Snorkeling in Zanzibar: Mnemba Island, dolphins & sea turtles

Snorkel three separate waters and meet the animals that live in them

A full-day snorkeling tour in Zanzibar combines three distinct stops: Mnemba Island's coral gardens and sandbank where dolphins swim, Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park's forest canopy where red colobus monkeys move through the trees, and Salaam Cave's shallow waters where sea turtles feed. Hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, tropical fruits and round-trip transport are included. Lunch at The Rock Restaurant is booked separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Zanzibar's natural highlights

• Visit Mnemba Island atoll
• Swim with dolphins
• Relax at shallow water Sandbank
• Visit Jozani Forest and see Red Colobus Monkeys
• Lunch at The Rock Restaurant
• Swim with sea turtles in Salaam Cave

The experience

Your day starts with a pickup from your Zanzibar beach hotel and a drive to Muyuni Beach, where you board a boat for Mnemba Island. The snorkeling happens in two phases: first at the Coral Garden, where you'll move through branching corals and schools of tropical fish in clear water, then at a separate site where dolphins hunt in their natural patterns. You enter the water when they're present and move with them rather than chasing. Between these two stretches, you rest on the shallow sandbank, a strip of white sand that appears and disappears with the tide. Snorkeling gear and tropical fruits come with you on the boat.

After returning to shore, the tour moves inland to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, where red colobus monkeys live in the forest canopy. These monkeys are endemic to Zanzibar, found nowhere else, and the guide positions the group close enough to watch them feed and move between branches without disturbing them. The forest walk is unhurried. You're there to observe their behavior, not to rush through a checklist.

The final two stops happen in the afternoon. At The Rock Restaurant near Michamvi Pingwe, you can order lunch separately: the setting sits on a tidal rock with views across the Indian Ocean, and a 3-course seafood or Swahili meal is available. From there, the tour continues to Salaam Cave over Kizimkazi Beach, where you swim in shallow water where sea turtles graze on seagrass. The full day runs seven hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transportation with WiFi on board.
• hotel pickup and round-trip transfer.
• snorkeling gear for all three water stops.
• tropical fruits during the boat rides.
• entry to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

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.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 5 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?Seven hours is long enough to reach all four stops without rushing, but short enough to leave your afternoon free if you want to explore Stone Town or rest at your hotel afterward. The fixed schedule means you're back before sunset, which works if you have dinner plans or an early start the next day.

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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 difference between snorkeling at Mnemba Island and at Salaam Cave?

Mnemba Island's coral gardens and sandbank are in deeper, open water where you see tropical fish and encounter dolphins. Salaam Cave at Kizimkazi is shallow seagrass beds where sea turtles feed close to the surface and the water is calmer.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this tour?

No. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and snorkeling gear is provided. Children from age one can participate, and the guide adjusts the pace and depth to the group.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling?

You have two separate snorkeling sessions at Mnemba Island (one at the Coral Garden and one at the dolphin site) plus time to swim at Salaam Cave. The exact duration depends on conditions and the group, but snorkeling makes up the main part of the morning.

Is lunch included, or do I need to pay extra?

Lunch at The Rock Restaurant is not included in the tour price. You order and pay separately when you arrive. Tropical fruits and water are provided during the boat portions.

What happens if dolphins don't show up at Mnemba Island?

Dolphins are present in the area regularly, but sightings depend on natural conditions. You'll still snorkel the Coral Garden and relax on the sandbank. The guide will take you to the dolphin site when they're spotted.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear instead of using what's provided?

Yes, you can bring your own mask, fins and snorkel if you prefer. The tour provides full snorkeling equipment at no extra cost.