Snorkelling and diving in Zanzibar — the complete guide

Zanzibar is famous for its white beaches and turquoise water. But what most visitors don't know: the real treasures lie beneath the surface. The Indian Ocean around Zanzibar is one of the richest coral ecosystems in East Africa.

If you enjoy snorkelling or diving — or want to learn — then the combination of Tanzania safari and Zanzibar is the most complete tropical travel experience you can imagine.

Mnemba Atoll

This is the crown of Zanzibar. Mnemba Atoll is a protected marine reserve on the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, reachable by boat from Matemwe or Nungwi. The water is crystal clear, the coral formations are intact and the marine life is overwhelming.

What you see here: green turtles (almost guaranteed), clownfish, bumphead parrotfish, giant Napoleon fish, stingrays gliding through the water like birds. In the right season: dolphins.

For divers, Mnemba is one of Africa's top-10 dive sites. There are wrecks at 15–25 metres depth, currents that challenge advanced divers and pelagic visits from barracuda and hammerhead sharks.

Best months: June–September and January–February. In these periods the water is clear (visibility up to 30 metres) and calm. April–May (heavy monsoon) is to be avoided.

Chumbe Island

Chumbe Island is a private national park, 12 kilometres south of Stone Town. It has the most intact coral reef in Tanzania — protected since 1994 and a UNESCO-recognised conservation model.

The snorkelling here is exceptional: the coral formations are in perfect condition and the fish species you encounter are impressively varied.

Tip: consider spending a night on the island. Chumbe has eco-bungalows directly on the reef. It is more expensive, but you snorkel at the earliest possible morning — before other boats arrive.

Mafia Island

Technically not Zanzibar, but inseparably linked to a Tanzania trip: Mafia Island, 150 kilometres south of Zanzibar, has the holy grail for divers — whale sharks.

From October to February, whale sharks swim in the waters around Mafia Island. Snorkelling with the world's largest fish is an unforgettable experience — completely safe, as whale sharks are filter feeders.

Sea Turtles at Kendwa and Nungwi

In the bay near Kendwa (north coast) sea turtles swim daily. It is one of the few places in the world where you are guaranteed to encounter these animals — not in a tank, but free in the Indian Ocean.

There is a small turtle conservation project in Nungwi where you can see the animals and learn about their protection. Most hotels in northern Zanzibar can arrange a snorkel trip to see the turtles.

Practical: what you need

Can I snorkel if I have never done it before? Yes. Snorkelling requires no training. Most day trips to Mnemba Atoll provide basic instruction and give you snorkel equipment. All you need: swimming ability and no fear of deep water.

Diving: for certified divers (PADI or NAUI) there are advanced dive sites all around the island. For beginners: various dive schools on Zanzibar offer PADI Open Water courses — typically 4 days.

What to bring: rash vest or UV shirt (the tropical sun is intense), your own snorkel mask if you have one, underwater camera. Everything can be rented on the island.