Mnemba Island: Snorkeling & Dolphin Swim Day Trip Zanzibar

Summary

Snorkeling Mnemba’s reefs swimming with dolphins and sandbank stop

You’ll leave Zanzibar’s north beaches by boat for a morning swimming with dolphins near Mnemba Island, snorkeling colorful reefs with a local guide, and tasting fresh tropical fruit on a sandbank if tides allow. Expect laughter, salty air, and moments you’ll want to replay long after you’re dry again.

What’s the experience like?

We waded out from the beach at Nungwi just as the sun was starting to get serious. The boat guys were already laughing about something I couldn’t catch in Swahili, and our guide—Ali—handed me a mask that still smelled faintly of salt and rubber. Forty-five minutes out on the water went by in a blur of spray, wind tangling my hair, and that low hum of the motor. I kept glancing back at the coast, shrinking fast behind us. It felt like leaving the world for something quieter.

The first stop was “dolphin point,” which sounded kind of touristy, but then suddenly there they were—sleek shadows darting right under the hull. Ali grinned and waved us in (“pole pole!” he said—slowly), so I slid off the side and felt that first shock of cool water. Swimming with dolphins wasn’t exactly graceful on my part (I got a mouthful of seawater trying to keep up), but it was wild to see them so close. Someone next to me let out a laugh underwater; it came out all bubbles.

Afterwards we drifted toward Mnemba marine conservation area. The reef looked almost painted—flashes of blue and yellow everywhere you turned. Ali pointed out a “Nemo” fish (he actually called it that) hiding in anemones, and I tried to spot as many names as I could remember: zebra fish, trumpet fish… probably missed half of them because I kept getting distracted by how clear everything looked through my goggles. There was this moment when everyone just floated quietly above the coral—no talking, just breathing through snorkels—and I still think about that silence sometimes.

We pulled up to a sandbank after that, though Ali warned us it might not even be there if the tide was wrong (it was barely above water today). He handed around slices of pineapple and mango while we stood ankle-deep in warm shallows. The fruit tasted sweeter than anything from home—maybe just because we’d earned it. Heading back toward Zanzibar’s coast, nobody said much; salt dried on my skin and I watched the island come back into focus through sun-bleached eyelashes. Funny how fast you start missing somewhere you haven’t even left yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and dolphin swimming tour

• Pickup 7:50 AM near beach
• Boat departs 8:30 AM
• Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Point
• Snorkel at Mnemba marine conservation
• Visit sandbank if tide allows
• Return by 12:30 PM

Top questions

How long is the Mnemba Island snorkeling & dolphin swim tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Where does the tour depart from?

The boat departs from Mama Mia Restaurant Beach or North Zanzibar beaches like Kendwa or Nungwi.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at designated beach locations before departure.

Can beginners join the snorkeling tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels except those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What marine life can I see while snorkeling at Mnemba Island?

You may see dolphins plus fish like clownfish (“Nemo”), Dory fish, grouper fish, zebra fish, trumpet fish, rainbow fish, moray eels and more.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your tour.

Are food or drinks included during the trip?

You’ll get bottled water and Zanzibar tropical fruits during your excursion.

Does this trip include all fees and taxes?

Yes—all fees and taxes are covered in your booking price.

Will we visit a sandbank near Mnemba Island?

The sandbank visit depends on sea tide levels; sometimes it may not appear above water.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Nungwi or Kendwa beach meeting points before heading out by motorboat with all snorkeling equipment provided. You’ll have bottled water and fresh Zanzibar tropical fruits while exploring dolphin spots near Mnemba Island’s reefs—with all fees and taxes already sorted so you can just focus on swimming and soaking up every moment before returning around midday.