Pemba island hosts a fascinating, and often unique, array of colourful marine life that swarms on the pristine coral reefs. Steep walls drop off to undiveable depths, and the water stays deep and dark blue to within a few metres of the shore. The bottom then rises dramatically to form almost vertical cliffs topped by a shallow shelf, where the colour of the water becomes turquoise.

Spectacular shore dives do not always necessitate a long, cumbersome swim, and the shallows afford superb snorkeling conditions. In shallower water – mostly above 20m the walls are densely covered in coral growths and formations of every description; below that, colourful sponges and huge gorgonian sea fans adorn the sides.

Along the deeper waters of the Pemba Channel, the lush coral gardens often stretch as far as the eye can see; underwater visibility averages around 40 metres, and sometimes reaches up to 60m.

Here the big pelagic game fish – shoals of barracuda, kingfish, wahoo, tuna and jacks (caranx) – hunt together with large Napoleon wrasse, graceful manta rays and sharks. Pemba is indeed an underwater naturalist's dream, and the opportunity to discover, and even name a new species, is always present in this marine paradise.

Accomodation and activities

Yacht Karibu, a beautifully appointed 60 – foot ketch, lying at anchor in Jao Bay is a base from which to explore this Indian Ocean haven. Karibu is fully equipped with dive gear. Together with her sister ship “Sitra”, the yachts can offer accommodation for up to 10 people.

The two yachts have speedboats, dinghies and a small sailing boat for pottering about the creeks and bays or for picnics on long white empty beaches under shady trees.

In addition to watersports you days can be filled walking in the nearby Ngezi Forest, an untouched indigenous forest protected since the days of the Sultan, bird watching (several species are indigenous only to Pemba or taking a “Spice Tour” through the local clove plantations; an insight into a trade and culture unchanged for hundreds of years. A visit to Mesali Island Marine Reserve is a daylong trip that is an enchantment both visually and as an education.