezi Forest and explore small towns and old ruins.
Highlights
Deep channels, walls and healthy coral make it a favourite for experienced divers.
Visit farms and distilleries to see how spices are grown and processed.
Fewer tourists and a more traditional island atmosphere than Zanzibar.
Ngezi Forest and mangrove channels add easy nature to a beach stay.
Experiences
Boat dives and snorkel trips on the Pemba Channel and around small islands.
Learn how cloves and other crops are harvested and processed.
A guided walk in a remnant forest with wildlife and birds.
Paddle through mangroves and meet local communities.
What you may see
Underwater, expect reef fish, turtles, rays and large pelagic species in the channel. On land, look for forest birds and the Pemba flying fox, which is found only here.
Wildlife is wild. Sightings depend on season, weather and luck, and your guide will always put you in the best position.
Planning
Good weather and calm seas for most activities.
Warm, sunny and excellent for diving.
Some lodges close and sea conditions can be rough.
Most visitors fly from Zanzibar to Pemba in about 20 to 30 minutes, with connections from Dar es Salaam as well. Boat services run but take longer. We arrange the flights and transfers.
Small, relaxed beach lodges and dive resorts are scattered along the coast. We choose the right area for diving, relaxing or exploring.
Combine it with
Good to know
Still unsure? Send us your question and a planner will answer personally.
Pemba is best known for experienced diving, but there are also calm snorkelling sites and relaxed beach stays suitable for everyone.
The easiest way is by a short flight from Zanzibar, which we can include in your itinerary.
Conditions are generally good from June to October and from December to February.
Tell us when you want to travel and what you hope to see. We will reply with a plan.
