Snorkeling Mnemba Island: Private guide, dolphins & sandbank

Snorkel the coral reserves around Mnemba Island instead of crowded group sites

Private guided snorkeling at Mnemba Island, departing from Matemwe, where you cruise to coral reserves, swim at the sandbank and eat seafood lunch. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language. Children from age 4 are welcome. Transportation, boat, snorkeling equipment and all fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mnemba Island snorkeling adventure

• Cruise from Matemwe to Mnemba Island
• Snorkel at coral reserved sites
• Watch for dolphins
• Swim and relax on sandbank beach
• Enjoy tropical fruits and seafood lunch

The experience

You leave Matemwe by boat and head to the coral reserves near Mnemba Island, one of the top-ranked snorkeling spots in the Zanzibar region. The private setup means you're not waiting for a group to assemble or following a fixed schedule through crowded sites. Your guide handles the route and the timing, so you move at your own pace between the coral and the sandbank.

The snorkeling happens at reserved coral sites closer to the island, where the water stays shallow enough to see the reef clearly. If dolphins are around, you'll have a chance to spot them. Between water time, you spend time on the sandbank beach (a narrow strip of sand that appears and disappears with the tide) before heading back to the boat for seafood lunch and tropical fruit. The whole outing runs about five hours from start to finish.

Snorkeling equipment is provided and fitted for you. Bottled water comes along. Your guide speaks multiple languages, so if you're more comfortable in Spanish, Italian, French or another option, you can arrange that when you book. Children from age 4 can join, though the activity does require at least a moderate level of physical fitness and decent cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your location.
• boat to and from Mnemba.
• snorkeling equipment fitted for you.
• bottled water throughout the outing.
• seafood lunch and tropical fruit.
• professional guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (8 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 7 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Tour En Español Zanzíbar

Is this one for you?If your guide speaks a language you're more comfortable in than English, request it at checkout: the guide covers five languages, so you can follow the commentary without translation. This works well for families with children from age 4 up, though younger kids can come along on the boat if they're not snorkeling.

Traveler reviews

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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: Youth (8 to 17 years); Child (4 to 7 years). Under 4: they 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's the snorkeling actually like at Mnemba Island?

Mnemba's coral reserves are shallow enough to see the reef clearly from the surface, and the site is protected, so the coral and fish populations stay healthy. Dolphins appear sometimes, though sightings aren't guaranteed. The sandbank is a natural feature that shifts with the tide, so you get to swim and rest there between snorkeling sessions.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included and fitted for you before you enter the water. Bring your own only if you prefer it. The guide can work with either.

How long is the boat ride from Matemwe to Mnemba?

The cruise from Matemwe to the coral reserves near Mnemba is part of the five-hour outing, though the exact time depends on sea conditions and where the guide positions the boat for the best snorkeling that day.