Snorkeling Mnemba Island from Zanzibar: Dhow boat with lunch

Dolphins on the way out, coral gardens underwater, a sandbank at low tide, and sunset sailing back.

Snorkel Mnemba Island on a full-day boat trip from Zanzibar aboard a traditional dhow, with a live English-speaking guide. You'll swim with dolphins en route, spend the afternoon in the water around coral reefs and fish, eat a seafood and chicken BBQ lunch prepared on the boat, and return under sail at sunset. The trip runs 9 hours and includes snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, juice and fresh fruit. You choose between a shared boat or private one at checkout.

The experience

The boat leaves Zanzibar at 9am and heads northeast toward Mnemba Island. On the crossing, dolphins often surface near the dhow. You're free to jump in and swim alongside them if they appear. The water is warm and the crossing itself is part of the day, not something to endure on the way to the real thing.

Once you reach Mnemba, the guide anchors in the shallows and you enter the water with snorkeling gear. The coral reefs here hold a wide variety of corals, sea stars and fish species in water so clear you see the bottom from the surface. While you're in the water, the crew prepares a seafood and chicken BBQ lunch on deck. You snorkel for as long as you want, then climb back aboard to eat. If the tide is low when you're ready to leave, you'll also jump off on the sandbank: a shallow, sandy stretch that appears and disappears with the water level.

The return to Zanzibar happens under sail at a relaxed pace. The crew serves fresh seasonal fruit and you watch the sunset from the boat as the dhow carries you back. The whole trip takes 9 hours from start to finish. Bottled water, soft drinks and juice come throughout the day. The snorkeling equipment is provided.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water, soft drinks and fresh juice throughout the day.
• a full seafood and chicken BBQ lunch prepared on the boat.
• fresh seasonal fruit on the return.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sharing boatGuide in English · 09:00

Private boatGuide in English · 09:00

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 9h, runs every day at 09:00, from US$ 150 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate2 group tours ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.2 with pickup ›

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Youth (5 to 10 years) · Child (under 5): free

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 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dream Dhow Zanzibar

Is this one for you?Choose the shared boat if you're traveling solo or want to meet other snorkelers. Pick the private boat if your group prefers to move at its own pace without timing around other guests. Either way, the 9-hour day means you're in the water long enough to explore the reefs without rushing, and the lunch and sunset sail break up the snorkeling so the day doesn't feel like one long swim.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 10 years); Child (under 5): 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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide is live and English-speaking, and snorkeling gear is included. The reefs at Mnemba are in shallow water, so you can stand up if you need to, and the crew watches the water while you're in it. Suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator.

What's the chance of seeing dolphins?

There's a high chance to see them on the crossing to Mnemba, according to the operator. If they surface near the boat, you're free to jump in and swim with them. It's not a guarantee, but it's common enough that the crew plans for it.

Is the lunch included, and can you handle dietary needs?

Yes, a seafood and chicken BBQ lunch is included and prepared on the boat. The operator can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets if you note your requirements at booking.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price. Bottled water, soft drinks and fresh juice are also provided throughout the day.

What's the difference between the shared boat and private boat options?

You choose at checkout: a shared boat means you travel with other snorkelers. A private boat is just your group. Both follow the same itinerary and include the same guide, lunch and equipment.

How do I get to the boat departure point?

The boat leaves from Kendwa in Zanzibar at 9am. Public transportation options are available nearby. A taxi from your hotel to the meeting point is not included and costs extra.