Zanzibar: Mnemba island Snorkeling & Boat Tour with Lunch

If you’re looking for a half-day escape from the hustle of Zanzibar to a stunning, marine-rich environment, the Mnemba Island Snorkeling & Boat Tour offers a compelling option. While I haven’t personally been on this tour, numerous travelers have shared their honest experiences, revealing both its highlights and some considerations.

What really shines about this trip are the vibrant coral reefs, the professional guides, and the delicious seafood lunch. Plus, it provides a chance to see dolphins and colorful marine life in their natural habitat. However, some reviews point out issues like crowded snorkeling spots and the additional tax fee, which could impact the overall value.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love underwater adventures, appreciate well-organized trips, and are okay with shared group experiences. If you’re seeking a quick but memorable glimpse into Zanzibar’s marine beauty, this could be just right for you. But if you’re after an exclusive, quiet experience or are sensitive to crowds, you might want to weigh these factors carefully.

Key Points

• Stunning Marine Environment: Expect to see vibrant corals, a wide variety of fish, and possibly dolphins.
• Professional Guidance & Equipment: Experienced guides and snorkeling instructors are on hand to ensure safety and fun.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Food, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included, simplifying your day.
• Group Size & Timing: The tour operates with a minimum of 6 participants, and timing can vary if the group isn’t full.
• Price & Value: At $48, including most amenities, it offers reasonable value, though extra taxes apply.
• Mixed Reviews: Some guests enjoyed the trip immensely, while others found the crowds and extra fees off-putting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Day

Departure and Pickup

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Zanzibar. The organizer, Beach & Safari Holidays, arranges for a driver to collect you from your accommodation, usually about 5 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Travelers have noted this is a shared pickup, so timing can sometimes be slightly flexible—sometimes arriving 15-20 minutes later than scheduled, but generally smooth.

On the Way to Mnemba Island

From your hotel, you’ll head north toward the Unguja South Region, with the boat captain and snorkel instructors waiting to greet you at the dock. The journey itself offers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic coastal views, particularly if you’re fortunate enough to have a window seat or a friendly guide.

The Snorkeling Experience

Once on board, you’ll be fitted with snorkeling gear—masks, fins, and snorkels—provided to ensure everyone is comfortable in the water. The boat then makes its way to the prime snorkel spots just off Mnemba Island. Here, you’ll be swimming amid some of the clearest waters you’ll likely encounter in Zanzibar, with vibrant coral formations and a range of colorful fish.

This part of the tour is the centerpiece. The reefs are known for their diversity, with some guests mentioning hundreds of different sea creatures. Guides are often praised for their attentiveness—helping non-swimmers and pointing out interesting marine life. One reviewer shared, “He showed us a lot of fish and the dolphins,” emphasizing the value of having knowledgeable guides.

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Dolphin Spotting & Marine Life

A popular highlight is dolphin watching, which some travelers have reported as a memorable part of the trip. Several guests saw dolphins swim around and alongside their boat, often in large pods. However, reviews also reveal that this experience can be marred by the presence of numerous boats chasing the dolphins—a common concern linked to mass tourism. One reviewer expressed discomfort, noting, “dozens of boats were chasing the dolphins… and the reef was crowded with boats and vendors,” which can detract from the natural experience.

The Sandbank & Photos

After snorkeling, the boat makes a stop at a sandbank, where guests can relax, take photos, and enjoy the stunning surrounding waters. This is often a favorite moment for snapping memorable pictures of the endless blue and playful marine creatures below.

Lunch & Return

Following the water activities, you’ll be taken to a nearby restaurant for a seafood lunch. Many travelers mention that the lunch is quite good—fresh seafood served in a relaxed setting. Unlike some tours that let you dine with your feet in the water, this tour often takes guests to a traditional restaurant, which some find less charming but still tasty.

