10 Best Scuba and Snorkeling Activities in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The sparsely populated island of Zanzibar, Tanzania, has long been a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean for scuba diving and snorkeling. It is home to some of the best scuba diving destinations in Africa and is located just off the coast of East Africa in Tanzania.
The vast marine life, including turtles, manta rays, hammerheads, and whale sharks, make this an exciting vacation spot for divers and non-divers alike.
Zanzibar is a beautiful island off the coast of East Africa, known for its natural beauty and pristine ecosystem in which it sits.
The Zanzibar Archipelago has long been a destination for travelers. Still, recently it has gained traction as a destination for scuba divers, snorkelers, and tourists who come to explore this untouched paradise.
When you start delving into the diversity on offer in Zanzibar, Tanzania, you’ll uncover many adventures.
Explore the ten (10) best scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities to discover your favorites.
1. Private Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling at Mnemba Island Reef
The private dolphin tour and snorkeling at Mnemba Island reef activity is one of the best-recommended activities in Zanzibar, whether you are looking for a day out with your family or a romantic getaway with your partner.
The private dolphin tour takes you to the island’s edge, where you can swim with dolphins and see them up close. Snorkeling on the reef allows you to explore marine life nearby.
There are many ways to explore the many islands with snorkeling in Zanzibar, but among these is the private dolphin tour and snorkeling at Mnemba Island Reef Activity.
When visiting the Mnemba Island Reef, you get to snorkel in a variety of places and feel comfortable with the dolphins, and see fishes directly in front of you.
Dolphins
You can spot dolphins in Kombe, Kichwani, West garden, Tangini, or near Mnemba Island, all northeast of Zanzibar.
There are likely to be dolphins in these areas; each region hoards more than 10-30 groups of them.
· Mnemba reef
Mnemba Island is a famous private snorkeling site that every diver or snorkeler should see. It’s a must-see on any trip!
One of the reasons the Atoll is considered a diving site is that it varies from shallow coral gardens to deep wall dives.
The island’s Marine Reserve ranks as one of the best places for diving and snorkeling activities.
The island’s location at the northeast of Zanzibar is known for encounters with abundant sea life, pods of dolphins, and vast visibility.
The island of Zanzibar is known for its diverse climate, culture, and natural beauty. Located in the Indian Ocean, this island is a destination for travelers who want to escape the heat while enjoying stunning ocean views.
· Sandbank
Mnemba Island is a popular tourist spot, so you’d be interested in enjoying the water here. The sandbank you’re talking about is close to one of the beaches and has beautiful clear waters resembling a natural pool.
Duration: The tour duration is 4 hours and does not include towels or sunscreens.
Language: English
Departure details
· Traveler pickup is obtainable.
· An offering of hotel pickup is allowed.
· Getting picked up from Zanzibar is simple and easy when traveling in the country. Just call a travel service provider, and they will gather you up!
Things available during the tour
Fruit Snacks: watermelon, bananas, pineapple, coconut, mangoes, and more
Bottled water
Use of Snorkeling equipment
Air-conditioned vehicle
Private transportation
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional information about the tour
· Receiving of confirmation will be at the time of booking
· Infant seats available
· Not wheelchair accessible
· It’s a private tour/activity; therefore, only your group will participate.
· Most tourists can partake.
Other things visitors can expect
· Gear/equipment sanitized between uses
· Vehicles regularly sanitized
2. Full-Day Group tour Mnemba Island Snorkeling Activities
This Full-Day Group tour visits Muyuni beach for lunch preparation and then moves to Mnemba Island for snorkeling, where your guides will teach you about local flora and fauna.
Most of the pre-scheduled full-day tour of the beach is from 9 am-3 pm, with all visitors returning to their meeting points or hotels.
Dhow tour boats are novel and different from other means of travel- such as planes or trains. The feeling of companionship you get when traveling by boat is unique. Musicians playing on the deck, natural scenery, and varied table entertainment are good examples of this. In addition, the lunch included is a refreshing gesture that only a few tour operators can provide.
The 6.5-hour tour allows you to avoid huge crowds, which is difficult around the major tourist attractions.
Language: conveying messages and information in English, Spanish, Italian, German, and French.
Available Services
Provision of the following is available during the tour:
· Lunch
· Bottled water
· Snorkeling gear and flippers
· Snacks
3. Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon, Starfish, and the Rock Restaurant
Snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon is one of the best ways to snorkel in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
This tour will provide the following:
- A four-hour snorkeling experience in an active lagoon.
- Traveling to one of the neighboring volcanic islands.
- Seeing all kinds of fish and marine life.
There is also a platter-sized portion of seafood served at the restaurant by a friendly waiter who will ensure you have everything you need without any effort.
Seeing starfishes and snorkeling at Blue Lagoon can be your experience on this trip. It’s a lifelong memory that you won’t like to miss.
