Mnemba Island snorkeling and swimming with dolphins
Dolphins, coral reef, sandbank: a morning on the water around Mnemba
Snorkel and swim with dolphins around Mnemba Island, a marine conservation area off Zanzibar, on a motorboat trip that includes pickup, a local guide, and snorkeling gear. The boat leaves at 8:30 AM from Mama Mia Restaurant Beach or the north beaches of Kendwa and Nungwi, and returns by midday. Children from age 4 are welcome.
The Experience
The boat departs Mama Mia Restaurant Beach or the north Zanzibar beaches at 8:30 AM, and the first stop is Dolphin Point. This is where you get in the water to swim alongside the dolphins that live in these waters — the sighting depends on the day, but the setup is built around the chance to meet them. After that, the motorboat takes you to the Mnemba marine conservation area, where the coral reef holds Nemo fish, Dorry fish, Grouper, Zebra fish, Connet fish, Rainbow fish, Morena fish and Trumpet fish. You snorkel here with the equipment provided, moving through the reef at your own pace while the guide stays nearby. The final stop is the sandbank, though whether it surfaces depends on the sea tide that morning.
Pickup happens 40 minutes before the 8:30 AM departure, so the timing is set before you book. The boat ride from the beach to Mnemba takes 45 minutes each way. You get tropical fruits and bottled water during the trip, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French depending on the option you choose. The whole experience runs from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, so you're back on land by early afternoon.
What’s included
- Motorboat transport from your Zanzibar beach pickup.
- snorkeling equipment.
- a local guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French.
- tropical fruits and bottled water.
- all fees and taxes.
Operated by Captain Barnaba Excursions
Is this one for you?Spot Tanzania's rarest marine life around Mnemba Island with a guide who knows exactly where to find them, plus all gear and transport handled so you just arrive at the beach.
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Top questions
Can I swim with dolphins if I've never snorkeled before?
Yes — snorkeling equipment is provided and the guide is with you in the water. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and children from age 4 can join.
What fish will I see when snorkeling at Mnemba?
Mnemba's coral reef is home to Nemo fish, Dorry fish, Grouper, Zebra fish, Connet fish, Rainbow fish, Morena fish and Trumpet fish, among other species in the conservation area.
Where does the boat pick me up?
Pickup is from Mama Mia Restaurant Beach or the north Zanzibar beaches at Kendwa or Nungwi, 40 minutes before the 8:30 AM departure.
What happens if the sandbank doesn't appear?
The sandbank's appearance depends on the sea tide level that morning, so it may not surface on every trip — but the dolphin swim and snorkeling at the reef are the main stops regardless.
Mnemba Island snorkeling and swimming with dolphins
4h · EN · IT +2 · at your hotel
from US$ 58 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.69616 reviews
