Zanzibar's reef system is genuinely world-class, and a quiet day trip to nearby Uzi Island rounds out a side of the archipelago that beach time alone doesn't cover.

Diving in Zanzibar

Zanzibar's surrounding waters are regularly ranked among the world's top diving destinations, with more than 80 accessible dive sites offering dramatic drop-offs, caves and arches. Turtles, barracuda and rays are all regular sightings, and the range of sites — from shallow reef suited to newer divers to deeper, more technical spots — means the island works for a wide range of experience levels rather than just advanced divers.

Uzi Island

A short ferry ride from Zanzibar's main island, Uzi Island makes an easy, quieter day trip — bring snorkel gear to explore the surrounding coral, or stop for a fresh seafood lunch in one of the small fishing villages that dot the island.

Jozani Forest, corrected

Jozani Forest remains one of the few indigenous forests left in East Africa, and its signature resident is the Zanzibar red colobus monkey — found nowhere else on Earth, not a lemur as sometimes mistakenly reported (lemurs are exclusive to Madagascar). The forest also holds a range of birdlife and other wildlife alongside the colobus population. We've covered Stone Town, the spice tour and Jozani in more depth in our Stone Town guide and spice farms guide.

Ready to plan a trip? Take a look at Quintrip's Zanzibar holiday packages to build diving or an Uzi Island day trip into your itinerary.

A few practical questions

Do I need to be an experienced diver to dive in Zanzibar? No — sites range from beginner-friendly shallow reef to more technical spots for experienced divers.

How do I get to Uzi Island? A short ferry ride from Zanzibar's main island; check current schedules locally or through your resort.

Is Jozani Forest suitable for kids? Yes — it's a guided walk rather than a strenuous hike, and seeing the red colobus monkeys is a strong draw for children.

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