Zanzibar Snorkeling Tours
Zanzibar attracts thousands of visitors each year because of its rich cultures, beaches, resorts, and historical attractions. However, it is a heaven for divers and snorkelers too!
Snorkeling is among the must do things when traveling to Zanzibar. So, if you are looking for the best places to do snorkeling in Zanzibar, this guide is for you!
With us you can organize all snorkeling day trips, whether you are a Sole Traveler, Couples, Friends or Family.
Best Places for Snorkeling in Zanzibar
Below are the best places to do snorkeling in Zanzibar if you will come for your Holiday,
Safari Blue is one of the best snorkeling excursions in Zanzibar. The tour always takes place at the Menai Bay Conservation Area starting at Fumba Beach, which is situated southwest of Unguja Island.
This bay boasts extensive coverage of stunning coral reefs, scattered mangrove forests, and a variety of colorful fish species, ensuring an unparalleled snorkeling experience. We highly recommend our travelers to visit this location for the ultimate snorkeling adventure and holiday enjoyment.
Safari Blue isn’t just about snorkeling. It’s a full day experience that includes a visit to Kwale Island, relaxing time on the sandbank, indulging in delicious seafood BBQ, fresh tropical fruits, and much more.
It’s a perfect journey that promises unforgettable memories for all guests. We have two options for this trip, you can reserve a private boat or share a boat with other guests from different countries.
Book your Blue Safari Today!
Mnemba Island is a small Island nestled on the northeast coast of Zanzibar (Unguja) close to Matemwe Beach Village, is famously referred to as Mnemba Atoll.
The coral garden of this Island is a haven for travelers who are seeking the ultimate snorkeling experience. The fishing activities are prohibited by the government which has resulted in an abundance of diverse marine life unparalleled to any other location in Unguja Island (Zanzibar).
If you are a diver or snorkeler, be prepared to encounter an array of sea creatures, from majestic starfish and Moorish idols to striking lionfish, snappers, and graceful green turtles. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of dolphins, especially during the serene early mornings. Mnemba Island promises an unforgettable underwater adventure for snorkeling enthusiasts.
We have two distinct day trips when it comes to Mnemba Island;
Half day Mnemba Dolphins & Snorkeling
Half day Mnemba Snorkeling
Blue lagoon is located on the southeastern coast of Zanzibar, Michamvi Village which is close to Bwejuu and Paje Beach, the Blue Lagoon is one of the finest snorkeling spots in the Zanzibar Islands.
The Blue Lagoon Zanzibar truly is a snorkeler’s paradise. Its vibrant and healthy corals are easily accessible compared to other snorkeling sites in Zanzibar. You will find a variety of colorful array of reef fishes thrives, including leaf fish, mantis shrimps, octopus, squid, moray eels, puffer fish, scorpion fish, lionfish, nudibranch, angel fish, snappers, rainbow runners, jackfish, barracudas, batfish, and many more.
What makes Blue Lagoon special and a must-visit destination is its population of starfish which can be found here. The colored starfish scattered among the corals and beach creates a truly spectacular sight, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits.
Book your tour to Blue Lagoon today!
Are you planning to stay or visit Stone Town? If so, Bawe Island offers the closest snorkeling experience from this historic town. Bawe Island is located just off the coast of Stone Town, 30 minutes away by boat. The journey to Bawe island starts from Stone Town, so it will be the perfect spot for you.
Bawe can be combined with different attractions like visiting Prison Island or Nakupenda Sandbank. It is not necessary to stay in Stone Town in order to visit Bawe corals, you can still go snorkeling while staying in beach villages like Nungwi or Paje beach. If you book this tour with us we will pick you up from your Hotel in any beach village.
Book your tour to Bawe Island Snorkeling
Pemba is the second-largest island in Zanzibar, covering a land area of 988 square kilometers (381 sq mi). Positioned approximately 50 kilometers (31 mi) to the north of Unguja (Zanzibar), the largest island in the archipelago.
Every beach village in Pemba is blessed with fascinating coral reefs and a lot of sea creatures which could give the perfect snorkeling experience for tourists. Actually, there are not too many tourism activities in Pemba island compared to Unguja island, this makes Pemba island to be a virgin for snorkelers and divers.
