Diving Zanzibar, December to February
Quick answer: Diving Zanzibar from December to February means the warmest water of the year (27–29°C), calm seas under the north-east monsoon and visibility of around 20–25 m. Scuba World Divers has two PADI 5-Star centres open on the island: Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel on the north coast and Jaz Elite Aurora in Michamvi on the east coast. Pick the one closest to where you are staying. Nitrox is free at both, and you save 10% when you book online.
Diving Zanzibar from December to February: the conditions
This is Zanzibar's second dive season. The north-east monsoon, known locally as Kaskazi, brings calm seas and the warmest water of the year. Our guide to the best time to dive in Zanzibar lists these values:
- December: 28°C, 20–25 m visibility; dolphins, turtles and reef sharks. It is peak holiday time, and the festive weeks fill up fast.
- January: 28°C, 20–25 m visibility; dolphins, turtles and reef sharks.
- February: 29°C, 20–25 m visibility; dolphins, turtles and macro life, with fewer visitors than in December and January. It is the top-rated month of the three in our guide.
A shorty is enough in these months, and a 3 mm suit is comfortable if you prefer full cover. Warm, clear and gentle conditions also make this the best season for a Discover Scuba Diving experience or a first PADI course. One honest note: whale sharks pass through from July to September, not in this season.
Kendwa Rocks: our base on the north coast
The centre at Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel was our first base in Zanzibar. You can dive the house reef or join half-day and full-day speedboat trips to local sites, including Mnemba Atoll. The published boat schedule has a double-tank trip in the morning (8:30–13:00) and a single dive in the afternoon (13:30–16:00), with sites changing according to weather and sea conditions.
From Kendwa the rotation includes the coral gardens of Tumbatu Island, Mnemba sites such as Kichwani (2–30 m, for all levels) and Aquarium, and Hunga Reef (10–22 m). Leven Bank, an open-ocean site with strong currents, is for experienced divers only. Our Zanzibar dive sites guide describes each site, and Why dive from Kendwa Rocks? covers the base itself. Phone: +255 741 032 584.
Jaz Elite Aurora: our base in Michamvi on the east coast
Our second base is inside the Jaz Elite Aurora resort in Michamvi, right on the water with the Indian Ocean on three sides. The centre runs daily boat trips, PADI courses from beginner to Divemaster, snorkelling excursions and full equipment hire. Its price list includes a speedboat snorkelling trip to Mnemba Island and a Blue Lagoon and starfish trip, so non-divers in the family have something to do too. Ask the team on arrival which dive sites are planned for the week, because the programme follows the sea conditions. Phone: +255 651 568 861.
Mnemba Atoll, the island's best-known dive area, lies off the north-east coast of Zanzibar's main island inside the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area. Both centres charge the marine park fee separately.
Kendwa or Michamvi at a glance
| Kendwa Rocks Beach Hotel | Jaz Elite Aurora, Michamvi | |
|---|---|---|
| Coast | North | East |
| Our base | First Zanzibar base | Second Zanzibar base |
| Diving | House reef; half-day and full-day speedboat trips | Daily boat trips |
| Boats | 2 RIBs, up to 10 divers each | 4 RIBs, up to 10 divers each |
| Classrooms | 1, air-conditioned | 2, air-conditioned |
| Discover Scuba Diving, 1 dive | $120 ($108 online) | $140 ($126 online) |
| PADI Open Water Diver | $490 ($441 online) | $575 ($518 online) |
| 2 boat dives, 1 day, own equipment | $110 ($99 online) | $140 ($126 online) |
| Nitrox for certified divers | Free | Free |
Prices include 15% VAT; marine park and long-distance surcharges are extra. For the full and current lists, see the Kendwa Rocks price list and the Jaz Elite Aurora price list.
Which centre should you choose?
- Go by where you sleep. The hotel transfer is free within 15 km of each base. If you are staying in the north, Kendwa is your centre; if you are on the east coast or at the Jaz Elite Aurora itself, dive from Michamvi.
- You want the northern sites. Tumbatu Island, Hunga Reef and Leven Bank are on the Kendwa schedule.
- You are learning to dive. Both centres teach PADI courses, with instruction in English, German, French, Dutch and Italian. The Open Water Diver course takes 3 to 4 days.
- You travel with snorkellers. Both centres run snorkelling trips; our article on snorkelling in Zanzibar has the details.
At both bases you dive with ScubaPro rental equipment and get a personal equipment box for your whole stay.
Frequently asked questions
Is December to February a good time to dive in Zanzibar?
Yes. It is the second-best window of the year after June to October, with the warmest water and calm seas.
Which wetsuit do I need?
A shorty is enough from December to February. A 3 mm suit works all year.
Will I see whale sharks?
Not in this season. Whale sharks are typically seen from July to September. From December to February, look forward to dolphins, turtles and reef sharks instead.
Can I dive Mnemba Atoll from both centres?
Both centres list Mnemba Atoll among the areas they visit. Trips depend on sea conditions, and the marine park fee is paid on top.
Should I book ahead for Christmas and New Year?
Yes. December is peak holiday time in Zanzibar, so reserve courses and dive days before you travel.
Book your Zanzibar dives
Kendwa or Michamvi, the water is warm and our teams are diving every day. See both centres on our Zanzibar page, book online and save 10% on courses and dive packages. Still deciding between the Indian Ocean and Egypt? Compare with our guide to diving the Red Sea in winter.