Zanzibar, also known as Spice Island, is a beautiful archipelago located just east of Tanzania. Although it is part of Tanzania, it has had many influences from different nations over the years, including Persia who colonized the island. Zanzibar remained a Persian colony until the late 1800's. Zanzibar's economy is supported in large part by International tourists, who choose diving in Zanzibar as their holiday activity of choice. Interestingly, Freddie Mercury, former lead singer for the rock group Queen, was born in Zanzibar.
There are no real camping sites on the island, and accommodation is restricted to guest houses, hotels and resorts. Accommodation is pretty affordable, so even if you are on a budget you can still easily enjoy all that the island has to offer. Diving in Zanzibar is at its best between October and March when visibility is still good before the rain hits. Water temperatures in Zanzibar are relatively stable and warm all year round, which is ideal for diving and other water activities.
The old style Persian houses and the narrow streets are a welcome break from scuba diving in Zanzibar. The Island is filled with reminders of the old days of cloves, gold and ivory and, of course, the slave trade. In 1964, the Island formed a union with the new United Republic of Tanzania, yet still enjoys a high degree of autonomy within the union.
The capital, Zanzibar city, is the location of one of the Islands old quarter's, Stone Town, which has become a world heritage site. Its features include circular towers, carved wooden doors and beautiful mosques, which reflect its Arab past and include the House of Wonders. The town of Kidichi is home to the hammam (Persian baths), which were built by immigrants from Iran. Stone Town is boasts Zanzibar's most famous dive sites, as well as spectacular hard and soft coral reefs.
One of the best scuba diving locations in Zanzibar is the Big Wall near Mnemba Atoll, and is recommended for experienced divers. The Great Wall is a deep dive ranging between 30 and 50 meters and boasts colorful coral reefs and a number of marine species. This site has some dominant brain coral. Napoleon wrasse, snappers, turtles and tuna are often seen there.
Zanzibar's gentle seas and moderate dives are perfect for divers who are still getting comfortable beneath the waves. In addition, diving can compliment many other activities water-based activities. Diving in Zanzibar offers an ideal solution for families looking for a vibrant holiday destination.
Brandon wrote this article for Dive Time Diving in Zanzibar "Divetime.com is the premier Scuba diving destination on the internet, with a unique offering of Scuba related information and services to divers everywhere."
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