The dive sites off the coast of Zanzibar are many, varied and suitable for all levels of experience.  The most famous is Mnemba Atoll Marine Park, a reserve where fishing is banned to help stop the destruction of the reef.  Marine park fees are paid by all and the money goes back into the local community to help the same fishermen who have had to go else where.  Recently a new boat was added to their fleet courtesy of the marine park fees.  The scheme works too, there are large schools of fish to be seen here and a chance to see lots of turtles (the current record is twenty one turtles on a single dive!)

Next is Leven Banks.  This huge dive site with some strong currents comes up from the deep to within around fourteen metres from the surface and is where you are most likely to see big fish.  Schooling barracudas, big sting rays and the occasional shark can often be seen passing in the blue.  Even if the big guys don’t appear this is still an excellent site with large fan corals, schools of snapper and Moorish idols floating motionless as you are pushed along by the currents.  A very good dive for advanced divers.  

The local reefs closer to the dive centre are also worth a visit.  Ranging from ten to forty five minutes away they can easily be reached in a morning or afternoon and still give you plenty of time to relax on a beach afterwards and work on your sun tan.  Some of these reefs are stunning, with a large array of coral to be found and lots of smaller creatures such as nudibranches and mantis shrimp hiding in all the nooks and crannies.