| Location | Indian Ocean, northern Tanzania, north of Unguja (Zanzibar) |
| Nearest airport | Pemba Airport (PMA), near Chake Chake |
| Flight from Zanzibar | Approx. 30 to 40 minutes |
| Best season for diving | June to October (dry season, calmest seas) |
| Marine protected area | PECCA (Pemba Channel Conservation Area) |
| Endemic wildlife highlight | Pemba flying fox (Pteropus voeltzkowi), seen near Wete |
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); USD widely accepted |
Pemba Island is the wildest and most tranquil side of the Zanzibar archipelago. A 30 to 40 minute flight from Stone Town, it mixes pristine reefs, spice villages and boutique hotels facing turquoise lagoons. If you are looking for beach + top-notch diving and without crowds, Pemba Tanzania is your place. Here's how to get there (plane and ferry), what to see and do, the best hotels in Pemba -including the famous underwater room-, and the reminder not to confuse it with Pemba Mozambique (Cabo Delgado), where the Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa is located.
Pemba in 10 seconds
- Where is it:north of Unguja (the better known “Zanzibar”), in the Tanzanian Indian.
- Capital:Chake Chake, next to Pemba Airport (PMA, Karume).
- Why go there:reefs of the PECCA (Pemba Channel Conservation Area), Misali Island for snorkeling and scuba diving, boutique lodges and starry sky nights.
- Unique fauna:the Pemba flying fox, endemic flying fox with “wow” wingspan.
How to get to Pemba (flights and ferry)
By air (recommended).There are Zanzibar (ZNZ) ↔ Pemba (PMA) flights several times a day with domestic airlines such as Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Flightlink, Air Tanzania or ZanAir. There are also connections to Dar es Salaam, Tanga or Arusha. Take into account luggage: soft luggage and typical limits of 15, 20 kg are required on airplane flights.
By sea (adventurous option).A Zanzibar to Pemba ferry operates on specific days (Azam Marine/Kilimanjaro/Zanfast, depending on the season). Buy in advance and confirm the departure closest to your dates: the journey is long and sensitive to the sea.
Practical advice:If you're only a few days away, fly. If you fancy the maritime experience, the ferry works, but it is not always the most agile option.
When to go (weather and sea)
Dry (June, Oct):calm seas and great visibility under water.
Green (Nov, Dec, March, May):intense landscapes; there may be wind/waves that affect some exit.
Scuba diving all year round:Pemba exhibits walls, channels with current and coral gardens. You'll find turtles, bumphead parrot fish, blacktip sharks and more.
What to see and do in Pemba
Island Model (PECCA)
Uninhabited island with excellent corals, minimal coves and postcard water. It is visited on a day trip from the west coast.
Snorkelling and scuba diving (Pemba Channel)
Deep walls, falls and delightful drifting dives. There are soft spots for beginners and others with current for experienced divers. Many centers operate within the PECCA and around Misali.
Pemba flying fox (Wete)
The Pemba flying fox is endemic. In the Wete area there are sleepers where you can observe them without disturbing them. It is photogenic (telephoto lens recommended).
Species villages and local life
Clove, cinnamon, vanilla... Pemba lives from agriculture and fishing. Stroll through the markets of Chake Chake or Mkoani and visit spice farms.
Beaches and lagoons
Cove after cove on the west coast, with mangroves and photogenic tides, and sandbanks to the north. Perfect for walks, pemba diving, kayaking or naps without crowds.
Planning a Tanzania safari before Pemba?
Pair your Pemba Island stay with one of our guided Tanzania safari routes, departing from the mainland and ending on the archipelago. 6 days, from 2.095 € per person. Tanzania - Classic Safari
Where to sleep: hotels in Pemba (Tanzania)
The Manta Resort (Pemba Island, Tanzania)
Remote eco-lodge in the north. Famous for its Underwater Room: a floating house-suite with a glass-enclosed submerged bedroom. It is the icon of “pemba island underwater room” and “pemba underwater hotel”.
Fundu Lagoon (southwest of Pemba)
Classic luxury barefoot with own boat and PADI 5 ★ diving center. Elegant tents, wooden walkways and exits to Misali. Ideal for “pemba island diving”.
The Aiyana (North Pemba)
Minimal-chic villas in front of a jade lagoon. Perfect for couples looking for elegant calm.
Other boutique options: guest houses and small lodges on the west coast. If you are looking for “pemba zanzibar hotels”, “pemba island hotels” or “hotel Pemba Island Tanzania”, filter by location (north vs southwest) and confirm transfers from PMA.
