Stone Town & West Coast – Tanzania Diving

About Zanzibar – Stone Town & West Coast

Stone Town, the UNESCO World Heritage capital of Zanzibar, serves as the cultural and logistical hub for western coast diving. The region features the extraordinary Chumbe Island Coral Park, a fully protected marine sanctuary with over 100 coral species in a model ecotourism operation. Bawe Island offers coral slopes with giant morays and exceptional nudibranch diversity, while Pange Reef provides macro opportunities with pipefish and mantis shrimps. Lulumbi Reef features schooling surgeonfish and occasional eagle rays on a sloping wall. The scattered Stone Town wrecks in the harbour channels add historical interest to the diving programme. Beyond the underwater experiences, Stone Town itself is one of the most culturally rich destinations in East Africa with its labyrinthine alleys, carved wooden doors, spice markets, and rooftop restaurants. The proximity to the airport and ferry terminal makes this region the natural first or last stop for any Zanzibar diving itinerary.

Highlights

• ✓Chumbe Island Coral Park with 100+ coral species in a protected sanctuary
• ✓Giant morays and exceptional nudibranch diversity at Bawe Island
• ✓Macro paradise at Pange Reef with pipefish and mantis shrimps
• ✓Historical Stone Town wrecks from the dhow trade era
• ✓UNESCO World Heritage Stone Town with extraordinary cultural heritage
• ✓Close proximity to airport and ferry terminal

Getting There

Stone Town is accessed via Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) located just outside the old town, or by fast ferry from Dar es Salaam (2 hours). The airport receives international flights from Nairobi, Doha, Istanbul, and Johannesburg. The ferry terminal is within walking distance of most Stone Town hotels. Dive boats depart from the Stone Town waterfront with 10-20 minute transfers to the nearby reef sites.