Tumbatu Island Snorkeling Tour: Two Reefs, Traditional Dhow

Anchor at two reefs and drop into water that sees few other boats

A half-day snorkeling trip from Kendwa beach to Tumbatu Island on a traditional sailing dhow, with two guided reef stops, equipment, snacks and drinks included. The boat holds a maximum of 10 guests. Pickup from any Kendwa or Nungwi location is included, and the morning departs early enough to return before lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dhow sailing and snorkeling at Tumbatu

• Depart from Kendwa beach
• Sail to Tumbatu Island
• Swim and snorkel at reef
• Relax on boat with snacks and drinks
• Snorkel at second nearby spot
• Sail back to Kendwa beach

The experience

The dhow leaves Kendwa beach in the morning and sails across open water toward Tumbatu Island, reaching the first anchorage after around 45 minutes. You'll drop into the water at a tranquil spot to snorkel the reef in front of the island: a place that stays peaceful because Tumbatu draws far fewer tourists than the main island's crowded sites. Between the two snorkel stops, the crew sets out fresh fruit, snacks, cold drinks and beer or wine while you lounge on deck and watch the water.

The second snorkel takes you to another nearby reef, again with time to swim and explore the underwater world at your own pace. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the boat carries water, soft drinks and fresh coconuts throughout the morning. The sail back to Kendwa begins well before lunch, so the whole trip fits a morning without eating into the rest of your day.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• two beers or wine per person.
• fresh fruit and snacks during the break.
• water, soft drinks and fresh coconuts throughout the morning.
• pickup from any Kendwa or Nungwi location.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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 26 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Zanzibar Dhow

Is this one for you?Book this trip if you want a small-group morning on the water with two reef stops and no crowds: the maximum of 10 guests and Tumbatu's quieter location mean you'll snorkel without the tourist boats that gather at the main island's sites.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.

How long does the snorkeling trip from Kendwa to Tumbatu Island take?

The half-day trip runs about 4 hours from pickup to return, with the sail to Tumbatu taking around 45 minutes and the rest of the time split between two snorkel stops and a break on deck.

What's included in the snorkeling at Tumbatu Island?

Snorkeling equipment, two beers or wine per person, fresh fruit and snacks, water and soft drinks, pickup from anywhere in Kendwa or Nungwi, and all fees and taxes are included in the price.

Why is Tumbatu Island less crowded than other snorkeling spots around Zanzibar?

Tumbatu Island is less frequented by tourists than the main island's popular reefs, so the snorkeling spots stay peaceful with hardly any other boats anchored nearby: a quieter experience of the same underwater world.

What happens between the two snorkel stops?

After the first reef, you return to the boat where the crew has prepared fresh fruit, snacks and drinks. You can lounge on deck, cool off and soak in the views before heading to the second snorkel site.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, free pickup is included from any location within Kendwa or Nungwi, and the driver will collect you before the morning departure.

What's the maximum group size on the dhow?

The boat holds a maximum of 10 guests, keeping the group small and the snorkeling experience less crowded.