

Best for beginner divers, 3-18m, boat entry, mild current.
Bawe Reef, located off the coast of Stone Town, features a combination of shallow reef and wall topography. The site offers depths ranging from 3 to 18 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Divers and snorkellers access the area via boat, as it is situated 5 kilometres from the shore. Conditions are generally mild with visibility between 10 and 30 metres. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving. Hazards include lionfish, sea urchins, sharp coral, stonefish, and the potential for strong currents. Facilities at the nearby dive shop include equipment rental, air fills, and rinse stations.
-6.15280, 39.13437
The stars of the show are the Green and Hawksbill turtles that can regularly be seen on the south side of the reef.
Located just off the coast of Stone Town, accessible by boat.
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-18m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
26-29°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Feb, Jun, Oct, Dec
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, with shallow reef areas and mild currents.
The site ranges from 3 to 18 metres in depth, with an average depth of 10 metres.
Yes, the long shallow reef on the south side of the island is ideal for snorkelling.
Access to Bawe Reef is by boat only, as it is located 5000 metres from the shore.
The best months to dive or snorkel at Bawe Reef are February, June, October, and December.
Diving at Bawe Reef in Stone Town requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Bawe Reef in Stone Town. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Bawe Reef in Stone Town. Water temperatures range from 26°C to 29°C.
Divers at Bawe Reef in Stone Town should be aware of lionfish, stonefish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Bawe Reef in Stone Town typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Bawe Reef in Stone Town typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.