Snorkeling at Mnemba Island Atoll with Stone Town & Jozani Forest

You'll swim with dolphins and float above a tropical reef in water so clear you see the bottom.

A full-day snorkeling tour from Zanzibar combines a 3-hour morning excursion to Mnemba Island Atoll with stops in Stone Town, a spice farm lunch, and Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. Snorkel in calm turquoise waters with provided gear, then explore the island's cultural and natural sites with a guide, all with private transport and meals included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Stone Town3h
2. Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park1h · entry included

Zanzibar snorkeling and sightseeing tour

• Snorkel at Mnemba Island Atoll
• Tour Stone Town sights
• Lunch at Zanzibar Spice Farm
• Visit Jozani Forest and see monkeys

The experience

The boat leaves early to catch Mnemba Island Atoll's calm morning waters. You'll cruise aboard a comfortable vessel with a crew, then slip into the warm turquoise shallows with snorkeling gear already fitted: no wrestling with equipment on the beach. The reef here sits close to the surface. Tropical fish move through the water around you as you float and watch. The itinerary mentions dolphins as part of the experience, though sightings depend on the day. After three hours in the water, the boat returns and you head toward Stone Town.

Stone Town's narrow streets and carved wooden doors reflect centuries of Arab, Persian and Indian influence. Your guide walks you through the architecture and history of the capital for about three hours, then you break for lunch in the gardens of Zanzibar's spice farm: clove, cinnamon, nutmeg growing around you as you eat. The aromatic setting is the operator's own detail, worth the stop on its own.

Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park closes out the day. A guide points out the tropical forest's biodiversity as you walk through mangrove and mahogany areas, then onto a jetty that stretches into the Indian Ocean. Red Colobus monkeys live here in close proximity. You'll see them without binoculars. The whole tour runs nine hours door to door, with air-conditioned transport between stops, bottled water throughout, and all snorkeling gear provided. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.

What’s included

• Private transportation between all stops.
• snorkeling gear and use of it at Mnemba Island.
• lunch at a spice farm.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• all park entry fees and taxes.
• WiFi on board.
• air-conditioned vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 14:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (25 to 55 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (15 to 20 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Africa & Beyond Tours & Travel Ltd

Is this one for you?The full nine-hour day means an early start and a packed itinerary, so this suits travelers who want to see multiple sides of Zanzibar in one outing rather than linger at a single site. The snorkeling window is fixed at three hours in the morning when the water is calmest, which is what makes the reef accessible but also means you're in and out on the operator's schedule.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

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 (15 to 20 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What's the water like for snorkeling at Mnemba Island Atoll?

Mnemba Island Atoll's waters are calm, turquoise and clear enough to see the reef and tropical fish from the surface. The 3-hour morning snorkeling window catches the best conditions, and the boat crew helps you in and out of the water.

How much time do I spend actually snorkeling versus traveling?

The snorkeling portion runs 3 hours in the morning at Mnemba. The rest of the nine-hour day is split between Stone Town (about 3 hours walking the architecture and streets), lunch at the spice farm, and Jozani Forest, with transport between each stop.

Will I see dolphins on this tour?

Dolphins are mentioned as part of the Mnemba Island experience, though sightings are not guaranteed and depend on the day and conditions. The reef snorkeling itself is the main focus of the water portion.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling gear, private transportation, lunch at the spice farm, bottled water, and all park fees and taxes are included. WiFi is available on the boat.

What should I bring for a full-day tour in Zanzibar?

Bring sun protection, a light cover-up for between snorkeling and the other stops, and comfortable walking shoes for Stone Town and Jozani Forest. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the vehicle is air-conditioned.