Unguja is Zanzibar’s biggest island. Unsurprisingly, it is famous for its gorgeous beaches, such as Uroa Public Beach, and lush landscapes. You can try different outdoor and underwater activities throughout your visit. Enjoy wildlife viewing, particularly in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park. Moreover, birdwatching is another pastime you might like, especially every afternoon. Species in the area include hornbills and kingfishers. Of course, an island this stunning has abundant marine life. You will see vibrant coral reefs, dolphins, sea turtles, and numerous creatures when you snorkel. To make the most of your holiday and explore Zanzibar’s finest diving spots, check out the best dive resorts in Unguja, Tanzania, below.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to diving spots, equipment, and diver education. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 27, 2025.
1. Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa - Relais & Chateaux; Paje (from USD 610)
Varied and excellent quality, but with some room for improvement in terms of food quality and variety.
High-end pricing, with some services and extras being expensive.
Perfectly situated just steps from the beach, but a bit far from other Zanzibar activities.
Gorgeous beachfront location with spacious villas, private pools, and attentive butler service.
Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa - Relais & Chateaux boasts an idyllic beachfront setting in Paje. It features many recreational facilities, such as a swimming pool and sun beds by the beach. For kids, a paddling pool is available.
You can enjoy various activities, such as diving and snorkeling, throughout your stay here for an additional charge. As you explore underwater, you will see abundant marine life and stunning corals. You can also receive certification. Moreover, complimentary yoga classes are available to help you restore your inner balance after time in the water.
2. Geo Zanzibar Resort; Jambiani (from USD 91)
A small establishment in Jambiani, Geo Zanzibar Resort promises attentive beachfront hospitality. It provides airport shuttle services 24 hours a day, helping you quickly get to and from the property. Between 8am and 9:30am daily, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast before exploring the island by trying different activities. If you love the ocean, you can go diving off site. Do note that you will have to pay a separate fee for this amenity.
Furthermore, the reception is open 24/7, so it will be ready to assist you with concerns at any time of the day.
Marea Boutique Hotel
Address: Geo Zanzibar Resort Jambiani 1 Jambiani
3. Hakuna Majiwe Beach Lodge; Paje (from USD 121)
Hakuna Majiwe Beach Lodge will provide a tranquil escape in Paje with its picturesque coastal setting. With only 20 bungalows, it guarantees privacy throughout your stay. Diving is one of the most popular activities here. After all, Zanzibar has more than 20 dive sites suitable for beginners and experienced divers. When you dive, you will encounter different species, such as angelfish, clownfish, crayfish, lionfish, and parrotfish. You might even see dolphins while underwater, ensuring a truly magical experience.
You need not worry about where to eat because this resort has an on-site restaurant, Tradewinds, serving dishes with local ingredients.
Hakuna Majiwe Beach Lodge
Address: South East Coast Zanzibar
4. Villa Serenity; Paje (from USD 72)
Offering sophisticated oceanfront accommodations in Paje, Villa Serenity will be an excellent base camp for leisure travelers. It features five tastefully decorated villas, each with a private swimming pool. Whenever you need to relax, you can take an intimate dip or lounge on the sun beds.
Various excursions await you during your stay here. One of the top activities is diving, which comes with additional fees. If you want to swim and play with dolphins, you can join the half-day excursion exploring the island’s southern area.
Villa Serenity, Tanzania Unforgettable
Address: Paje Beach
5. Pearl Beach by Sansi; Michamvi (from USD 98)
Pearl Beach by Sansi is in Michamvi, which is only a 90-minute drive from Stone Town. The establishment provides direct access to three private beaches so that you can easily enjoy the sea.
This resort can also help organize excursions for you, with activities including scuba diving and snorkeling for an additional charge. While you are busy exploring the ocean, the children can play in the kid’s corner. Furthermore, on Mondays and Wednesdays, certified instructors conduct yoga classes in the yoga pavilion.
Pearl Beach by Sansi
Address: Michamvi Zanzibar
6. Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa; Uroa (from USD 87)
If you seek a home away from home in Uroa, Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa will be suitable for you. It has 104 modern guest rooms, a restaurant, and a wellness center. There’s also an infinity pool where you can try your hand at diving.
Thanks to the 24-hour reception here, you can easily book excursions anytime. Zanzibar is known for its abundant underwater scenery, so ensure you try diving and snorkeling during your vacation here. Do note that diving activities will incur additional charges.
Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa
Address: Marumbi Road Uroa
7. Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar; Kizimkazi (from USD 161)
Delicious and varied food options, with attentive and friendly restaurant staff.
Reasonable pricing for all-inclusive packages with good value for money.
Secluded and exclusive location, providing a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
Beautiful private beach, spacious rooms, lovely pools, and engaging evening entertainment.
Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar is an ideal home base for leisure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts staying in Kizimkazi for a few days. Aside from tastefully decorated guest accommodations, it features a jungle spa offering different body and beauty treatments.
This resort can also arrange various activities for you, especially if you want to explore the ocean. It partnered with Eagle Ray Diving Center to ensure you can go diving no matter what your skill level is. If you’re more experienced, go on a diving trip that involves two dives and a light meal in between. For beginners, join a fun dive under the watchful eye of trained experts. Longer excursions over several days are available here too.
Fruit & Spice Wellness Resort Zanzibar
Address: Mchangamle
8. Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa; Pingwe (from USD 118)
Good variety and quality of food at breakfast and themed restaurants, but some found the pricing high and variety limited.
Reasonable pricing for room upgrades and amenities, but meals can be expensive.
Beautiful beachfront location with stunning views, but some guests found it isolated from other attractions.
Variety of facilities including pools, beach access, spa, and entertainment. Some maintenance issues reported.
Nestled on a secluded beach in Pingwe, Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa is only 0.2 km (0.12 mi) from a huge natural swimming pool.
It has an on-site diving center with experienced instructors who can teach you all the diving basics. With the professional diving equipment available, you can have a seamless experience exploring the sea. During your dive, you will encounter numerous species, such as anemones, lionfish, and lobsters. Specifically, the diving center has 15 full sets of diving equipment for rent. Two diving boats are also available to take you to different dive sites.
Karafuu Beach Resort & Spa
Address: Off Pingwe Main Road, North
9. Zanziblue; Matemwe (from USD 225)
Zanziblue will give you the peaceful change of scenery you need with its scenic beachfront setting in Matemwe. It can arrange specific activities for you to maximize your beach getaway too.
With a short car ride and boat ride, you can reach Mnemba Island, one of the area’s most sought-after sites for scuba diving. A half-day trip leaves at 7:30am. When you dive here, you will see plenty of fish and coral reefs up close. If you need the help of a professional diver, this resort can make the necessary arrangements for you.
Zanziblue Boutique Villas
Address: Kilimajuu
10. Waikiki Resort Zanzibar; Pwani Mchangani (from USD 81)
Committed to helping you rest, recharge, and have fun in Pwani Mchangani, Waikiki Resort Zanzibar will provide well-appointed guest rooms and various activities. It has a diving center that can arrange diving and snorkeling excursions for you for an extra charge. Through these excursions, you can discover the island’s wonderful underwater world.
Every Friday night, you can cap off a long week at the Beach Club’s famous Friday Night Party. Dance to the beats, enjoy good drinks, and meet other guests during the event, which usually runs from 10:30pm to 2:30am.
Waikiki Resort Zanzibar
Address: Pwani Mchangani Beach
Discover Unguja’s marine life
Unguja is known for its breathtaking coastal scenery and abundant marine life. Check out the best dive resorts in Unguja, Tanzania, above as you prepare for your adventure!
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