Pemba Island

About Pemba Island

Pemba Island is Zanzibar's less-visited, more pristine sister island. Located 50 kilometers north of Unguja (main Zanzibar), Pemba is greener, hillier, and far less developed — making it the perfect destination for travelers seeking untouched beaches, world-class diving, and authentic Swahili culture without the crowds.

The island's nickname, 'the Green Island,' comes from its lush vegetation — clove plantations, mango groves, and dense tropical forest cover much of the interior. The coastline features some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, with over 40 coral species and hundreds of fish species.

Pemba's diving is considered among the best in East Africa. The Misali Island Marine Conservation Area, off the western coast, offers pristine coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and encounters with dolphins, sea turtles, and whale sharks (seasonal).

The island's Swahili culture is deeply authentic — there are few tourists, so you'll experience daily life as it has been for centuries. The traditional dhow-building industry is still active, and the island's clove production remains economically important.

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