Snorkeling Mnemba Atoll: Dolphins, turtles and sunset

Snorkel a living coral reef, swim near wild dolphins, then feed turtles before sunset

A full-day snorkeling activity at Mnemba Atoll in Zanzibar with private transport, English-speaking guide and all equipment included. You snorkel among tropical fish and coral, have a 70–80% chance of swimming near wild bottlenose dolphins, visit a turtle sanctuary to feed and photograph rescued Green Sea Turtles, and end the day at Kendwa Beach watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Lunch is a fresh seafood BBQ on the beach. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling, turtles, and sunset beach

• Boat to Mnemba Atoll
• Snorkel over coral reef
• Swim near wild dolphins
• Visit turtle sanctuary in Nungwi
• Swim and feed rescued turtles
• Learn about turtle conservation
• Relax at Kendwa Beach
• Watch sunset over Indian Ocean

The experience

Your day starts with a motorized boat heading out to Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve, where you'll spend time snorkeling in clear turquoise water over a vibrant coral reef. The reef is home to angelfish, blue-spotted rays and zebra fish. The high likelihood of spotting wild bottlenose dolphins along the way is what makes this stop different from other reef snorkeling in the region. All snorkeling equipment is provided, and your guide stays with the group throughout.

After the reef, you visit Baraka Natural Turtle Aquarium in Nungwi, a natural tidal pool where you can swim alongside rescued Green Sea Turtles, feed them sea lettuce and learn about the sanctuary's conservation work before the turtles are released back into the wild. This is an up-close photo opportunity most snorkeling days don't include. From there, the activity moves to Kendwa Beach, one of the few beaches on the island where the water stays deep and swimmable all day regardless of tide. You'll have time to swim in the calm waves and relax on the powdery white sand before the sunset.

The full day runs nine hours from pickup at your accommodation. Lunch is a fresh seafood BBQ served on the beach partway through. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or Portuguese, and private transportation is included for the entire route. The activity suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your accommodation.
• a full-day guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Italian, French or Portuguese.
• all snorkeling equipment.
• entrance fees to Mnemba Atoll and the turtle sanctuary.
• a fresh seafood BBQ lunch on the beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:15, the last at 09:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 to 68 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Journey to Zanzibar

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full day free and want to combine reef snorkeling with wildlife encounters: the private transport and guide mean you move at one pace through all three stops without waiting for a shared group, and the turtle sanctuary visit is the part most other snorkeling days skip.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What are the chances of seeing dolphins at Mnemba Atoll?

Wild bottlenose dolphins are spotted on around 70–80% of snorkeling days at Mnemba Atoll, and you'll have the opportunity to swim near them when they appear.

Is snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

All snorkeling equipment is included in the activity. You don't need to bring or rent gear separately.

What happens at the turtle sanctuary, and can I touch the turtles?

At Baraka Natural Turtle Aquarium in Nungwi, you swim alongside rescued Green Sea Turtles in a natural tidal pool, feed them sea lettuce and photograph them up close before they are released back into the wild.

Does Kendwa Beach stay swimmable all day, or is it affected by low tide?

Kendwa Beach is one of the few beaches on Zanzibar where the water stays deep and swimmable throughout the day, unaffected by low tide.

What's included in the lunch, and when do we eat?

Lunch is a fresh seafood BBQ served on the beach partway through the day. It is included in the activity price.