Zanzibar Tanzania fishing forecast
Zanzibar Tanzania is a saltwater fishing spot in Tanzania Coast, Tanzania. Anglers here target Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Atlantic Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Giant Trevally. The most productive months are typically October, November, December, January, February, March.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 26.3 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 19 km/h from SSE |
| Wave height | 0.2 m at 4 s |
| Current | 0.19 m/s toward NNW |
| Pressure | 1019 hPa |
| Depth | 9 m |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at Zanzibar Tanzania
Zanzibar Tanzania currently scores 96 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 26.3 °C. 8 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Zanzibar Tanzania:
About this spot
Open coastal saltwater — conditions and safety depend heavily on the live wind, wave, and tide forecast, so check them before you head out.
Approximate bottom depth: 9 m Depth is GEBCO-derived bathymetry, approximate only — not a nautical chart. Do not use for navigation or anchoring.
What you can catch
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Istiophorus platypterus
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Makaira nigricans
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Acanthocybium solandri
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Caranx ignobilis
Best months by species at Zanzibar Tanzania
| Indo-Pacific SailfishIstiophorus platypterus | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Blue MarlinMakaira nigricans | ||||||||||||
| WahooAcanthocybium solandri | ||||||||||||
| Giant TrevallyCaranx ignobilis |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents A sport fishing licence is required to fish for leisure in Tanzanian (mainland) waters under the Fisheries Regulations 2009. Sport fishing licences may be issued for a fortnight, one month or one year. "Sport fishing" is legally defined as fishing for leisure and not for sale — catch may not be sold. Inside a marine park (e.g. Mafia Island), additional Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU) entry/activity fees apply, and no fishing is permitted in a marine reserve without the Director's authorisation., non-residents Visiting anglers also need a sport fishing licence (fortnight / one month / one year) under the Fisheries Regulations 2009. A sport fishing VESSEL licence is 50.0 USD per vessel for citizens and non-citizens (higher fees apply for vessels linked to shore-based processing). Non-citizens applying for a sport fishing vessel licence must provide an introduction letter from the Local Government Authority, a passport copy and a work permit. Marine-park fees (MPRU) are payable separately when fishing inside a park.
- charter — residents Charter / sport fishing vessels are licensed under the Fisheries Regulations 2009 (sport fishing vessel licence: 50.0 USD/vessel). Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) may be used for sport fishing, capturing live aquarium finfish, training and research purposes only. Deep-sea fishing beyond 12 nautical miles in the EEZ is licensed separately by the Deep Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA).
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only and are PARTIAL for Tanzania. Tanzania has a multi-authority system: mainland sport fishing requires a sport fishing licence under the Fisheries Regulations 2009 (Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries); fishing inside marine parks (e.g. Mafia Island Marine Park) requires Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU) fees and authorisation, and no fishing is allowed in a marine reserve without the Director's permission; Zanzibar (incl. Pemba) is governed separately by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries; deep-sea/EEZ fishing is licensed by the Deep Sea Fishing Authority. Dynamite/explosives, poison and beach seines are strictly prohibited (severe penalties). Marine turtles, dugong, whale sharks and dolphins are fully protected (no-take), and octopus and lobster under 500 g (or egg-bearing) may not be taken. Per-species finfish catch limits are not standardised nationally and may be set locally by marine parks. Always confirm current rules and fees with the relevant authority before fishing. FishRadar is not a legal source.
Check Zanzibar Tanzania before you go
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Nearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 215 km of Zanzibar Tanzania.
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Zanzibar North Channel
Pemba Island Tanzania
Pemba Island Tanzania
Rufiji River Tanzania
Mafia Channel
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Zanzibar Tanzania?
Anglers at Zanzibar Tanzania target Indo-Pacific Sailfish, Atlantic Blue Marlin, Wahoo and Giant Trevally.
When is the best time to fish Zanzibar Tanzania?
The most productive months at Zanzibar Tanzania are typically October, November, December, January, February, March.
What is the fishing forecast for Zanzibar Tanzania right now?
Zanzibar Tanzania currently scores 96 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Zanzibar Tanzania?
Fishing at Zanzibar Tanzania follows the local rules for Tanzania Coast, Tanzania. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Wahoo: Chasing the Ocean's Fastest SprinterHow to Read Tides for FishingHow to Read a Fishing Forecast
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.