Snorkeling Trips in Zanzibar: 5 That Justify the Spend

1.From Kendwa: Mnemba Boat Trip and Dolphin Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,043 reviews · 4 hours · from $50Our pick

Join Captbarnabatours from Mama Mia in Kendwa for a four-hour boat trip toward Mnemba Atoll. Guides such as Hassan, Ludo, Hamis, Abra, and Ebra search for dolphins without hounding them, then lead you to coral reefs and a tide-dependent sandbank. Gear, fruit, soft drinks, life jackets, conservation fees, and hotel-beach boat pickup are included.

“We had a lovely trip today. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side at the beginning of the trip, but thankfully it cleared up. We especially are very grateful that the captain and our tour guide HD did not chase after the dolphins. We kept our distance and still got to see them. Both the sandbanks and the snorkelling were amazing! The water is so clear and we truly enjoyed the 20 plus/minus sorts of fishes we saw! We had some tropical fruits/water and even made new friends onboard. We can truly recommend Captain Barnaba Tours!”

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2.Mnemba Island: Dolphin Swim & Snorkeling with Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 591 reviews · 3.5 - 5 hours · from $21Best value

Set out from Muyuni Beach, or add hotel pickup, for a 3.5 to 5-hour trip with guides such as Khamis, Ali, or Ramadan. You will search for wild dolphins, snorkel among fish and coral near Mnemba, and pause for fruit, a sandbank, or optional Swahili lunch. Sea conditions and boat traffic can shape the day.

“Fortunately I had the chance to see and swim with dolphins. It was my first time meeting dolphins, and their faces were so pretty. The guides were nice and we enjoyed some fruit together. One thing to improve is that the shop was a bit hard to find since there were many stores, and at first I got confused. But overall, I had a wonderful experience with the dolphins ！”

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3.Mnemba Island snorkeling and Swimming with Dolphin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 412 reviews · from $55

Set out from Mama Mia Beach, Nungwi, or Kendwa at 8:30 AM with Captain Barnaba Excursions. Look for dolphins, snorkel Mnemba’s coral gardens, and stop at a sandbank if the tide allows. Guides including Hassan, Ludo, Ochu, and Barnaba provide gear, transfers, and help in the water. Groups are limited to eight.

“A great experience! We got to see many dolphins, and follow them underwater. The only hiccup was that we would at times be running behind them, which we imagine must not be very good for them. On the other hand, the snorkelling aroRead more”

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4.Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 352 reviews · 4.5 - 6 hours · from $40

From Nungwi or Muyuni, you’ll boat toward Mnemba Atoll to look for bottlenose and humpback dolphins, snorkel among reef fish, and stop in shallow water or on a sandbank for fresh fruit. Guides including Rasheed and Fozhill are praised for safety and care. Mnemba Island itself is private, so you view it from the water.

“Good half day out. Found dolphins, stopped at two different places to snorkel and stopped in shallow water for a swim and fresh fruit.”

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5.Matemwe: Mnemba Island Dolphin & Snorkeling Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 152 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $35

From Matemwe, you’ll sail toward Mnemba Island with a captain and English-speaking guide, stopping for dolphin watching, swimming, a sandbank visit, and snorkeling among coral and tropical fish. The crew supplies gear, life jackets, water, and fresh fruit. Guides such as Lava Lava, Nasor, Abdul, and Lil Nasr have earned warm praise for their care and good humor.

“It was such a lovely day and our guide Lava Lava was so great, as well as our driver! I went with my mom and little brother and we all enjoyed the day very much! The most crystal clear water we had seen! Thanks again!”

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