Pemba Island, Zanzibar’s less-visited northern neighbour, sees a fraction of the tourist numbers, keeps its clove and spice plantations genuinely working rather than performed for visitors, and offers some of the best diving anywhere on the East African coast, with dramatic drop-offs just offshore.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive Pemba Island
A flight to Pemba via Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, transferring to your beach lodge.
Diving or Snorkelling, Pemba Channel
A morning of diving or snorkelling along Pemba’s dramatic coral walls, considered among the finest diving sites in East Africa.
As above
Beach Day and Spice Farm Visit
A free morning on the beach, with an optional afternoon visit to a working clove and spice plantation.
As above
Departure
A flight to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam for your onward connection.
Permits & Costs
| Domestic flight to Pemba | Quoted separately |
| Diving/snorkelling excursions | ~$80–$120 per person |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who’ve done Zanzibar before, or specifically want quieter beaches and world-class diving over Zanzibar’s busier resort scene.
Tour Includes
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Airport/resort transfers
Tour Excludes
- Domestic flight to Pemba
- International flights
- Diving/snorkelling excursions
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance (a policy covering diving is recommended)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pemba’s diving really better than Zanzibar’s?
Many experienced divers rate it more highly, largely due to the dramatic drop-offs in the Pemba Channel and significantly less diving traffic than Zanzibar’s more popular sites.
Is Pemba suitable for non-divers?
Yes — the beaches and spice plantation visits stand on their own, and snorkelling is a gentler alternative that still shows off the same reef systems.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your existing itinerary and travel dates and we’ll confirm the extension within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.