Inclusions and exclusions of the tour
· Fruit snacks like bananas, pineapple, mangoes, watermelon, etc
· Private transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle
· Bottled water
· Provision of snorkeling equipment like a life jacket and mask
· Hotel pickup and drop-off
· All fees and taxes
Excluded items are sunscreens and a towel.
Additional Route Tour
After a pickup from the hotel, the driver takes the adventure to Dongwe beach for a private boat ride to the Blue lagoon.
Snorkelers at the lagoon will spot various fish species, after which the driver takes you to the sandbank for relaxation and the “Rock Restaurant” for refreshment.
Stop At:
• Michamvi, Michamvi, Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar Archipelago
• Pingwe, Pingwe, Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar Archipelago
• Bwejuu, Bwejuu, Zanzibar Island, Zanzibar Archipelago
• Paje Beach, Paje Tanzania
Departure Point
The tour operators pick travelers from any hotel in Zanzibar
Additional information regarding the tour
· The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
· Only your group can participate since it’s a private tour.
· Seats are available for infants.
· Gear sanitized between use.
· Receiving of confirmation will be at the time of booking.
· Most travelers can participate.
· Tour operators sanitize vehicles regularly.
4. Dolphin Tour & Jozany Forest Snorkeling Trip
Dolphin Tour and Jozany snorkeling trip will take you to less crowded places while still allowing you to swim with dolphins. With a tour like this, travelers can gain insights into their natural environment.
The 7-hour tour of the Jozani forest makes it accessible to tourists. About 6000 red colobus monkeys live in it, and each only gets about three square miles of space to roam.
The group tour with a size of 30 includes photographs, though on request at an additional charge.
Dolphin trip includes;
· Private boat
· Fruits and soft drinks
· Snorkeling gear
· Professional guide
· Air-conditioned vehicle
· A visit to Jozani virgin forest
· Pickup and drop off from your hotel
· All fees, taxes, and fuel surcharges included
Language: available languages during this tour are English, French, German, Russian, Arabic, and Italian.
Additional information about the trip
It’s an experience that requires good weather, and the following conditions are applicable;
· The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
· Receiving of confirmation will be at the time of booking.
· The tour allows a maximum of 30 travelers.
· Adults should carry infants on their laps.
· Most travelers can participate.
· Pickup of travelers is available.
· All guests are picked from and to all hotels.
· Hotel pickup is accessible.
Details of the activity
Once the guide picks a guest from a hotel, they transfer them south of Zanzibar Island to watch dolphins in their natural habitat by boat.
Afterward, a professional guide will pick up the tourists to watch colobus monkeys at the Jozani Forest and drop them off at the hotel.
Departure details
The tour guides will pick up visitors from hotels close to Zanzibar for departure.
5. Amazing Safari Blue Full-Day Snorkeling Sea Trip
The Safari Blue Full Day tour has been operating since 1995, starting from Fumba to Menai Bay, a conservation area with stunning coral reefs.
On arrival, clients receive a briefing with a coconut drink on Safari Blue and move off to explore Menai Bay, an uninhabited island.
After a day of snorkeling and lunch, feel refreshed again with some snacks at Kwale Island.
Languages: English, Russian
Things to know before engaging in the tour
· The tour lasts for ten hours
· Transfer charge from hotels outside the city center is according to location.
· Photo shooting is available on request.
· It’s an activity that takes a maximum of 15 travelers.
· The experience demands good weather.
· Not wheelchair accessible
· Infants must sit on laps.
· Receiving of confirmation will be at the time of booking.
Services the tour includes
· Lunch
· Fuel surcharges, all taxes, and fees included
· Boat charter
· All kinds of drinks with a skilled English-speaking guide
· Pickup and drop off from the hotel
· Snorkeling guide
· Experienced guide
· Transport waiting charge
Amenities excluded from the tour
· Medical insurance
· Visa
· Flights
· Expenses of a personal nature
6. Prison Island and Nakupenda Sand Bank Full Day
This full-day tour comes with a combination of experiencing both Nakupenda SandBank and Prison Island.
At SandBank, guests can relax on the spot and enjoy seafood, drinks, swimming, and bird life, among other things.
The guest will also visit a never-before-seen old prison and see a giant Aldabra tortoise at Prison Island
Services obtainable in the tour
· Seafood lunch and drinks
· Pickup and drop off from the hotel
· Snorkeling equipment
· Mineral water
· Zanzibar traditional boat fees
· Professional tour guide
What to expect during the tour
The guest will explore Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve and spend half of the day there.
There will also be a chance to see the giant Aldabra tortoise on Prison Island.
Departure and return
The meeting point is near the house of wonder, opposite Forodhani Park, after which guests return to the original departure point.
Extra information on the trip
· The tour is not wheelchair accessible
· Public transportation is easy to access around the vicinity.