Suggested Itineraries
3 nights(Getaway from Zanzibar). Day 1 flight ZNZ → PMA, afternoon snorkeling. Day 2 Misali + sunset. Day 3 spice route and relax.
5, 6 nights(scuba diving + relax). Base at Fundu Lagoon or The Aiyana, with 3, 4 days of dives and a visit to Wete to see the flying fox.
7, 9 nits(honeymoon or slow trip). 2, 3 nights in the north (quiet lagoons) + 3, 4 in the southwest (Misali and sea). If you come on safari, combine Serengeti → Zanzibar → Pemba Island by flight.
Pemba Island (Tanzania) vs Pemba Mozambique (don't get confused!)
On the internet, “Pemba” is also the city of Pemba in Cabo Delgado (Mozambique), with its Pemba Bay, Pemba Port and urban hotels such as the Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa (also searched as avani pemba, avani pemba beach hotel, pemba beach hotel, pemba beach hotel Mozambique or pemba beach hotel and spa Mozambique).
This is not in Tanzania or the island of Pemba Zanzibar. If you are looking for Pemba Tanzania, think of The Manta Resort, Fundu Lagoon, The Aiyana, Pemba Lodge or similar. If you are looking for Pemba Mozambique, then yes: Avani Pemba Beach Hotel, Pemba Beach, Pemba City Mozambique, Pemba Cabo Delgado Mozambique and “pemba in Mozambique” are your terms.
Practical questions
How to get from Zanzibar to Pemba (how to get to Pemba Island/flights to Pemba).
The fast way is the flight ZNZ → PMA with domestic airlines. There is also a Zanzibar, Pemba ferry on specific days; it is longer and sensitive to the state of the sea.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations?
Tanzanian regulations apply (same as in Zanzibar). Check your visa, yellow fever if you have passed through a risk area, and antimalarial prophylaxis with your international vaccination center.
Is it a good place to go scuba diving if I'm a beginner?
Yeah. There are quiet points to start and others with current for advanced levels. Local centers place you in the right area every day.
Best area to stay?
North:gentle lagoons and calm (eg, The Aiyana, The Manta Resort).
Southwest:convenient access to Misali and the best points of pemba island diving (eg Fundu Lagoon).
Can it be combined with a safari?
Perfect: safari in Tanzania (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro) and end in Pemba. The typical route is the flight Serengeti/Arusha → Zanzibar → Pemba Island.
Ready to explore Tanzania, from the savannah to the sea?
Our Tanzania itineraries include the iconic parks and can be combined with a Pemba Island extension. Get in touch to build your perfect trip. 9 days, from 3.350 € per person. Tanzania - Crossroads of the Great Migration
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Pemba Island from Zanzibar?
The quickest option is a 30 to 40 minute domestic flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Pemba Airport (PMA) with airlines such as Coastal Aviation, Auric Air or Air Tanzania. A ferry also runs on selected days with Azam Marine or Zanfast, but the crossing is longer and can be affected by sea conditions, so flying is strongly recommended if time is limited.
Do I need a visa to visit Pemba Island?
Pemba Island is part of Tanzania, so standard Tanzanian entry requirements apply. Most nationalities need a visa, which can often be obtained online in advance or on arrival. You should also check whether yellow fever vaccination is required based on your recent travel history, and consult a travel health clinic about antimalarial prophylaxis before your trip.
Is Pemba Island good for beginner divers?
Yes. While Pemba is famous for advanced drift dives and deep walls in the Pemba Channel, local dive centres also operate sheltered, calm sites suitable for beginners and those completing their certification. Instructors assess conditions daily and assign divers to the most appropriate spots, so you will always dive at a level that matches your experience.
What is the best time of year to visit Pemba Island?
The dry season from June to October offers the calmest seas and best underwater visibility, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling. The green season (November to December and March to May) brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists, though some sea conditions can limit boat trips. Diving is possible year-round, with different species and conditions each season.
Can I combine a Tanzania safari with a stay on Pemba Island?
Absolutely. A popular itinerary links the mainland parks (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro) with a flight to Zanzibar and then on to Pemba. The contrast between the savannah and the coral reefs is one of Tanzania's great travel experiences, and the domestic flight connections make the logistics straightforward with good planning.
What is Pemba Island's Underwater Room at The Manta Resort?
