Tanzania’s Wild Marine Frontiers

Pemba & Mnazi Bay

The Green Island of Secrets and The Last Frontier

Pemba Vibe

Hilly, Spice Trails, Low Tourism

Pemba Diving

Deep Walls & 40m Visibility

Mnazi Location

Extreme South (Mozambique Border)

Mnazi Vibe

Raw, Remote, Pure Exploration

Pemba Island — The Green Island

Geography & Marine Life

  • Pemba Channel: The coral shelf drops vertically into a 1,000 m-deep trench, driving enormous biodiversity.
  • Visibility: Exceptional 25–40 m, offering electric-blue water experiences.
  • Reefs: Over 40 dive sites including pristine vertical walls like Emerald Wall and Swiss Reef.
  • Fauna: Big pelagics (barracuda, tuna, reef sharks) and special sightings like manta encounters at Misali.

Top Experiences & Access

  • 1. Misali Island: The crown jewel for best all-round diving/snorkeling (40 m visibility, powder-white beach).
  • Wall Diving: Fundo Gap and Njao Gap for fast drift dives (advanced).
  • Land: Explore Ngezi Forest Reserve (Pemba flying fox colony) and the long, untouched Vumawimbi Beach.
  • Accommodation: Features the unique Manta Resort underwater room and eco-luxury bungalows.
  • Access: 30 min flight from Stone Town or Dar; best months July–March.
Blacksand Edge: "Pemba feels like time forgot it — an island still whispering in Swahili." Our guides pair reef dives with spice-farm picnics and mangrove kayaking.

Mnazi Bay — Tanzania’s Last Frontier

Ecosystem & Logistics

  • Ecosystem: Over 400 coral species (equal to Great Barrier density). Watch for dugongs, dolphins, and turtles.
  • Whale Route: Humpbacks pass offshore during migration July–October.
  • Access: Remote—1 hr flight Dar $\rightarrow$ Mtwara, then 1 hr 4x4 to Msimbati Peninsula.
  • Best Time: Dry season (Jun–Nov) for best visibility and calm seas.
  • Safety: Full comms (sat-phone, GPS) and logistical planning for this remote area.

Signature Adventures

  • 1. Off-the-Map Diving: Mnazi Bay walls and Msimbati Reefs—dramatic drop-offs and big pelagics.
  • 3. Ruvuma Estuary Trip: Boat trip through mangroves; chance to cross into Mozambique waters (permit-dependent).
  • 7. Camping Under Stars: Blacksand sets up minimalist ocean-edge tents—zero light pollution, pure silence.
  • Culture: Visit Msimbati fishing village or see the work of Makonde wood-carvers.