Snorkeling in Zanzibar: Starfish, Coral & Seafood Lunch

Starfish wake up and play with swimmers every morning in Menai Bay.

Snorkel in Menai Bay off Zanzibar's coast, swimming among starfish and colorful coral fish that emerge from overnight resting spots to interact with visitors. The morning includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, snorkeling gear, and a three-course seafood lunch at The Rocks Restaurant perched above Michamvi beach, with views across the Indian Ocean. A live guide leads the activity in English, Spanish, Italian, French and two additional languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and seafood lunch experience

• Travel to snorkeling location
• Swim among colorful sea life
• Enjoy seafood lunch at The Rock Restaurant

The experience

You start from your hotel in Zanzibar with round-trip transportation included, heading to Menai Bay where the local starfish and other coral fish are most active in the morning. The snorkeling happens in shallow, clear water where you can observe these creatures up close as they move through their daily routine. All equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided, and bottled water is available throughout.

After snorkeling, the day moves to The Rocks Restaurant near Michamvi Pingwe, a structure built into the beach itself with unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean. You spend three hours there for lunch, choosing from a three-course menu of fresh seafood or authentic Swahili specialties. The restaurant sits on Michamvi beach, known for white sand, calm water, and mangrove-lined shores: the kind of quiet stretch most visitors don't find on their own.

The full outing runs nine hours from pickup to return. A live guide speaks your language and manages the logistics, so you focus on the water and the meal. Children from age one are welcome, and the activity is wheelchair accessible throughout: transportation, surfaces and facilities all accommodate mobility needs.

What’s included

• Private round-trip transportation from your Zanzibar location.
• snorkeling equipment including mask, fins and snorkel.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.
• a live guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Italian, French or two additional languages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

AgesAdult (25 to 75 years) · Senior (76 and older) · Youth (11 to 24 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Happy Tours & Safaris Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full day free: the morning timing catches the starfish pod at their most active, and the long lunch break means you're not rushing back to shore.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 24 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What are the starfish doing when we snorkel in Menai Bay?

The local starfish pod wakes in the morning from overnight resting spots in the bay and moves into shallow water to feed and play. Interacting with snorkelers is part of their daily routine, so you'll see them active and moving rather than stationary on the seafloor.

What's included in the lunch at The Rocks Restaurant?

The three-hour lunch includes a three-course meal of either fresh seafood or authentic Swahili specialties, with ocean views from the restaurant's beachfront location. Beverages and other items you order separately are at your own cost.

How does transportation work for this activity?

Round-trip pickup from any hotel or location in Zanzibar is included. The same vehicle takes you to Menai Bay for snorkeling, then to The Rocks Restaurant near Michamvi Pingwe, and returns you to your starting point at the end of the day.

Is this snorkeling suitable if I've never done it before?

Yes. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and all snorkeling equipment is provided. The guide leads the group and can offer instruction, though the activity is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.