About this spot
Leven Bank is a challenging deep-water dive site located near Zanzibar, Tanzania. The site features impressive underwater topography that descends from 18 meters down to 40 meters, making it suitable only for advanced divers with solid experience in deep diving and current work. The bank structure creates dramatic walls and drop-offs that attract pelagic activity and schooling fish. Divers can expect strong water movement at this site, which demands good buoyancy control and solid finning technique. The site is not within a marine protected area, giving it a wilder, less-trafficked character than many Zanzibar dive destinations. Access to Leven Bank typically involves boat diving from operators based in Zanzibar's main ports. The journey to the site takes moderate boat time, and conditions can vary depending on season and daily weather. This is a site where experience matters—divers should be comfortable with deeper depths, reading currents, and navigating without relying on shallow reefs for reference. The dive community has documented the site in a small number of videos, providing some reference material for planning and technique review before a visit.
📖 Guide: Diving in Tanzania: 11 Sites from Manta Rays to Deep Walls
Dive types
Trip essentials
Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.
Trip checklist
- 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
- 📔 Dive logbook
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
- 🔌 Plug type D/G · 230V adapter
- 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
- 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact
Quick facts
- 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
From your departure country
- Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
- Flight: 11h · with connection
- Jet-lag: 8h east · 6 days recovery
FAQ
›When is the best time to dive Leven Bank?
Leven Bank can be dived year-round, though seasonal conditions will vary. Consult with local operators in Zanzibar for current weather, current patterns, and visibility forecasts before booking.
›Is Leven Bank suitable for recreational divers?
No. Leven Bank is rated advanced and demands deep diving experience, strong buoyancy control, and comfort with currents. The 18–40 meter depth range and exposed position make it unsuitable for entry-level or intermediate divers.
›What marine life will I see at Leven Bank?
The bank's depth and open-water position attract pelagic fish and schooling species typical of deep Tanzanian waters. Exact species vary by season and day; check with local dive operators for recent sightings.
›Do I need permits or special access to dive here?
Leven Bank is outside a marine protected area. Book with a licensed dive operator in Zanzibar; they handle all logistics, boat access, and local compliance. No special permit beyond normal diving credentials is required.
