Water Sports Centers in Zanzibar

If you have knowledge in water sports such as diving, surfing, SUP, or kite surfing, you can work as an instructor or assistant depending on your qualification level. Previous water sports knowledge is not required: without qualifications, you can help with safety briefings, introduce beginners to equipment usage, manage materials, assist with larger groups, and work in support, sales, marketing, or administration. This will give you a good insight into the operation of a water sports center, allow you to make contacts, and have fun!

Below, you will find profiles of some water sports centers with which we cooperate for water sports internships in Zanzibar:

Diving and Water Sports Center in Kendwa

A company operates two water sports centers in Kendwa, in the north of Zanzibar. Both centers offer diving, fishing, snorkeling, sailing tours, kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, and other water sports activities. The dive centers have PADI 5* IDC classification and offer a complete range of diving courses from beginner trial courses for novices to Open Water Scuba Instructor for those seeking professional qualifications.

One water sports center is located within a luxury hotel, while the other is independent of any hotel and situated on a beach mostly frequented by younger and more budget-oriented tourists. Interns are deployed at both locations. They are expected to have a professional attitude. Interns get involved in sales, administration, maintenance/storage/handling of equipment, and instructing water sports activities, depending on their knowledge level.

You would get involved 6 days a week. Unfortunately, accommodation and meals cannot be provided. However, the center offers free diving courses to participants, allowing you to advance from one PADI level to the next.

Hotel in Michamvi

A hotel in Michamvi offers guests complimentary canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling in the nearby bay. You will manage the equipment, provide introductions for beginners, and accompany groups. Experience as a sports instructor, hotel animator, etc., is an advantage. Accommodation and meals are provided, as well as a small allowance.

Kite Surf Center in Jambiani

A kite surf center in Jambiani accepts participants who have experience in kite surfing and can instruct vacationers. Accommodation and meals are provided.

SUP Center in Zanzibar

Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) is a trend on Zanzibar’s coasts. Participants stand on a surfboard and paddle on the sea or through mangrove zones. There are different trips like "Sunset SUP," "Surf, SUP & Snorkeling," "Mangrove SUP," and even "SUP Yoga." During tours through the mangroves, explanations are given about the ecological importance of the mangroves. Part of the income is used for mangrove protection. The aim is to work closely with the local population, involve them in this new form of tourism, and inspire them to preserve the coastal zones. SUP in Zanzibar is thus both a sporting activity, an interesting excursion, and a contribution to coastal conservation.

Participants can be involved in various ways depending on their interests and skills: they can lead SUP tours, help with planning, organizing, and booking, train local guides on environmental issues, develop new ways for local communities to benefit from SUP tourism (tourism development), and engage in product development and marketing.

No prior knowledge is required; SUP can be quickly learned. Unfortunately, accommodation and meals cannot be provided, but in exchange for your effort, you can get free surf lessons. Participation is not possible during the rainy season (March, April, May, November).