After lunch, the boat heads back to Zanzibar, and a driver will drop you off at your hotel. The entire trip is typically around 4-5 hours, making it a manageable half-day experience.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

Included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Experienced driver and boat captain
• Snorkel equipment and bottled water
• Food and drinks during the trip

Not Included:

• Optional tips for guides and crew
• The $25 USD per person Mnemba Island tax

Travelers have noted the tax as an additional expense, which can feel like a surprise if you’re not prepared. It’s worth factoring this in when calculating your overall budget.

Important info:

• Be ready at your hotel reception at least 5 minutes before pickup.
• Minimum group size is six participants; if not reached, the trip may be rescheduled.
• Not suitable for those with mobility issues, back problems, motion sickness, or wheelchair users.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

While many guests loved the experience, some reviews highlight concerns worth considering. For example, one traveler pointed out that “the reef was pitiful with dozens of boats” and the dolphin chases felt chaotic. Conversely, others raved about the “incredible guides” who went out of their way to make sure everyone was safe, comfortable, and engaged, especially for non-swimmers. The seafood lunch often gets high marks, with some saying it was “excellent” and worth the trip.

A reviewer noted that “the tour is fairly short, and the lunch was at a traditional restaurant rather than with feet in the water,” which might be disappointing if you expected a more leisurely or exclusive experience. Still, for many, the overall value, especially given the included gear and guides, outweighs these minor drawbacks.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Arrive early, and be prepared for shared pickups.
• Carry sun protection—hats, sunscreen, sunglasses—as you’ll be exposed during boat rides and on the sandbank.
• If dolphin sightings are a priority, consider that mass tourism can impact the experience.
• Budget extra for the per-person tax, which is not included in the ticket price.
• For non-swimmers or those nervous in the water, the guides are helpful, but it’s advisable to communicate your comfort level beforehand.
• If you’re after a quiet, secluded experience, this may not be the tour for you, given the crowds reported at the reefs and sandbanks.

Who’s This Tour Best Suited For?

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a well-organized, reasonably priced marine adventure that includes snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and a tasty lunch. It’s a good fit if you’re comfortable sharing experiences with other travelers and value knowledgeable guides to enhance safety and enjoyment.

However, if you are seeking an intimate, exclusive experience or are concerned about crowds and extra fees, you might find this tour less appealing. It’s also best for those okay with a roughly 4-5 hour outing that includes some waiting and shared transportation.

The Sum Up

The Mnemba Island Snorkeling & Boat Tour from Zanzibar offers a solid mix of marine beauty, guided expertise, and convenient amenities. While some travelers have expressed concerns about crowds and additional fees, many appreciate the vibrant coral reefs, the chance to see dolphins, and the excellent seafood.

It’s a trip that delivers good value for those eager to explore Zanzibar’s underwater world without breaking the bank. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, professional guides, and a relaxed itinerary makes it a reliable choice, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family who want an active day at sea.

If your goal is to enjoy Zanzibar’s stunning marine environment, taste fresh seafood, and experience the thrill of spotting dolphins, this tour can be a fulfilling adventure—just keep in mind the crowds and extra costs. For travelers craving a lively, social experience with plenty of photo opportunities, it’s a trip worth considering.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Zanzibar, arranged by the tour provider, usually about 5 minutes before departure.

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience lasts around 4-5 hours, making it a convenient half-day activity.

What’s the cost?
The tour costs $48 per person, with additional fees like the $25 USD tax for Mnemba Island. Food, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a towel, some cash for extra fees or tips, and a sense of adventure. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Guides are helpful and attentive, but non-swimmers should communicate their comfort levels. The tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues or back problems.

Can I see dolphins?
Many travelers report sightings of dolphins, but the experience can be affected by crowded boats chasing the animals, so sightings are not guaranteed.

What about the crowds?
The reefs and sandbanks can be busy, with reports of many boats and travelers, which some find less peaceful.

What’s the lunch like?
Most guests find the seafood lunch tasty and satisfying, served at a traditional restaurant rather than directly on the sand.

This tour balances adventure and convenience, making it a great introduction to Zanzibar’s marine life for most travelers. Just be prepared for crowds and extra fees, and you’ll likely have a memorable day on Mnemba Island.

You can check availability for your dates here: