Set off on a Pemba Coral Reef Safari on Pemba Island, Tanzania, and dive into the Pemba Channel. Renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, this area offers an unparalleled diving experience amid stunning coral reefs.
Guided by passionate naturalists, our small-group scuba safaris offer enriching, eco-friendly adventures, and 100% of proceeds go directly to support marine conservation through Blue Alliance Zanzibar.
Image © Manta Resort
The Pemba Coral Reef Safari takes place on the far northwestern tip of Pemba Island in Tanzania, overlooking the warm, clear waters of the western Indian Ocean and the vibrant Pemba Channel — Each safari comprises three guided dives, with the option of a night dive for qualified divers.
Our scuba safaris are led by a passionate naturalist and dive professional, providing an immersive experience through the marine ecosystems of Pemba Island and the Pemba Channel. Our guided experience aims to foster a deeper connection and understanding of marine wildlife, coral reefs, and the critical importance of Marine Protected Areas.
Designed with a low diver-to-guide ratio (maximum 2 divers per guide), these adventures ensure a gentler impact on the aquatic ecosystem — Small dive groups offer a more enriching personal journey for divers and create the opportunity for more intimate wildlife experiences that are impossible with larger groups.
Get certified with our Coral Reef Safari Distinctive Specialty.
Guided by your Ocean Journal and knowledgeable naturalist, learn about coral reef ecosystems, and the role of MPAs in conserving them.
By the end of your safari, you’ll be ready to answer a few questions, and receive your Distinctive Specialty Certification.
Image © Manta Resort
Pemba Island and the surrounding Indian ocean is a marine biodiversity hotspot — The island, with its bedrock of fossilised coral, plays host to 50% of Tanzania’s coral reefs, and the Pemba Channel is a critical marine migration route with no less than 13 cetacean species on record.
Our diving adventures take place in the 27,000-hectare Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA) on the northwest coast of Pemba Island. The area is home to 40 threatened marine species, rich mangrove and seagrass habitats and highly biodiverse coral reefs.
Pemba Coral Reef Safaris explore an expansive selection of dive sites; directly offshore from the resort, offering a wide variety of dive sites and experiences; 30-40 minutes away at Njao Gap, with its sheer walls and coral gardens; and 45-50 minutes away at Fundu Gap, featuring deep drop-offs, cooler water, and opportunities to encounter larger fish species.
Image © Manta Resort
The Pemba Coral Reef Safari operates from Manta Pemba Island, an exclusive hideaway overlooking the Pemba Channel. Best known for its one-of-a-kind Underwater Room.
The resort has made sustainability, conservation and community development pivotal to it operations and experience.
Not only can guests relax in a setting that blends traditional Swahili culture with modern comfort, enjoy fresh locally sourced cuisine, snorkel, dive, and dhow cruise at sunset — they also make a material contribution to conservation and local communities simply by staying at the resort.
By hosting the Pemba Coral Reef Safari, Manta extends this contribution.
Image © Manta Resort
Image © Manta Resort
To create the most immersive experience possible, we’ve crafted a bespoke Naturalists’ Toolkit specifically for the Pemba Coral Reef Safari. This toolkit includes:
Orientation display, which our guides use to set the stage for each safari;
Specially designed dive slates and identification cards for recording sightings and experiences, serving as both a record of underwater sightings and experiences and a tool for surface interval interpretive sessions;
A selection of guidebooks and digital apps which aid in wildlife identification and interpretation;
A comprehensive personal Ocean Journal for guests to document their adventures and deepen their understanding of coral reef ecosystems and marine wildlife.
Foster deeper connections with marine life
while embracing sustainable, regenerative travel.
Foster deeper connections with marine life
while embracing sustainable, regenerative travel.
We believe the best wilderness experiences are only possible with skilled guides and passionate naturalists leading the way.
We craft our trips to resonate deeply, leaving an emotional impact that educates, inspires, and cultivates meaningful connections with wildlife and conservation efforts.
Our Coral Reef Safari experiences embody the spirit of regenerative travel, emphasising the well-being of oceanic wildlife, local communities, our destinations, and our guests.
© BlueWild EcoVentures