The Manta Resort's Underwater Room is a floating suite anchored offshore in the north of Pemba Island. Its lower level sits beneath the surface with glass walls, giving guests a live view of the surrounding reef and marine life throughout the night. It is one of the most iconic and photographed accommodation experiences in the entire Indian Ocean.
| Location | Indian Ocean, northern Tanzania, north of Unguja (Zanzibar) |
| Nearest airport | Pemba Airport (PMA), near Chake Chake |
| Flight from Zanzibar | Approx. 30 to 40 minutes |
| Best season for diving | June to October (dry season, calmest seas) |
| Marine protected area | PECCA (Pemba Channel Conservation Area) |
| Endemic wildlife highlight | Pemba flying fox (Pteropus voeltzkowi), seen near Wete |
| Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); USD widely accepted |
Pemba Island is the wildest and most tranquil side of the Zanzibar archipelago. A 30 to 40 minute flight from Stone Town, it mixes pristine reefs, spice villages and boutique hotels facing turquoise lagoons. If you are looking for beach + top-notch diving and without crowds, Pemba Tanzania is your place. Here's how to get there (plane and ferry), what to see and do, the best hotels in Pemba -including the famous underwater room-, and the reminder not to confuse it with Pemba Mozambique (Cabo Delgado), where the Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa is located.
Pemba in 10 seconds
- Where is it:north of Unguja (the better known “Zanzibar”), in the Tanzanian Indian.
- Capital:Chake Chake, next to Pemba Airport (PMA, Karume).
- Why go there:reefs of the PECCA (Pemba Channel Conservation Area), Misali Island for snorkeling and scuba diving, boutique lodges and starry sky nights.
- Unique fauna:the Pemba flying fox, endemic flying fox with “wow” wingspan.
How to get to Pemba (flights and ferry)
By air (recommended).There are Zanzibar (ZNZ) ↔ Pemba (PMA) flights several times a day with domestic airlines such as Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Flightlink, Air Tanzania or ZanAir. There are also connections to Dar es Salaam, Tanga or Arusha. Take into account luggage: soft luggage and typical limits of 15, 20 kg are required on airplane flights.
By sea (adventurous option).A Zanzibar to Pemba ferry operates on specific days (Azam Marine/Kilimanjaro/Zanfast, depending on the season). Buy in advance and confirm the departure closest to your dates: the journey is long and sensitive to the sea.
Practical advice:If you're only a few days away, fly. If you fancy the maritime experience, the ferry works, but it is not always the most agile option.
When to go (weather and sea)
Dry (June, Oct):calm seas and great visibility under water.
Green (Nov, Dec, March, May):intense landscapes; there may be wind/waves that affect some exit.
Scuba diving all year round:Pemba exhibits walls, channels with current and coral gardens. You'll find turtles, bumphead parrot fish, blacktip sharks and more.
What to see and do in Pemba
Island Model (PECCA)
Uninhabited island with excellent corals, minimal coves and postcard water. It is visited on a day trip from the west coast.
Snorkelling and scuba diving (Pemba Channel)
Deep walls, falls and delightful drifting dives. There are soft spots for beginners and others with current for experienced divers. Many centers operate within the PECCA and around Misali.
Pemba flying fox (Wete)
The Pemba flying fox is endemic. In the Wete area there are sleepers where you can observe them without disturbing them. It is photogenic (telephoto lens recommended).
Species villages and local life
Clove, cinnamon, vanilla... Pemba lives from agriculture and fishing. Stroll through the markets of Chake Chake or Mkoani and visit spice farms.
Beaches and lagoons
Cove after cove on the west coast, with mangroves and photogenic tides, and sandbanks to the north. Perfect for walks, pemba diving, kayaking or naps without crowds.
Planning a Tanzania safari before Pemba?
Pair your Pemba Island stay with one of our guided Tanzania safari routes, departing from the mainland and ending on the archipelago. 6 days, from 2.095 € per person. Tanzania - Classic Safari
Where to sleep: hotels in Pemba (Tanzania)
The Manta Resort (Pemba Island, Tanzania)
Remote eco-lodge in the north. Famous for its Underwater Room: a floating house-suite with a glass-enclosed submerged bedroom. It is the icon of “pemba island underwater room” and “pemba underwater hotel”.
Fundu Lagoon (southwest of Pemba)
Classic luxury barefoot with own boat and PADI 5 ★ diving center. Elegant tents, wooden walkways and exits to Misali. Ideal for “pemba island diving”.
The Aiyana (North Pemba)
Minimal-chic villas in front of a jade lagoon. Perfect for couples looking for elegant calm.
Other boutique options: guest houses and small lodges on the west coast. If you are looking for “pemba zanzibar hotels”, “pemba island hotels” or “hotel Pemba Island Tanzania”, filter by location (north vs southwest) and confirm transfers from PMA.
