Snorkeling Mnemba Island: Dolphins, turtles, sunset

Snorkel three reefs and swim with dolphins in one day

A full-day snorkeling tour of Zanzibar's north coast starting at Mnemba Island atoll, where you enter the water at Muyuni Beach and the Coral Garden to see marine fish, then move to a shallow sandbank. The itinerary continues to Baraka Aquarium to watch green sea turtles during a live feeding, visits Nungwi village to see traditional dhow building, and finishes at Kendwa Beach for the sunset. Hotel pickup and snorkeling gear are included. The day runs nine hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Zanzibar's north coast highlights

• Snorkel at Mnemba Island Atoll
• Swim with dolphins in natural habitat
• Relax at shallow water Sandbank
• Visit Baraka Natural Aquarium
• Watch green sea turtles feeding
• Tour dhow-building village of Nungwi
• Observe local life in Nungwi village
• Relax at Kendwa Beach until sunset
• Enjoy sunset over Indian Ocean
• Return to hotel after sunset

The experience

The boat leaves your hotel and heads to Mnemba Island atoll, where you'll snorkel at two sites: Muyuni Beach and the Coral Garden. The water is clear enough to see schools of marine fish moving through the reefs. Between the two reefs, the tour stops at a shallow sandbank where you can wade and float in water so clear it feels like air. Dolphins live in these waters and surface unpredictably. Spotting them is not guaranteed, but the crew knows where they hunt and times the stops to raise your chances.

After the island, you head to Baraka Aquarium, a natural pool where green sea turtles live. The staff feeds them at set times throughout the day, and you'll watch from the water as the turtles rise to eat. If you prefer to stay dry, a behind-the-scenes tour explains the rescue and conservation work the aquarium runs. The crew speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language, so the guide can explain what you're seeing as it happens.

The afternoon takes you to Nungwi, the village on Zanzibar's northern tip where craftspeople build traditional wooden dhows by hand. You'll walk through the village and see locals at work. From there, the tour moves to Kendwa Beach, where you can swim or rest in the sand until the sun drops into the Indian Ocean. Sundowners are available if you want to stay for the full sunset, and the driver will bring you back to your hotel afterward. The vehicle is air-conditioned and WiFi is available on board. Bottled water is provided throughout the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer.
• snorkeling gear.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• WiFi on board.
• bottled water.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

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 32 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Africa & Beyond Tours & Travel Ltd

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're staying in Stone Town or nearby. The driver collects you from your hotel, so you can spend the full day on the water and beaches without managing your own transport to the boat.

Top questions

What languages is the guide 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).

Can I snorkel at Mnemba Island if I've never done it before?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided and the crew will show you how to use it. The sandbank stop has water shallow enough to stand in, so you can practice there before moving to the reef sites.

What are the green sea turtles like at Baraka Aquarium?

They're large, calm animals that live in a natural pool. During feeding times, they surface to eat, and you can see them up close from the water or from the viewing area. The aquarium also runs a behind-the-scenes tour if you want to learn about how they're rescued and cared for.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included. The day is long enough that you may want to eat. You can bring your own food or ask the crew for restaurant recommendations in Nungwi or Kendwa.

How does hotel pickup work?

The driver collects you from your hotel in Zanzibar and brings you back at the end of the day. The tour runs nine hours total, so plan for a full morning and afternoon away from your accommodation.

What's the best time to see the sunset at Kendwa Beach?

The tour arrives at Kendwa in the late afternoon and stays until sunset. The exact time depends on the season, but the crew knows when the sun will drop and times the arrival so you see the full display. If you want to stay longer after sunset, the driver will take you back to your hotel whenever you're ready.