Diving Zanzibar: Breathing the Best Bubbles with Buccaneer

Diving Zanzibar // Breathing the Best Bubbles with Buccaneer

 

Ever since I first learnt to scuba dive in Nicaragua, I’ve wanted to experience the fantastic underwater world of Zanzibar in East Africa.

Perhaps it’s because that’s where my instructor first learnt her trade, or perhaps I just loved the idea of scuba in the exotic waters off the African coast, but whatever the reason the fact remains, diving Zanzibar has been on my bucket list for a long, long time.


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My diving Zanzibar experience was kindly sponsored by Buccaneer Diving but, as always, all views are my own.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.


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My Diving Choice

Zanzibar, Bucaneer Diving, Beach Sign

So, when I learnt that my overland Africa trip was going to include a stop on this island paradise, the first thing I did was research when and who to enjoy scuba diving in Zanzibar with.

And immediately I was struck by the fact one name kept coming up time and time again.

Buccaneer Dive Centre seemed to be the leading company with stacks of great reviews and plenty of experience under their belt.

But little did I realise at the time just how great these guys were.

 

Buccaneer Diving Zanzibar

Zanzibar, Bucaneer Diving, Paje Beach

The leading dive centre in East Africa, Buccaneer are a PADI 5 star IDC centre.

What this means, for those not in the know, is that this dive company are at the top of their game! In essence, they instruct the instructors!

As such, Buccaneer are the company you want to dive with in Zanzibar.

 

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Paje Location

Zanzibar, Paje, The Wetter The Better

Outside of their PADI recognition, another great reason I’d encourage anyone to blow some Zanzibar bubbles with these guys is their location.

Situated on the east of the island along the beautiful beach of Paje, their setting is truly spectacular.

Compared to the north of island – the other main hub for underwater fun – the pace of things is much more chilled in Paje and the long white stretch of sand even more stunning!

(From friends who dived further north on Zanzibar too, I’ve heard that the coral is definitely better in the Paje area too, and the underwater world less crowded with tourists as well.)

With its classic Indian Ocean scenery – turquoise azure waters to die for – even before you get in the water in Paje you’ll have fallen in love with the spot and, as such, I’d definitely advise allowing yourself at least 3 days to enjoy this incredible destination.

 

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Zanzibar Scuba Diving Review

Zanzibar, Bucaneer Diving, Setting

Due to the huge tidal ranges in this eastern part of the island (the water here goes out almost 1.8km), diving has to be timed just right.

Our trip left in the afternoon, which in contrast to the early dive start time I’m accustomed to, meant I was delighted to have a bit of sleep in and then the chance to explore the beach before heading to the dive shop, located next to the excellent Ebb & Flow Apartments where I stayed.

My diving Zanzibar experience with Buccaneer included 2 dives, which was perfect, because you’ll want at least this much time underwater to truly absorb the magic!

Each dive was 45 minutes long and between the 2 sites we had an excellent range of coral, fish and other marine life.

 

Safety Conscious

Zanzibar, Bucaneer Diving, Waves

The Buccaneer experience started with a very thorough briefing, which made me feel very reassured especially since I hadn’t dived since Australia’s Ningaloo Reef 11 months before.

This level of safety consciousness continued throughout my whole experience with Buccaneer Diving. In fact, I’d probably call these guys the most professional and customer-focused company I’ve actually dived with!

For a start, the sheer of volume of staff and their very helpful service was second to none.

There was almost 1 staff member to each diver and they really couldn’t do enough when it came to helping you set up your equipment and making sure you were safe and comfortable.

Buccaneer’s equipment was also excellent – clean and well-maintained – with their boats new and well-kitted out too.

 

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Marine Life

Zanzibar, Paje, Beach

And when it came to what we saw, we were truly spoiled!

From seahorses to octopus, moray eels to blue-spotted rays the diversity of marine life was outstanding.

We also saw a huge range of tropical fish, with clown fish, parrot fish, trumpet fish, squirrel fish and box fish all getting involved in the action!

Add to this, the fact that the coral off the coast of Paje was probably the best I’ve ever seen and I can definitely confirm that scuba diving Zanzibar is a worthy bucket list contender.

So, if it isn’t on your list yet, can I recommend you get it on there asap?!

And if it is already on your list, then make sure you breathe the best bubbles with Buccaneer. The whole experience really was second to none.

Click Here to Learn More About Buccaneer Dive Centre

 

4 thoughts on “Diving Zanzibar: Breathing the Best Bubbles with Buccaneer

    • Steph says:

      Ha ha guys, that’s exactly what’s happening to my list too! It’s a good thing though, you really don’t want to miss diving Zanzibar. Where else in the world would you recommend?

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