Suggested Itineraries
3 nights(Getaway from Zanzibar). Day 1 flight ZNZ → PMA, afternoon snorkeling. Day 2 Misali + sunset. Day 3 spice route and relax.
5, 6 nights(scuba diving + relax). Base at Fundu Lagoon or The Aiyana, with 3, 4 days of dives and a visit to Wete to see the flying fox.
7, 9 nits(honeymoon or slow trip). 2, 3 nights in the north (quiet lagoons) + 3, 4 in the southwest (Misali and sea). If you come on safari, combine Serengeti → Zanzibar → Pemba Island by flight.
Pemba Island (Tanzania) vs Pemba Mozambique (don't get confused!)
On the internet, “Pemba” is also the city of Pemba in Cabo Delgado (Mozambique), with its Pemba Bay, Pemba Port and urban hotels such as the Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa (also searched as avani pemba, avani pemba beach hotel, pemba beach hotel, pemba beach hotel Mozambique or pemba beach hotel and spa Mozambique).
This is not in Tanzania or the island of Pemba Zanzibar. If you are looking for Pemba Tanzania, think of The Manta Resort, Fundu Lagoon, The Aiyana, Pemba Lodge or similar. If you are looking for Pemba Mozambique, then yes: Avani Pemba Beach Hotel, Pemba Beach, Pemba City Mozambique, Pemba Cabo Delgado Mozambique and “pemba in Mozambique” are your terms.
Practical questions
How to get from Zanzibar to Pemba (how to get to Pemba Island/flights to Pemba).
The fast way is the flight ZNZ → PMA with domestic airlines. There is also a Zanzibar, Pemba ferry on specific days; it is longer and sensitive to the state of the sea.
Do I need a visa or vaccinations?
Tanzanian regulations apply (same as in Zanzibar). Check your visa, yellow fever if you have passed through a risk area, and antimalarial prophylaxis with your international vaccination center.
Is it a good place to go scuba diving if I'm a beginner?
Yeah. There are quiet points to start and others with current for advanced levels. Local centers place you in the right area every day.
Best area to stay?
North:gentle lagoons and calm (eg, The Aiyana, The Manta Resort).
Southwest:convenient access to Misali and the best points of pemba island diving (eg Fundu Lagoon).
Can it be combined with a safari?
Perfect: safari in Tanzania (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro) and end in Pemba. The typical route is the flight Serengeti/Arusha → Zanzibar → Pemba Island.
Ready to explore Tanzania, from the savannah to the sea?
Our Tanzania itineraries include the iconic parks and can be combined with a Pemba Island extension. Get in touch to build your perfect trip. 9 days, from 3.350 € per person. Tanzania - Crossroads of the Great Migration
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Pemba Island from Zanzibar?
The quickest option is a 30 to 40 minute domestic flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Pemba Airport (PMA) with airlines such as Coastal Aviation, Auric Air or Air Tanzania. A ferry also runs on selected days with Azam Marine or Zanfast, but the crossing is longer and can be affected by sea conditions, so flying is strongly recommended if time is limited.
Do I need a visa to visit Pemba Island?
Pemba Island is part of Tanzania, so standard Tanzanian entry requirements apply. Most nationalities need a visa, which can often be obtained online in advance or on arrival. You should also check whether yellow fever vaccination is required based on your recent travel history, and consult a travel health clinic about antimalarial prophylaxis before your trip.
Is Pemba Island good for beginner divers?
Yes. While Pemba is famous for advanced drift dives and deep walls in the Pemba Channel, local dive centres also operate sheltered, calm sites suitable for beginners and those completing their certification. Instructors assess conditions daily and assign divers to the most appropriate spots, so you will always dive at a level that matches your experience.
What is the best time of year to visit Pemba Island?
The dry season from June to October offers the calmest seas and best underwater visibility, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling. The green season (November to December and March to May) brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists, though some sea conditions can limit boat trips. Diving is possible year-round, with different species and conditions each season.
Can I combine a Tanzania safari with a stay on Pemba Island?
Absolutely. A popular itinerary links the mainland parks (Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro) with a flight to Zanzibar and then on to Pemba. The contrast between the savannah and the coral reefs is one of Tanzania's great travel experiences, and the domestic flight connections make the logistics straightforward with good planning.
What is Pemba Island's Underwater Room at The Manta Resort?
The Manta Resort's Underwater Room is a floating suite anchored offshore in the north of Pemba Island. Its lower level sits beneath the surface with glass walls, giving guests a live view of the surrounding reef and marine life throughout the night. It is one of the most iconic and photographed accommodation experiences in the entire Indian Ocean.
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