Tour operator
Afri Roots
A locally owned operator based in Kigamboni running bicycle and walking tours of everyday Dar es Salaam, a Dar by Night music tour and safaris.
Thalassa Dive Center
A PADI dive centre at the Msasani Slipway offering courses from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster, daily boat dives along the Dar es Salaam coast and snorkelling.
At a glance
- Type
- PADI dive centre and snorkelling trips
- Area
- Msasani Peninsula, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Good to know
- PADI courses
- Training pool
- Equipment rental
- Night dives on request
Why we recommend it
Thalassa Dive Center is a PADI dive centre based at the Msasani Slipway on the Msasani Peninsula, the same waterfront complex from which boats leave for Bongoyo and Mbudya islands. It offers scuba diving, snorkelling and dive training for everyone from complete beginners to experienced divers, and it is a convenient way to explore the reefs off the city's coast.
Training covers the full range of PADI recreational courses, from a first try-dive with Discover Scuba Diving through to Divemaster, along with technical diving and freediving options. The centre has four PADI instructors and its own training pool on site, which means confined-water sessions can be completed before you head into the sea. Equipment can be rented, including masks, snorkels, 3mm wetsuits and aluminium cylinders, and the centre offers air fills and servicing.
Diving takes place along the Dar es Salaam coast, with wall dives, coral gardens and a few small wrecks among the sites. The centre plans two dives a day: on weekdays these are mostly double-tank trips, while weekends tend to be single dives. Night dives are available on request, depending on the tides, and extra dives can be added for groups of four or more. Snorkellers can join trips too, which makes it suitable for mixed groups and families with confident swimmers.
The centre is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00, according to its PADI listing. Water visibility and conditions vary with the season and the tide, so discuss the best timing with the instructors when you book, and remember that marine reserve park fees may be charged on top of the dive price. Bring your certification card and logbook if you are already qualified, and avoid flying within the recommended interval after your last dive.
Thalassa suits holidaymakers who want to learn to dive in a relaxed setting, certified divers looking for an easy day out from the city, and anyone combining a stay at the Slipway with time on the water. PADI's listing does not publish a phone number or email, so call in at the Slipway in person to book, and pair a morning dive with lunch and a sunset drink at the Waterfront restaurant in the same complex.
Thalassa Dive Center FAQs
Where is Thalassa Dive Center?
At the Msasani Slipway on the Msasani Peninsula, Dar es Salaam.
What are the opening hours?
Its PADI listing gives daily hours of 09:00 to 21:00.
Which courses are offered?
PADI courses from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster, plus technical diving and freediving.
Is there a training pool?
Yes. The centre has an on-site training pool.
What kind of diving is there?
Wall dives, coral gardens and some small wrecks along the Dar es Salaam coast.
How many dives run each day?
Two dives are planned daily, mostly double-tank on weekdays and single dives at weekends.
Are night dives possible?
Yes, on request, depending on the tides.
Can snorkellers join?
Yes. Snorkelling is offered alongside diving.