Snorkeling at Mnemba Island from Kendwa: Luxury Dhow & Lunch

Spend a full day on the water, snorkeling Mnemba's coral reefs and sailing back at dusk

A nine-hour snorkeling trip from Kendwa to Mnemba Island on a traditional luxury dhow includes dolphin spotting en route, reef exploration with provided equipment, a gourmet seafood lunch with grilled lobster and prawns, and a sunset sail home. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or German, and children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury Dhow Trip to Mnemba Island

• Set sail from Kendwa Beach
• Spot dolphins en route
• Snorkel at Mnemba Atoll
• Enjoy gourmet seafood lunch
• Relax with drinks and fruits
• Sail back at sunset

The experience

The day starts at Kendwa Beach on Zanzibar's northwest coast, where you board a traditional dhow and set sail toward Mnemba Island. The route passes through calm waters where dolphins often appear: the crew watches for them as you cruise. Mnemba Island sits off the northeast coast, ringed by coral reefs that hold the snorkeling itself: you enter the water with provided equipment and spend time among colorful corals and tropical fish in the atoll.

After snorkeling, the boat anchors and lunch arrives: grilled lobster, prawns, Swahili curry, tropical fruits and cold drinks. Wine and alcohol are available on request. The afternoon gives you time to rest on deck or return to the water before the sail back begins in late afternoon, timed to catch the sunset as you return to Kendwa. The whole outing runs nine hours from start to finish.

Snorkeling equipment is included, as are bottled water and seasonal fruit throughout the day. The guide is live and speaks English, Spanish, Italian and German. If you have seafood allergies or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, contact the operator before booking so they can prepare alternatives.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water.
• seafood lunch with grilled lobster and prawns, Swahili curry and tropical fruits.
• snacks.
• cold soft drinks.
• wine and alcohol on request.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Italian or German.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by COASTLINE TOURS AND TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want a full day on the water with snorkeling, meals and downtime built in. The nine-hour span means you leave early and return by evening, fitting the outing into a single day without rushing the reef time or the sail.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of marine life will I see while snorkeling at Mnemba?

Mnemba Island's coral reefs teem with tropical fish and are surrounded by vibrant corals. The exact species vary by season, but the atoll is known as one of the region's best snorkeling destinations for reef life.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this trip?

No experience is required. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Children from age 4 can join.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my booking?

The operator will advise you if conditions make the crossing unsafe. Contact them directly about their weather policy and rescheduling options.

Is the seafood lunch mandatory, or can I request something else?

The lunch features grilled lobster, prawns and Swahili curry. If you have seafood allergies or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, contact the operator before the tour starts and they will prepare an alternative meal.