Diving Trip to Zanzibar and Pemba: Freediving, Coral Restoration, and a True Ocean Experience
Data
November 14, 2026 | March 10, 2027 |
Duration
12 days
Group size
2 to 12 people
Investment
€2870
Difficulty Level
Accessible
Impact
Coral Conservation
Payment Schedule
In 3 installments, including a €450 down payment
Zanzibar’s reefs are under pressure and bleaching at a rapid pace. Yet there are still places where the coral is holding on. On this trip, you’ll dive into that fragile world: working alongside conservation teams, you’ll help maintain coral gardens and learn firsthand what reef restoration looks like. Through freediving, you’ll experience the reef in a pure and quiet way. Afterward, we’ll travel on to Pemba Island, where you’ll dive in one of the region’s most pristine underwater worlds. A trip for people who don’t just want to watch, but also want to make a difference.
This expedition wouldn’t exist without Braze—a small team doing quiet, essential work in the Himalayas.
They connect climbers, guides, and local projects, proving that meaningful impact begins long before the first step on the trail.
or technical gear donated to climbers in Nepal
raised to support and train local guides
receiving new mountaineering equipment and educational support
unused equipment re-circulated through local partners
published after each expedition
Arrival in Zanzibar & Transfer to the Hotel
Arrive at Zanzibar International Airport and transfer to Stone Town. Check into your hotel, explore the historic alleys, and enjoy a quiet evening before the expedition begins.
Conservation Dives 1 and 2
The first two conservation dives, focused on reef awareness and responsible diving practices.
Conservation Dives 3 and 4
Continuation of conservation diving. More time underwater, building confidence and understanding of the local marine ecosystem.
Rest Day
A full day off to relax, explore the area, or enjoy the beach.
Freediving Course: Day 1
Introduction to freediving: breathing techniques, safety, and basic depth training.
Freediving Course: Day 2
Progression in freediving skills, with a focus on technique, relaxation, and underwater awareness.
Freediving Course: Day 3
Final day of freediving, focusing on refining skills and enjoying longer, calmer dives.
Rest day
Another rest day to recover, reflect, and enjoy Zanzibar at a slower pace
Fly to Pemba Island + Dives 1 and 2
Transfer to Pemba Island. The first two dives will take place in one of East Africa’s most pristine and challenging dive environments.
Pemba Island Dives 3 and 4
Further exploration of Pemba’s reefs, known for their strong currents, steep walls, and rich marine life.
Relaxation Day
A rest day on Pemba Island to recover from diving and enjoy the island's surroundings.
Transfer back to Zanzibar/the mainland
Return to Stone Town and fly home, or continue your journey on the mainland.
We treat the reefs, the ocean, and the people who work here every day to protect and restore them with respect. During this trip, you’ll contribute to conservation, but always in a way that is careful, locally guided, and responsible. We’re looking for participants who enter the water mindfully. People who dive calmly, keep their distance from the reef, don’t touch the coral, and understand that the underwater world isn’t just a backdrop, but a fragile ecosystem. Irresponsible diving, chasing animals, or being careless around the reef has no place on this trip.
See what's included in our price
Dates: March 10, 2026 & November 14, 2026
Dates: Feb. 25, 2026 & Oct. 31, 2026
Return flight Zanzibar ↔ Pemba Island
3 nights' accommodation on Pemba (shared rooms)
4–5 nights' accommodation in Zanzibar
Daily Breakfast
All local transportation (private cars and boats)
3 days of diving at the Misali Marine Reserve (6 dives total)
Coral restoration activities with local marine teams
Marine Park & Conservation Fees
3 days of freediving training with a certified instructor
Mangrove Planting Day at the Kisakasaka Community
Cold Ember Coordination
Daily briefings and safety support
Professional photos & candid expedition footage
Impact of contributions to local conservation projects
International flights to and from Zanzibar
Lunches & dinners (we keep this flexible to support local restaurants)
Diving equipment rental
(BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins — available on-site)
Personal travel insurance (required, with diving coverage)
Optional activities (kitesurfing lessons, snorkeling add-ons, massages, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages
Visa on arrival (if applicable)
Tips for local staff (optional but appreciated)
To confirm your spot, a deposit is required (€650)
. The next €900 is due four months before departure, and the remaining €1,950 two months before departure
. Once everything has been checked and is ready, the adventure begins.
All payments are made directly to Cold Ember euros.
You’ll receive a digital invoice and confirmation after each payment.
A full refund is available within 48 hours of booking.
After this period, your spot is confirmed and non-refundable, as we begin securing permits, staff, and logistics.
Travel insurance with high-altitude coverage (up to 6,000 m) is required.
Your policy must include emergency evacuation and medical treatment.
If the expedition is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances on our part, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule for a new date.
Booking is simple.
Choose your desired dates, add any extras you’d like, fill in your details, and secure your spot by paying the deposit after checkout.
You’ll then receive:
a confirmation email
the pre-expedition information pack
Your 8-Week Preparation Guide
access to the participants' WhatsApp group
We're here to help every step of the way. If you have any questions before booking, just reach out.
Absolutely not. We climb with a full local support team, just like any other expedition. The difference is that our porters carry less, and we carry more. We’ve chosen to shoulder the extra weight ourselves, but not at the expense of anyone’s job. Everyone on this mountain is still paid, supported, and respected, just as they should be.
We chose to carry a heavy load (about 20–25 kg) to better understand the reality of porters. It’s not about replacing their jobs—it’s about empathy, respect, and authentic storytelling.
You have the option to carry part of the load yourself, and many participants choose to do so to better understand the porters’ reality. But you should never feel obligated to push yourself beyond your safety limits. Our professional porters are always there to take over if the weight becomes too heavy, ensuring that the experience remains safe and respectful.
The expedition price covers all on-the-ground logistics: guides, porters, mountain lodging, meals, permits, and our environmental contribution. International flights and personal gear are not included. A clear breakdown of costs is provided before booking.
Beyond Kilimanjaro, we plan to offer additional adventure and impact packages, such as hikes combined with activities in Zanzibar (kitesurfing, diving, cultural immersion). These will follow the same philosophy: experience, storytelling, and local impact.
It isn't necessary, as long as you have resilience. Our expeditions are physically demanding, yet achievable. We help you train, and mental strength is just as important as physical strength.
Neither in the traditional sense. We’re a hybrid: an expedition and storytelling platform. That means every trip is designed to be both a transformative adventure and a film or documentary project, with a clear local impact.
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