Mnemba Island dolphin swim snorkel tour with sea turtles

Dolphins at dawn, coral reef snorkeling, and a sea turtle lagoon in one morning

A six-hour guided tour from Mnemba Island starts before sunrise in Matemwe fishing village to track the local dolphin pod in Menai Bay, then moves to snorkeling among colorful reef fish and coral. You'll swim with sea turtles at a natural lagoon sanctuary where rescued animals are released back to the ocean, and finish at Nungwi's historical fishing village to watch traditional dhow construction. Private transport, snorkeling equipment and snacks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin watching and sea turtle swimming

• Visit Matemwe fishing village
• Spot and snorkel with dolphins
• Swim with sea turtles at Baraka Aquarium

The experience

The tour begins early in Matemwe, one of Zanzibar's oldest settlements, because dolphins leave their overnight resting spot in Menai Bay at first light. You'll be on the water looking for them as they wake, and if they're comfortable, you can enter the water to snorkel nearby, though sightings are never guaranteed since you're in their natural habitat and the guide prioritizes their wellbeing over a close encounter. The same stretch of water holds a wonderful coral reef with colorful fish and marine creatures, so the snorkeling itself is the constant part of the morning, whether or not the dolphins cooperate.

After the reef, you move to the natural lagoon in the north where sea turtles gather. This isn't a tank: fishermen catch turtles from the ocean, and the sanctuary buys them to release back into the lagoon, so you're swimming alongside animals in the process of being returned to the wild. It's a working rescue operation, not a performance, and the turtles are the draw.

The day ends in Nungwi, the historical fishing village where you can watch the old techniques of building traditional wooden dhows. The boats that have worked these waters for centuries. You'll see how the fishermen work and how they sell their catch from the Indian Ocean, then settle under the palms with a cold drink before heading back. Private transport picks you up and drops you off, and all snorkeling gear is provided.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• snorkeling equipment for the reef and the turtle lagoon.
• snacks during the tour.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (25 to 74 years) · Senior (75 and older) · Youth (11 to 24 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by KHAMIS TAXI DRIVER ZANZIBAR

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to explore Mnemba Island and the surrounding reefs with a private guide and small group, and you're comfortable with the fact that dolphin sightings depend on the animals' mood and location that morning. The snorkeling and sea turtles are the guaranteed highlights.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 24 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

Can I really swim with dolphins on this tour?

Dolphins in Menai Bay are wild and unpredictable, so there's no guarantee you'll see them or get in the water with them. Your guide will do their best to spot the local pod and position you to enjoy them, whether that's up close or from a distance. The coral reef snorkeling is the reliable part of the morning.

What happens at the sea turtle lagoon?

The natural lagoon is a sanctuary where fishermen-caught turtles are released back to the ocean. You'll swim with these animals as they're being returned to the wild, not in a confined tank. It's an active rescue operation, and the turtles are genuinely there.

What should I bring for a six-hour tour on the water?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, but bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a rash guard or light cover-up. The boat offers some shade, but you'll spend most of the morning exposed to the sun. Bring cash if you want to buy drinks or snacks beyond what's included.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation from your hotel, all snorkeling equipment, snacks and all fees and taxes are included. Lunch is not included, so eat before you go or plan to grab something in Nungwi afterward.