Water sports and leisure activities Tanzania

Kitesurfing is on the rise in Zanzibar. If Pajé is the Mecca, Kiwengwa beach is also well exposed to the wind, with a clear turquoise lagoon and a smooth surface ideal for kitesurfing. Duotone ProCenter is a renowned international kitesurfing school that also offers other contemporary board sports: kitefoiling, which gives the impression of floating on the water, wingfoiling, with a small sail between kite and windsurf, and stand-up paddle. Lessons for all levels and equipment hire.

This 5-star PADI dive center is owned by Utende's most economical hotel, Big Blue, which offers heavy tents to stay and dive in happiness. Its centre rents out all possible equipment, including underwater scooters! About thirty spots are proposed for diving to discover the wonderful reefs of Mafia. He also proposes various excursions on the island (Chole Island, Kua Lagoon and Ruins, Mange and Marimbani Sandbank, snorkelling, observation of sea turtles, whales and whale sharks...).

This diving club is one of the oldest on the island. It offers excellent diving and snorkeling in Mnemba and off Matemwe to the north. It is based in five hotels on the island, in Matemwe and Kiwengwa, as well as in Stone Town. The young, ultra-professional team is made up, in particular, of extremely well-trained locals for the various Padi levels. The program includes scuba diving and snorkeling in a dozen spots around the Mnemba atoll, where the water is so clear you can often see at 20 meters.

Zanzibar Watersports has two offices, in Kendwa (at Kendwa Rocks) and in Nungwi. It is one of the most renowned water sports centres on the North Coast. Snorkeling trips to Mnemba Island, with dolphins, but also scuba diving around the atoll, Pemba, on the coral reef of Tumbatu. It has three special boats for sport fishing, dhows for classic excursions (sunset cruises, etc.). Also available for hire (with or without lessons): windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, sailing, kayaking...

This 5-star PADI center has an excellent reputation, English speaking instructors and good equipment. It works with luxury hotels in Nungwi including the Z Hotel, and Essque Zalu. Diving is done from a traditional dhow boat or from one of the two fast Superducks. The centre offers trips to Mnemba Island as well as along the entire northeast coast, west side, around Tumbatu Island, around the neighbouring island of Pemba, to the southern cape or around the fabulous Missali Island marine protected area.

One of the most popular excursions in Zanzibar is the Dolphin tour, to observe these famous pods of dolphins, and, if you're fit enough, to swim with them. Hundreds of dolphins live in Kizimkazi Bay all year round. Early in the morning, you can watch them from the shore in tightly packed squads. The boats go far out to sea to find them, and drop you in their path. You then have to jump in quickly with mask and snorkel and swim in choppy waters, until they disappear into the depths. If you don't make too many sudden movements, they won't deviate. It's a magical moment. Some dolphins will interact with you, uttering their crystalline calls, and can be in a playful mood. The earlier you arrive, the more dynamic and playful they are, especially around 7-8 am. From a certain hour onwards, they're on the lookout for food and move further offshore, so the chance of encountering them is much rarer. In July and August, humpback whales can also be seen in this deep-water bay, unprotected by the coral reef that surrounds the island! Can be combined with Pungume (high-quality snorkeling and sandbar grilling).

Warning. This activity is not suitable for very young children, people who can't swim well (except to watch them) or who are afraid of boats - they can get a bit rocky in the open sea! The activity is also controversial. It raises questions about the methods used by local fishermen. Stalking dolphins, the continuous noise of engines, hordes of boats surrounding them, forcing them to deviate their trajectory. There are no ecological warnings, no marine ranger supervision... It's only a matter of time before the tourists jump on their backs! They had once become scarce in Kizimkazi Bay due to overcrowding... but have since returned as tourists have concentrated in Mnemba to swim with them. In fact, we strongly advise against this activity there, as the dolphins are even more harassed than at Kizimkazi, by around 30 boats from Nungwi, Muyuni and Kigomani. They are a little calmer towards Kizimkazi, where the waters are very rough, at the extreme south of the island, and therefore not very accessible to the crowds from the north, because it's far away... In June, the sea is too tossed about by the wind. High season is July-August and February. Try to ensure that your boat respects the tranquility of the groups of dolphins being tracked.

Those who love the Big Blue will be able tofreedive here, or try it out, thanks to courses given by a qualified instructor. The spots, accessible by boat, allow you to dive from 25 to 100 meters deep, depending on your level. The interest: by swimming like a fish in water, you do not make any more noise, the numerous dolphins swim with you in the depths in Kizimkazi. You can also admire the corals at Mnemba without a tank.

It's not only in Jambiani and Pajé that you can kite. This school is located in Kiwengwa, and it is run by Italians, like the bar-resto (nice to eat) and the hotel (opened in 2020) associated, and like many places on this beach! A chance to indulge in that tropical glide on smooth water, both at high and low tide, as you always have your footing here. The wind is quite constant for beginners who would like to test the experience, and the equipment is quite recent, sponsored by the brand Ozone.

This agency specializes in underwater fishing, both around Unguja and Pemba. Its fleet consists of 5 boats with room for 4 divers each, two of the larger boats being very fast and ideal for day trips to Latham Island. These trips target giant dogtooth tuna weighing up to 100kg, while Latham Island is usually the first place in the area for all game fish.