WWI Wrecks (Tanga) – Tanga & Northern Mainland Dive Site
Site Overview
WWI Wrecks (Tanga) is a remnants of German and British vessels from the 1914-15 campaign including parts of the SS Konig and other barges with scattered wreckage, cannon, and historically fascinating shallow dive sites dive site in the Tanga & Northern Mainland region of Tanzania, situated among the diverse reef systems and marine habitats that make this East African nation one of the Indian Ocean's most rewarding diving destinations. The site features depths from 5 to 20 meters with an average depth of 12 meters, offering an extraordinary underwater experience showcasing the exceptional coral health and rich biodiversity that Tanzania's coastal waters are celebrated for among experienced divers worldwide. Renowned for its encounters with Moray Eel, Lionfish, Batfish and other remarkable marine species, WWI Wrecks (Tanga) attracts divers seeking thrilling underwater adventures in one of the Indian Ocean's premier diving destinations. The Tanzanian coast creates a stunning underwater landscape of coral walls, channels, lagoons, mangrove-fringed islands, and seasonal pelagic aggregations that provide habitat for incredibly diverse marine communities. The Indian Ocean's warm currents and Tanzania's extensive marine protected areas support thriving populations of reef fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and seasonal whale sharks found in few other destinations. Visibility typically ranges between 15 and 35 metres with excellent conditions during the dry season from June to February. Water temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius depending on season making a 3mm shorty or full wetsuit standard equipment. WWI Wrecks (Tanga) consistently ranks among the top dive sites in the Tanga & Northern Mainland region, drawing dedicated divers who seek exceptional diving experiences combining dramatic underwater landscapes, extraordinary wildlife encounters, and the warm hospitality of coastal Tanzania.
Dive Briefing
"A typical dive at WWI Wrecks (Tanga) begins with entry from the dive boat, descending to the main reef formation at approximately 12 meters while orienting yourself and equalizing before exploring the remarkable Tanzanian underwater landscape. Once established on the main formation, divers should swim along the reef wall or coral garden exploring diverse habitats, moving between coral bommies, overhangs, and sandy channels while maintaining excellent buoyancy control to protect the reef ecosystem below. The most productive depth zone is between 5 and 15 meters where the highest concentration of reef fish species and photographic opportunities are abundant. Navigate along the reef edge watching for pelagic species in the deeper water, and check the overhangs and ledges where reef sharks, moray eels, and larger reef fish shelter from the current. Tanzanian reef environments require careful tidal current awareness at channel entrances and reef points, as conditions can change rapidly with tidal shifts. Monitor depth and NDL particularly near 20 meters on the deeper walls, and always maintain a conservative approach to dive planning given the distances to hyperbaric facilities. Scan the blue water for approaching pelagic species including eagle rays, manta rays, and tuna that patrol the reef edges. Conclude the dive with a slow ascent and a generous safety stop at 5 meters, deploying your DSMB before surfacing and signaling the dive boat for pickup."
Signature Marine Life
Moray Eel
Gymnothorax sp.
Best: June, July, August
Lionfish
Pterois miles
Best: June, July, August
Batfish
Platax orbicularis
Best: June, July, August
Soft Coral
Dendronephthya sp.
Best: June, July, August
Bannerfish
Heniochus sp.
Best: June, July, August
Glassfish
Ambassis sp.
Best: June, July, August
Nudibranch
Chromodoris sp.
Best: June, July, August
Giant Grouper
Epinephelus lanceolatus
Best: June, July, August
Safety & Hazards
- Strong tidal currents around channels and reef points requiring careful dive timing and DSMB deployment
- Marine life hazards including lionfish, stonefish, scorpionfish, and fire coral requiring careful buoyancy
- Boat traffic in popular diving areas requiring surface awareness and DSMB deployment
- Variable visibility during rainy season from March to May requiring careful site selection
- Remote diving locations with limited emergency medical facilities and extended evacuation times
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
WWI Wrecks (Tanga) is best suited for Advanced Open Water certified divers comfortable with moderate depths and potential current exposure in the Tanzanian marine environment. The site rewards experienced divers with dramatic wall formations, diverse marine communities, and the possibility of encounters with larger species including sharks, rays, and pelagic fish patrolling the deep water beyond the reef edge. Underwater photographers will find exceptional wide-angle opportunities with dramatic underwater landscapes as backdrops, while macro enthusiasts can document the extraordinary diversity of reef species. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques and DSMB deployment as conditions may require current management skills around exposed reef points and channel entrances.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Tanga Dive Centre
- Pangani Divers
- Swahili Divers
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, wreck, historical
Nearby Stay
Tanga Beach Resort
Tanga • 3km away
New Bagamoyo Beach Resort
Tanga • 5km away