Snorkeling Zanzibar: Dolphins, Turtles & Kendwa Beach

Spot dolphins and sea turtles at Mnemba Atoll, then unwind on Kendwa's white sand.

Snorkel the waters around Mnemba Atoll in northern Zanzibar, where you'll encounter dolphins, sea turtles in a natural lagoon, and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. The day includes six to seven hours of snorkeling and beach time, a fresh seafood BBQ lunch, pickup from your hotel, and all equipment. A professional guide leads the outing in your choice of five languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling, wildlife, beach, and sunset

• Snorkel at Mnemba Atoll
• Spot dolphins in the waters
• Visit sea turtle lagoon
• Relax on Kendwa Beach

The experience

The snorkeling centers on Mnemba Atoll, where the water stays clear enough to see colorful tropical fish, coral reefs, and the marine life that draws people here. Dolphins surface and jump in the same waters, though sightings depend on the day. You'll also visit a natural lagoon where rescued sea turtles live. The guide explains their conservation while you watch and interact with them in the water.

After snorkeling, the day moves to Kendwa Beach on the north shore, where you swim and rest on white sand before a seafood BBQ lunch of locally caught fish and sides. Private transportation picks you up from your hotel and handles the route between sites, so you don't arrange your own way around the island. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one of two other languages, and all entrance fees to the snorkeling sites and the lagoon are built into the price.

Bring a towel and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment, bottled water and lunch are provided. The full outing runs six to seven hours, and the day ends in time to catch the Zanzibar sunset if the schedule allows.

What’s included

• Private hotel pickup and transport between sites.
• snorkeling equipment.
• fresh seafood BBQ lunch with locally caught fish and sides.
• bottled water.
• professional guide in your choice of five languages.
• all entrance fees to Mnemba Atoll and the sea turtle lagoon.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years): free · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Joyful to Zanzibar

Is this one for you?Book this if you want snorkeling, beach time, and lunch combined in one day with a guide driving you between stops. Choose it over self-guided options when you'd rather follow a set route than plan your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years): free; Infant (under 4): free.

What's the water like at Mnemba Atoll when I snorkel there?

Mnemba Atoll's waters stay clear, letting you see colorful tropical fish, coral reefs, and the seafloor. Dolphins often surface and jump in the same area, and sea turtles are kept in a natural lagoon nearby where you can observe and interact with them.

Does the price cover lunch and all the snorkeling gear?

Yes. A fresh seafood BBQ lunch with locally caught fish and sides is included, along with snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and all entrance fees to Mnemba Atoll and the sea turtle lagoon. You bring your own towel and sunscreen.

How do I get to the snorkeling sites from my hotel?

Private transportation picks you up from your hotel and drives you to each site: Mnemba Atoll first, then Kendwa Beach. The guide handles the route, so you don't need to arrange separate transport.

How long is the whole day, and when does it end?

The snorkeling and beach time run six to seven hours total. The day finishes in time to see the Zanzibar sunset if the schedule allows.