Snorkelling in Zanzibar: A guide to Zanzibar under the water

Zanzibar is not only known for its exceptional white sand beaches; the island is also a paradise for snorkelling enthusiasts.

Read our guide to snorkelling in Zanzibar, where we dive into what it’s like to snorkel in Zanzibar and come up with the 5 best spots to snorkel on the exotic island in the Indian Ocean.

What is the snorkelling like in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar offers a unique experience for first-time and seasoned snorkellers alike.

The island is surrounded by the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, allowing you to explore a colourful underwater world.

What wildlife might I see?

The coral reefs around Zanzibar are home to an impressive diversity of marine life.

You’ll likely see fish in all the colours of the rainbow, including clown fish, dragon fish, parrot fish and boxfish. You might also see starfish and molluscs such as squid, and if you’re really lucky, you’ll even see sea turtles and dolphins. Whale sharks are also known to visit Zanzibar’s waters.

The waters around Zanzibar are home to 600 different species of fish and 50 different types of coral, so there’s plenty of opportunity to familiarise yourself with some of them while wearing your snorkel gear.

When is the best time for snorkelling in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar’s tropical climate makes it great for snorkelling all year round.

The water’s warm (26–29 degrees), and visibility is good (in some places more than 30 metres) all year round, though best in the dry season between January and February and again between June and October.

Where are the best spots to snorkel in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar offers a host of outstanding places where you can experience the fascinating underwater world.

Although it’s possible to snorkel from the beach in several places in Zanzibar (at Nungwi Beach, for example), most would agree that you’ll enjoy the best snorkelling experience if you sail out to some of the small islands surrounding Zanzibar.

The 5 best places to snorkel in Zanzibar

Here are 5 of the best places to snorkel if you dream of experiencing Zanzibar below the surface of the water.

1. The Blue Lagoon

South-east of Zanzibar, a short boat ride from Pingwe Beach and Michamvi Village, is the Blue Lagoon. The lagoon has a beautiful, colourful coral reef and lots of exciting marine life, where, among other things, you’ll find a large population of starfish.

You might like to combine your snorkelling trip with lunch at the famous restaurant, The Rock, which is located on a rock in the middle of the water and can only be reached by walking through the water at low tide and by boat at high tide.

2. Nakupenda Sandbank

A stone’s throw by boat from Stone Town, Zanzibar’s old town, located in the western part of Zanzibar, is Nakupenda Sandbank.

Nakupenda means “I love you” in Swahili, and falling in love might also be one of the first things you do when you arrive on this beautiful sandy island with its impressive white sand and clear, turquoise-blue water. Experience Zanzibar’s beautiful coral reefs and fascinating tropical fish in the surrounding waters.. Nakupenda is only accessible at low tide and disappears completely when high tide arrives in the afternoon. So, try to arrive as early as possible – that way, you’ll also avoid the deluge of visitors later in the day.

3. Chumbe Island Coral Park

Around 8 km west of Zanzibar is Chumbe Island, a privately owned island and protected marine area that focuses on ecotourism. The coral reef around the island is said to offer some of the best shallow-water snorkelling experiences in East Africa.

Day trips should be booked through Chumbe Island and offer guided snorkelling excursions that give you the opportunity to experience the unique coral reef that surrounds the island and its inhabitants, including colourful fish such as clown fish as well as different turtle species and sometimes dolphins, too. Reserve your spot well in advance – Chumbe Island only allows a limited number of visitors each day.

4. Tumbatu Island

Tumbatu Island is situated approximately 2 km north-west of Nungwi Beach.

The island is a popular area for snorkelling but has fewer visitors than the popular Mnemba Island. Tumbatu is surrounded by a colourful reef teeming with beautiful, brightly-coloured fish. A day trip to the island is definitely worth trying.

5. Mnemba Island

Mnemba Island, located approximately 3 km north-east of the main island, is the best-known site for snorkelling in Zanzibar.

This small island is known for its pristine coral reef and an abundance of colourful fish. As the island is such a great place to snorkel, the area is popular and attracts a lot of people. You are nevertheless guaranteed a unique experience if you choose to snorkel here.

Check out our tours to Zanzibar here

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