Clear water, coral gardens and green turtles — the best snorkelling and diving in Zanzibar, just off the north-east coast.
The Mnemba Atoll lies off Zanzibar’s north-east coast, near Matemwe and Muyuni, and is protected as the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area. Its fringing reef is widely regarded as the island’s best spot for snorkelling and diving, with clear water, coral gardens and a rich variety of marine life: parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, moray eels, starfish and, often, green turtles. Pods of dolphins are sometimes seen on the boat ride out. The island itself is private, so visitors enjoy the reef from the water.
Your trip starts with a short boat ride from the beach, usually Muyuni or Matemwe. Your snorkel guide briefs you on safety and reef etiquette, then leads you through one or two snorkelling sessions at the best sites for the day’s conditions, with time to relax on the boat in between. Fresh fruit and drinks are served on board, and some trips end with time on a nearby beach or sandbank.
For certified divers, we arrange guided dives with a PADI-registered dive centre, with one- or two-tank dives to reef walls and coral gardens between about 10 and 30 metres. Beginners can try an introductory “discover scuba” dive with an instructor. Diving is priced separately according to your experience and the centre’s programme.
Clear water and coral gardens in a protected marine area.
Often seen grazing on the reef.
Parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and moray eels.
Sometimes seen on the boat ride to the atoll.
Guided snorkelling, or dives with a PADI centre.
Transfer to the beach at Muyuni or Matemwe — times vary with the tide.
A short ride to the reef, watching for dolphins.
Safety briefing and a guided snorkel over the coral gardens.
Rest on the boat with fresh fruit and drinks.
A second site chosen for the day’s conditions and visibility.
Boat back to the beach and transfer to your hotel.
Per person in US dollars. The more travellers in your group, the lower the price per person.
Just your party, with your own guide and vehicle or boat — set your own pace and start time.
Join other travellers on a scheduled departure — a relaxed, sociable and lower-cost way to go.
One price per seat, whatever the size of your party.
Indicative per-person prices in US dollars. Private prices are for your own party with a private guide, vehicle or boat; shared prices are for a seat on a scheduled group departure. Your final price depends on your date, hotel location and group size, and is always confirmed in writing before you book. Diving is quoted separately with a registered dive centre.
Private prices are per adult for a party of one, two, four or six; shared prices are per seat. Larger groups are quoted on request.
Return transfers from hotels in Stone Town and the main beach areas (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Michamvi, Matemwe) are included. Remote hotels may carry a small supplement.
Mnemba Marine Conservation Area fees are included at current rates.
Reduced rates apply for children; ages and any minimum age are confirmed with your quote.
Dives are arranged with a PADI-registered centre and priced per dive. Certified divers must bring their certification card and logbook.
Boat trips depend on the weather, sea state and tides. If conditions are unsafe, we move your trip to another day or refund it.
Availability, pick-up time and the final price are confirmed in writing before you pay.
Pair this experience with another on the same day or during your stay — we arrange the timing and transfers.
This experience fits naturally into these itineraries — ask us to add it to your quote.
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No — the island is private. Snorkelling and diving take place on the surrounding reef.
Green turtles are often seen, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Certified divers can join guided dives; beginners can try an introductory dive with an instructor.
Yes — your guide helps you with the equipment, and life jackets are available.
Tell us your date, group size and where you’re staying — our team will confirm availability, pick-up time and your final price within 24 hours.
