Chumbe Island day trip from Stone Town: Snorkel the coral reef

The coral reef here is closed to fishing, so the fish and turtles have nowhere else to hide.

A full-day snorkeling trip to Chumbe Island, a private nature reserve off Zanzibar, departs from Stone Town with return transfer, guide and lunch included. You snorkel the protected coral reef sanctuary, walk the forest reserve and nature trails, and see the historical ruins. The island operates as a working model of sustainable tourism with a visitor center and eco-bungalows, and your guide explains the marine life and conservation work as you explore.

The experience

The boat leaves from Mbweni Ruins, where you'll meet your guide before heading out to Chumbe Island. The snorkeling happens on a fully protected coral reef sanctuary (no fishing, no anchoring, no development), which means the underwater life has stayed intact in a way most reefs have not. Your guide will point out the fish, corals, turtles and other creatures as you move through the water, and explain what you're seeing and why the reserve matters. The equipment is provided.

Back on the island, you'll walk the nature trails through the forest reserve, see the historical ruins, and visit the education center to understand how the park operates. Lunch is Swahili cuisine, eaten on the island. The day runs about seven hours total, including the boat ride both ways from Stone Town. Confirmation arrives three days before your departure, and the operator will notify you of any weather changes that might affect the schedule.

What’s included

• Return transfer from Stone Town to Mbweni Ruins.
• professional guide in English.
• use of snorkeling equipment.
• lunch.
• park tax.

Options for this experience

2 options

A full-day excursion to the protected Chumbe IslandGuide in English · 09:00Pickup is included

Transfer from the Beach areaGuide in English · 08:30Alphard

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

AgesAdult (7 to 75 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Colors of Zanzibar

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want to snorkel a reef that has actually recovered, rather than one still under fishing pressure. The protected status is what keeps the marine life abundant enough that your guide has something real to show you.

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Top questions

What will I see when I snorkel at Chumbe Island?

The coral reef sanctuary holds fish, corals, sea turtles and other marine creatures in numbers and variety you won't find on fished reefs nearby. The protection means the ecosystem has recovered, and your guide will identify species and explain the conservation work that made it possible.

How long is the boat ride from Stone Town to Chumbe Island?

The full day is seven hours including both the outbound and return boat journeys, the time on the island, and the snorkeling. The operator will confirm the exact timing three days before your departure.

What are the historical ruins on Chumbe Island?

The island holds ruins from its past, which you'll see during the nature trail walks. Your guide will explain their history as part of the day's exploration of the island's ecology and human heritage.

Is snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the day trip, so you don't need to bring or rent it separately.

What kind of lunch is served on the island?

Lunch is Swahili cuisine, prepared and served on Chumbe Island as part of the day. It's included in the price.