Mnemba Island Half-Day Tour
The best snorkelling reef in Zanzibar
- Location Mnemba atoll, off Matemwe, north-east Unguja
- Duration Half day, approximately 4 to 5 hours
- Tour type Private or shared
- Availability Daily, morning departures only
Price on request Send the form and we reply with a firm quote, usually within a few hours.
Overview
Mnemba is a small private island off the north-east corner of Unguja, ringed by a marine conservation area with the healthiest coral and the clearest water on the island. The island itself is a private resort and closed to visitors, but the reef around it is open, and it is the best snorkelling ground in Zanzibar.
Boats leave from the beach at Matemwe or Kiwengwa in the morning, when the water is calmest. On the way out the crew look for the resident pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins. Sightings are common but never guaranteed, and the crew keep a respectful distance and follow local guidelines on how to enter the water.
At the atoll you snorkel over the coral gardens. The reef here drops away gently, so the shallows suit beginners while the edge rewards confident swimmers. Angelfish, parrotfish, moray eels and turtles are all seen regularly. Gear and life jackets are provided.
At low tide the boat will also stop at a sandbank near the atoll before returning. Fruit and soft drinks are served on board, and you are back at your hotel in time for lunch.
Highlights
- Snorkel the protected reef around Mnemba atoll
- Good chance of seeing wild bottlenose and spinner dolphins
- The clearest water and healthiest coral on the island
- Turtles, moray eels, angelfish and parrotfish seen regularly
- Sandbank stop at low tide
- Fruit, soft drinks, gear and life jackets provided
Itinerary
- 07:30
Hotel pickup
Early collection from your hotel and the drive to the launch beach on the north-east coast.
- 08:30
Boat out toward the atoll
The crew brief you on snorkelling and on how to behave around the dolphins, then head out looking for the pods.
- 09:30
Snorkelling at Mnemba
Around ninety minutes over the coral gardens, with the crew in the water alongside you.
- 11:00
Sandbank or beach stop
Tide permitting, the boat stops at a sandbank. Fruit and soft drinks are served.
- 12:00
Return transfer
Back to the beach and on to your hotel.
What is included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Boat with captain and snorkelling guide
- Snorkelling mask, fins and life jacket
- Marine conservation area fees and taxes
- Tropical fruit and soft drinks
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch and drinks, where not listed as included
- Personal shopping and souvenirs
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Anything not named under what is included
- Diving, which is arranged separately
- Underwater camera hire
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup time: Around 07:30, earlier from the south and west coasts.
Meeting point: Hotel reception, then the boat departs from Matemwe or Kiwengwa beach.
We collect from these areas:
- Stone Town
- Zanzibar City
- Maungani
- Nungwi
- Kendwa
- Matemwe
- Kiwengwa
- Pwani Mchangani
- Uroa
- Pongwe
- Chwaka
- Michamvi
- Paje
- Jambiani
- Makunduchi
- Kizimkazi
- Fumba
- Mangapwani
What to bring
- Swimwear worn under your clothes
- Towel
- Reef-safe sun cream
- Hat and sunglasses
- Waterproof phone case
- Dry change of clothes
- Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness
Important information
- Landing on Mnemba Island itself is not permitted. The tour snorkels the reef around it.
- Dolphins are wild animals. Sightings are common but never guaranteed, and we follow local guidelines on approaching them.
- The trip runs in the morning because the sea is calmest and the light is best for snorkelling.
- Use reef-safe sun cream. The atoll is a protected conservation area.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Will we definitely see dolphins?
No responsible operator will promise wild dolphins. Sightings on the morning run are frequent, but the animals move freely and the crew never chase them.
Are we able to land on Mnemba Island?
No. The island is a private resort. The tour snorkels the protected reef around it, which is where the marine life is.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. The shallow side of the reef is calm, life jackets are provided and the guide stays in the water with you.
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