· Most travelers can participate.
· Receiving of confirmation will be at the time of booking.
· It is a private tour that allows only the client’s group.
7. Half-Day Cool Snorkeling Trip in Mnemba Atoll
Half-Day Cool Snorkeling Trip offers a tour to Mnemba Atoll, which boasts water depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters.
The seven-hour trip includes the small triangular island of Mnemba in the distance and a reef of around two by four miles.
When planning your next adventure, the Mnemba Atoll is the perfect destination. You can see dolphins, whale sharks, and humpbacks when snorkeling there. If you want to see these incredible creatures without getting wet, you can relax on one of the many beaches surrounding it.
Language: the only language for communication is English
Cancelation policy
A full refund is available if cancelation is made at least 24 hours before the start.
Good to know information about the tour
· The lunch served is rice, water, sauce, fish, BBQ fruits
· There is instant confirmation.
· Consumption of alcohol is not acceptable.
· Easy access to public transportation.
· Free cancellation is available.
· Drive to the snorkeling spot starts by 9:00 am
· Lunch takes place at the beach or in the boat after 2 hours of snorkeling.
· The tour is an activity for 40 travelers at maximum.
· Not wheelchair accessible
What guests should expect during the tour
· Tourists must use face masks in public areas.
· There is regular sanitation of vehicles.
· Provision of face masks is made available for travelers.
· Temperature checks take place upon arrival
· Hand sanitizer for staff and clients
· Throughout the experience, maintaining social distancing is enforced.
8. Dolphin & Josani Forest Snorkel Sea Excursion
But places like the Dolphin and River Forest have their ecosystems and are part of the island’s lush green freshwater forests.
As the boat approaches the shore, you can see incredible wildlife, including a red Columbus monkey, birds perched on tall trees, and other fauna symbolic of Africa.
Necessities needed for the tour
· Plastic shoes/slippers
· Towels
· T-shirt
· Bathing suit
· Sunscreen
· Mosquito repellent
· Knee cover
Language offered
The languages for communication are Arabic, English, Spanish, Norwegian, Dutch, Italian, Danish, German, French, Swedish, Portuguese, and Russian.
Activities included in the tour
· Dolphins
· Josani forest tour
· All taxes and fees
· Air-conditioned vehicle
· Use of snorkeling equipment
· Hotel pickup and drop-off
Departure and return
This tour has a pickup from many hotels in Zanzibar, just what you need when you need help knowing where to meet your guests.
Additional information
· It is a six-hour tour that starts at 5:30 am
· Not wheelchair accessible
· Infants must sit on laps.
· This experience requires good weather.
9. Mnemba Island Snorkeling Activity
The Mnemba Island Snorkeling Tour provides an abundance of opportunities for guests to connect with Tanzania’s unique marine life, which includes the rarest of Tanzania’s marine life.
Please take a tour of the island and have it all to yourself! You can go swimming, snorkeling or relax on the boat.
Available services during the tour
· Soft drinks
· Fresh fruit
· Snacks
· Snorkeling gear
· All taxes and fees
Departure and return
Travelers can take advantage of pickup locations scattered across the island that provide transportation to various destinations. Departure times are available so that you can make your schedule.
Extra information on the tour
· It is a private tour
· Receiving of confirmation will be at the booking time.
· Not wheelchair accessible
· Most travelers can participate.
· It’s a perfect choice for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
What to expect during the tour
Depending on beach weather, the client departs from his hotel to visit a beautiful island surrounded by amazing reefs.
When you reach the coral reefs, you can play, swim, and snorkel with colorful fishes. The experience is hard to find anywhere else!
10. Half-Day Zanzibar Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve Snorkeling Tour
One of the essential stops while traveling to Zanzibar is ‘Zanzibar city Mnemba Atoll,’ where the journey starts.
So, you are taking a tour to see the marine reserve known for its diversity of fish species and other sea life, like stingrays, lionfish, moray eels, and turtles.
Provisions for tourists during the activity
· Snacks
· Bottled water
· Experienced guide
· Fresh fruits
· Snorkeling gear
· Hotel pickup and drop-off
· All taxes and fees included
Exclusions
· Alcoholic drinks and lunch are not available during this tour.
Languages
This tour’s language used for communication is Italian, Russian, Spanish, German, English, and French.
Important things to know
· The tour lasts for 5 hours
· Snorkeling takes place at the diverse reef that surrounds the island.
· Adventurers can spot dolphins and whales during this tour.
· The Atoll features a dive down of 20 meters.
Conclusion
Looking for some more exciting activities in Zanzibar? Check out our guide for snorkeling, diving, and visiting the lagoons.
Zanzibar is known for its stunning scenery and pioneering snorkeling activities. If you are looking for an electrifying experience, there’s no better place to come than here!