If you are a nature enthusiast, we highly recommend you visit Pemba when visiting Zanzibar Islands. And if you want to know more about Pemba Island, please check out our guide on Pemba Island. We have covered everything from how to get there, places to stay and what are the activities you may participate in for your perfect vacation.
You can not explain Pemba Island without mentioning The Manta Resort, this is the famous resort in Pemba where where you can find an undersea room in Zanzibar.
Other Places to Do Snorkeling in Zanzibar
Nakupenda is the natural formed sandbank located just off the coast of the Stone Town. This is another place where some guests go snorkeling and relaxing on the sandbank, but the same as Prison Island, we don’t recommend you visit this place for the purpose of snorkeling.
There are not many fishes compared to other locations we have mentioned earlier. Nakupenda sandbank is perfect place to spend your day soak up the sun and swimming, enjoy tropical fruits and seafood BBQ.
Book today!
Full day Prison Island & Nakupenda Sandbank
This island is one among the famous small islands of Zanzibar. This is the place where you can see the giant Tortoises who can live up to 300 years.
In addition to these giant tortoises, Prison Island offers the natural fish garden and a variety of species which give room for Snorkelers. But, we don’t recommend you go to prison Island for snorkeling, as there are not many fish compared to other places we have mentioned above. The island is worth visiting if you are looking to explore the giant tortoises.
Book your tour to Prison Island today!
Combined tour of Prison Island & Bawe Snorkeling
Best Time for Snorkeling in Zanzibar
Zanzibar island has a tropical climate, this means there is hot and humid weather all year round. Snorkeling during the rainy season doesn’t give you a great experience!
Zanzibar has two rain seasons in a year,
- Long rains; Late March to May.
- Short rains/ light rains; November to December.
The best time for snorkeling is during the long dry season; June, July, August, September, October. Also from late December to early march.
Lean more from our guide on the best time to visit Zanzibar.
Is it Safe to Do Snorkeling in Zanzibar?
Yes, water is perfect for both beginner and experienced snorkelers, extremely safe! No shark attacks reportedly. You only need to make sure you can swim and if you can’t please snorkel with life jacket.
How to Get Best Price Snorkeling in Zanzibar?
Tourism industry has grown in recent years. This is because of expansion of global based travel agents, which give simplicity for the travelers to book their tours and activities online.
But, these Travel agents operate with commission based. That’s why prices found on their website are always higher than local companies like us. So the best way to get best price snorkeling in Zanzibar is by booking snorkeling tours with the local companies, and this is why we are here!
Why Should You Do Snorkeling in Zanzibar?
Snorkeling is regarded as among the best experiences in the world during the holiday. Actually, snorkeling is a great way to have fun in the ocean without going too much deeper like diving.
Also, Snorkeling has a lot of health benefits for snorkelers too; improves breathing, Body Fitness, Mental Health and so on.
The average sea temperatures in Zanzibar is friendly for swimmers, snorkelers, and divers too. The sea in Zanzibar islands is warm enough, it ranges from 25 °C (77 °F) in August to 29 °C (84 °F) between December and April.
During snorkeling, it is advised that you should stay hydrated. And most Zanzibar snorkeling tours include Pure drinking water and watermelon to make sure you stay hydrated.
Can you Do Snorkeling in Zanzibar at Night Time?
Currently, there is no place where you can do snorkeling at night time, but if you have enough budget, you can book a stay in underwater room at Manta Resort in Pemba; price of the stay per night for couple is $1500
Is it Possible to Snorkel with Camera in Zanzibar?
Yes, you can go snorkeling with your camera, it is okay and permissible. In order for you to get a better memory of your vacation to Zanzibar, We recommend you come with your camera, it will be amazing!
Snorkeling Tools
In case you are new in snorkeling and you want to learn more about snorkeling, it is very important to understand snorkeling tools. Here are four basic snorkeling tools,
Best Zanzibar Snorkeling Tours to Go today
Here are snorkeling tours you may book and today. The prices are affordable and We hope you will love the experiences.
