MNEMBA ISLAND SNORKELING
Mnemba island is without a doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the Zanzibar archipelago and boasts some of the best coral reefs in the area. Mnemba island snorkeling is one of the best day trips from the main coast and you will not only experience wonderful underwater landscapes but will also have the opportunity to spot dolphins along the way.
In this guide I will describe all you need to know to prepare your visit to this stunning island. I will share a video of my second snorkeling trip to Mnemba island and some photos to help you prepare your trip and make the best out of your time during your visit.
Key takeaways
Mnemba Island Snorkeling
- Mnemba island snorkeling
- Best snorkeling in Zanzibar
- Dolphin Tour Zanzibar
- Mnemba island best tours
MNEMBA ISLAND SNORKELING VIDEO
A video does not lie. Find here a video summary of my second trip to Mnemba island. Yes, I love the island so much that I have done two snorkeling trips to the island and a couple of dive trips as well.
The video starts at Nungwi beach where the trip started and contains the trip to the island, some underwater footage, lunch at the boat and some dolphin watching on the way back to the coast.
ABOUT MNEMBA ISLAND
Mnemba island is small white sand beach island off the coast of Unguja, the biggest island in the Zanzibar archipelago. The small white sand beach island is only 500 meters in the diameter and 1.5 Km in circumference. The island is called the Mnemba atoll but that is not correct as it does not have a lagoon in the center.
The local people call it the “Bill Gates” island although this does not seem to be correct. The island is a privately owned island by the resort &Beyond.
The island is surrounded by 4 Km long coral reef and a stunning sandbank forms at low tide at around 1 Km away from the island coast.
Mnemba island is famous for its stunning transparent and emerald color water and it is one of the top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations in Zanzibar.
WHERE IS MNEMBA ISLAND LOCATED
Mnemba island is located approximately 3 Km from Muyuni beach on the North coast of Unguja island and very close to Matemwe.
Find here a pin with Mnemba island location:
HOW TO GET TO MNEMBA ISLAND
The only way to access the island is by boat and only guests staying on the resort are allowed to enter the island.
Guests usually fly to the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar and the arrange a boat with the resort to bring the to the island.
People who do not stay at the resort can visit the surrounding reef and the adjacent sandbank as long as they do not touch island beach, which entails a 500 dollars fine.
But do not worry you will be safe as long as you respect the safety distance you will enjoy a coral reef brimming with marine life and heavenly sandbank beach.
If you are an experience boat driver you can rent a boat and get to the island by yourself as it is not too far from the coast.
However I will always recommend you get a local guide as they know the exact places where to search for dolphins. Dolphins are always swimming around the island and easy to spot but you need to know where to look.
You can also book a guided tour to the island, either private or with a group of people and this is the option that I recommend so that you will get the best out of your visit to the island while supporting the local communities.
HOW TO BOOK A MNEMBA ISLAND TOUR
There are two ways you can book your tour to Mnemba island; you can either negotiate with one of the local agencies once you are in the island or you can secure your spot by booking your spot on line.
I would recommend you securing your spot on line as the island is getting popular and the boats departing to the island can get pretty busy. It will also save you some trouble bargaining with the local people as it is the main policy in Tanzania.
SNORKELING MNEMBA ISLAND
Mnemba Island stands as the premier snorkeling paradise within the enchanting realm of Zanzibar. Here, a sprawling 4-kilometer coral reef beckons with its vibrant aquatic wonderland, where the crystalline waters bestow a visual feast upon the fortunate observer. Beneath the surface, one encounters a captivating array of marine life, including the likes of Bengal Snappers, Moorish idols, powder blue tangs, and a kaleidoscope of blue sea stars. Delightful encounters with red-knobbed starfish and the ethereal crown-of-thorns starfish await, adding to the island’s allure as a marine sanctuary.
You can also see some red stunning soft coral and trumpet fish. Snorkeling in Mnemba island is a not to be missed activity when visiting Zanzibar.
WHAT TO PACK FOR MNEMBA ISLAND
Do not forget to bring the following items with you when visiting Mnemba island:
Some packing essentials for Nakupenda island:
Sun screen: Be sure to cover your back with sun screen when snorkeling as the Sun reflection in the water can get you sunburn very fast.
Snorkel equipment: Make sure your tour includes snorkeling equipment or bring your own.
Hat: If you are planning to walk on the sandbank close to the island I would recommend you to bring a hat to protect yourself from the Sun.
Camera: Photography is good on the surface and underwater so I would recommend you to bring your camera and underwater casing to record your time in the island.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MNEMBA ISLAND
The best time to visit Mnemba island is during the morning as you will have a better chance of dolphin encounters on the way to the island and around the island.
It is recommended to visit the island during dry season. But I have myself visited the island twice once during the dry season and once during the rainy season and I had the best weather during my visit on the dry season.
MNEMBA ISLAND FAQs.
HOW MUCH IS SNORKELING IN MNEMBA ISLAND?
There are different prices depending on the boat type your tour offers, the amount of people and time of the year.
The minimum price you can get it for is around 40 dollars, but be aware prices change depending on demand and the island is becoming a very popular spot.
IF MNEMBA ISLAND WORTH VISITING?
Yes, Mnemba island is really worth a visit and it should be a must in your Zanzibar itinerary. I have visited the island twice and will most likely visit it again on my next trip to Zanzibar.
IS IT SAFE TO SNORKEL IN ZANZIBAR?
Yes, snorkeling in most places in Zanzibar is safe as the current are mild and the water is crystal clear. But please always remember to check with the local guides about the spots you are planning to visit and the conditions. And for safety reason go always better with a local guide.
WHAT IS SNORKELING LIKE IN ZANZIBAR?
Zanzibar is a top world diving and snorkeling destination. You will encounter a great diversity of marine life and in some spots you will be able to snorkel with dolphins. The color of the water is one of the most beautiful shades of blue you will ever see in your life.
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