Private Dolphin & Snorkeling Tour Zanzibar: Mnemba Island

Dolphins, coral reefs, and a sandbank stop in one morning

A private half-day tour in Zanzibar that combines dolphin watching in Menai Bay, snorkeling among the coral reefs of Mnemba Island atoll, and time on a sandbank with tropical fruit. A live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language leads the tour. Hotel pickup, snorkeling equipment and mineral water are included. The tour runs three hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphins, snorkeling, and sandbank visit

• Explore Zanzibar's archipelago coastline
• Spot dolphins in the bay
• Snorkel among coral reefs
• Relax on the sandbank
• Enjoy tropical fruits on sandbank

The experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup and heads to Menai Bay, where the guide looks for dolphins in Zanzibar's archipelago. Once you spot them, you move to the snorkeling site near Mnemba Island atoll, where the barrier reef holds colorful fish, coral and other marine life. The water is shallow enough to see the reef structure and the plants that support it.

After snorkeling, the boat takes you to a sandbank where you can rest and eat tropical fruit. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and mineral water is available throughout. The whole outing takes three hours, so you're back by early afternoon. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language and navigates the timing so the three stops fit comfortably into the morning.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• snorkeling equipment and mineral water.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.
• time on the sandbank with tropical fruit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00 and 08:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 45 years) · Senior (46 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Phenomenon Tours and Safari

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you want the flexibility to move at your own pace between the three stops (dolphin watching, snorkeling and the sandbank) without sharing the boat or waiting for other groups. The guide adjusts timing based on what you see and how long you want to spend at each site.

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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 (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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.

Will I actually see dolphins on this tour?

Dolphin sightings happen in Menai Bay, and the guide searches for them as the first part of the tour. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the bay is known for dolphin activity.

What's the snorkeling like at Mnemba Island?

Mnemba Island atoll sits in Menai Bay and is surrounded by a barrier reef with colorful fish, coral and marine plants. The reef is accessible from the boat and suitable for snorkelers of different levels.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included with the tour. Mineral water is also provided throughout the three hours.

How does hotel pickup work?

The tour includes pickup from your Zanzibar hotel. The guide will arrange the time with you after booking.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear and a change of clothes. Tropical fruit is served on the sandbank, but lunch is not included in the tour price.