Snorkeling at Mnemba Island: Dolphins and coral reef

Dolphins, coral and a sandbank in one half-day on the water

Snorkeling at Mnemba Island near Zanzibar combines dolphin spotting in shallow waters, a dive into one of the world's best coral reefs, and time on a natural sandbank. The half-day format includes hotel pickup, snorkeling equipment, fresh fruit and a professional guide who speaks English, Italian, French or German. Children from age five are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin tour, snorkeling, and relaxation

• Spot dolphins near Mnemba Island
• Snorkel at Mnemba Reef
• Relax at the nearby Sandbank

The experience

Mnemba Island sits off Zanzibar's northeast coast, and the day starts with a boat ride to quiet areas near Kombe, Tangini or Kichwani where wild dolphins gather in groups of ten to thirty. The spotting rate runs around 95 percent, though the dolphins set the pace. You watch from the boat as they move through the water. After that comes the main event: snorkeling at Mnemba Reef itself, one of the world's best coral systems, where the water stays clear and the tropical fish are dense enough that you move slowly just to take it in.

The final stretch is the sandbank, a shallow natural pool where the water sits so calm it looks like it was made for swimming. You get to float there and let the morning settle before the boat ride back. Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, life jacket), fresh tropical fruit and bottled water come with the booking. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included no matter which hotel you're staying at in Zanzibar.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment including mask, fins and life jacket.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from any hotel in Zanzibar.
• boat ride to Mnemba Island.
• fresh tropical fruits and bottled drinking water.
• professional guide in English, Italian, French, German or another language.
• all government taxes and marine conservation fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:30, 07:30 and 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Italian and Polish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 50 pickup points.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 15

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Zansafari Tours and travels

Is this one for you?The four to six hour window leaves the rest of your day in Zanzibar free: morning departure gets you back by early afternoon, or an afternoon slot works if you want to sleep in or explore Stone Town first.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

How often do you actually see dolphins on this snorkeling trip?

Dolphin spotting at Mnemba Island runs around a 95 percent success rate. The dolphins are wild and move on their own schedule, so you watch from the boat as they pass through the shallow waters near Kombe, Tangini or Kichwani.

What's the coral reef like at Mnemba?

Mnemba Reef is ranked among the world's best coral systems. The water is crystal-clear, and the reef is home to colorful tropical fish in dense concentrations: the kind of place where you move slowly just to see everything.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from any hotel in Zanzibar, snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, life jacket), fresh tropical fruits, bottled water, the boat ride to Mnemba Island, and all government taxes and marine conservation fees are included.

Can I add lunch to this trip?

A seafood lunch with Swahili-style rice is available on request at checkout. Tips for the crew are optional.