Zanzibar (Unguja)

Before the Dive

• Verify certification, recent experience, medical declarations and whether refresher or supervised introduction is needed.
• Ask for the day's specific reef, depth limit, current estimate, tide timing, entry method, guide ratio and boat return plan. Do not demand a named site if the skipper changes it for conditions.
• Check spare oxygen, trained responders, functioning communications, SMB use, marine radio/mobile coverage and vessel capacity. Carry an accessible emergency contact and a clear surface separation plan.
• Do not enter wrecks, caves or overhangs without suitable overhead training and permission. Large reported wall depths do not change recreational certification limits.
• Follow no-stop dive planning, monitor your computer and allow a preflight surface interval. DAN suggests at least 12 hours after one no-decompression dive and 18 hours after repetitive/multiple-day no-decompression dives; longer is prudent for complex profiles or symptoms.

Snorkeling and Freediving

Require appropriate flotation and a guide for novices. A freediving session requires a trained one-up/one-down buddy system and active rescue supervision, not an unsupervised reef swim. Never combine breath-hold competitions, hyperventilation and solo depth attempts. Marine currents can exceed swim speed even near shallow lagoons.

Call local emergency services first for any life-threatening event and arrange immediate medical assessment. ZanAid lists a Zanzibar hyperbaric service led by a diving medicine specialist and asks people to confirm current chamber arrangements before transferring a patient. The clinic advertises Chukwani Road 60 and +255 777 777 112; this is not confirmation of round-the-clock chamber or ambulance availability. DAN's 24/7 hotline is +1-919-684-9111 for diving emergencies after contacting local emergency care. An injured diver may need emergency oxygen and urgent transport under a professional emergency plan. The CDC advises medical planning for malaria and vaccine risk, including Zanzibar. Buy private cover specifying scuba limits, decompression illness, recompression and evacuation; compulsory inbound insurance alone is not enough.

Marine Protected Areas

• Chumbe: Coral Reef Sanctuary is managed for no-take protection. CHICOP authorizes guided snorkeling for visitors but explicitly does not allow recreational scuba in its MPA. Private boats cannot independently moor for guest access.
• Mnemba: Regular tourist diving and snorkeling use the reef under conservation controls. The privately held island itself is not generally accessible to day visitors, and special-area fees apply subject to authority and operator confirmation.
• Western and southern areas: Marine access and fees can differ across Changuu-Bawe and Menai Bay conservation zones; obey ranger instructions, reef approach restrictions and any closure notifications.

Responsible Conduct

Maintain buoyancy, avoid touching corals, collecting animals or souvenirs, littering or putting anchors on live reef. Do not feed turtles, remove starfish from water, or claim dolphin encounters are guaranteed. Local government dolphin-watch guidance is relevant to Kizimkazi excursions; it is not permission to chase pods or pressure visitors into water. Ask operators about site permission and community restrictions, especially for wildlife interaction and any claimed spearfishing.