4.7(634)· Mnemba· By Captain Barnaba Excursions Free cancellation
Enhance your chances of encountering some of Tanzania's most elusive marine creatures on a snorkeling excursion to prime wildlife viewing locations around Mnemba Island.
- ✓Enjoy refreshing Zanzibar tropical fruits.
- ✓Stay hydrated with bottled water provided.
- ✓Travel comfortably by motorboat.
- ✓All fees and taxes are covered.
- ✓Snorkeling equipment is included for your use.
- ✓Benefit from the knowledge of a local guide.
Activity Schedule
4 h
The adventure begins at 8:30 AM with a motorboat departure from Mama Mia Restaurant Beach or the northern beaches of Zanzibar (Kendwa or Nungwi).
Hotel pickups commence 40 minutes prior to the boat's departure.
The boat journey takes approximately 45 minutes from Mama Mia Restaurant Beach or the northern beaches (Nungwi and Kendwa).
Your first stop is Dolphin Point, offering a chance to swim alongside dolphins.
Following this, we proceed to the Mnemba Marine Conservation Area for snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse fish species such as Nemo, Dorry fish, Grouper fish, Zebra fish, Connet fish, Rainbow fish, Morena fish, and Trumpet fish.
The final destination is a sandbank, its appearance contingent on the sea tide levels.
The tour operates from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
For guests staying in the South, Southeast, West, or Southwest of Zanzibar, the meeting point is the beachside of Mama Mia Restaurant in Nungwi.
If you are located in Nungwi or Kendwa, complimentary pickup and drop-off services are available at your hotel reception, beach, or designated hotel parking area.
- This activity is not advised for individuals with spinal injuries.
- Pregnant travelers are advised against participating.
- It is not recommended for those with cardiovascular health concerns.
- The tour is suitable for participants of all physical fitness levels.
- Mnemba Snorkeling & Dolphin
- Pickup service is included.
- Mnemba Snorkeling and Dolphin
- Pickup service is included.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Wear swimwear and bring a towel.
- Consider bringing a waterproof camera to capture memories.
- Listen carefully to your guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Stay hydrated by drinking the provided bottled water.
- Respect the marine environment and avoid touching coral or disturbing wildlife.
A full refund is guaranteed if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 365410P1
Activity offered by Captain Barnaba Excursions via Viator.
- Nature enthusiasts
- Snorkeling lovers
- Families
- Couples
- Adventure seekers
- Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
- Discover diverse and colorful fish species.
- Visit the beautiful Mnemba Marine Conservation Area.
- Enjoy a scenic boat trip around Mnemba Island.
- Includes snorkeling gear and local guide.
- Currency
- Tanzanian shilling
- Official languages
- Swahili, English
- Driving
- on the left
- Power plugs
- G · 230 V
- Emergency number
- 112
- Capital city
- Dodoma
Average temperatures- 25°Jan
- 25°Feb
- 24°Mar
- 23°Apr
- 22°May
- 20°Jun
- 20°Jul
- 22°Aug
- 25°Sept
- 28°Oct
- 29°Nov
- 26°Dec
Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the Mnemba Island tour?+
The tour lasts for 4 hours, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
What is included in the Mnemba Island snorkeling tour?+
The tour includes Zanzibar tropical fruits, bottled water, motorboat transport, all fees and taxes, use of snorkeling equipment, and a local guide.
Can I swim with dolphins on this tour?+
Yes, the tour includes a stop at Dolphin Point where you will have the opportunity to swim with dolphins.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?+
You can expect to see a variety of colorful fish species such as Nemo, Dorry fish, Grouper fish, Zebra fish, Connet fish, Rainbow fish, Morena fish, and Trumpet fish while snorkeling in the Mnemba Marine Conservation Area.
Is pickup included for all locations?+
Pickup is included for hotels in Nungwi and Kendwa. For guests staying in the South, Southeast, West, or Southwest of Zanzibar, the meeting point is Mama Mia Restaurant Beach in Nungwi.
What is the cancellation policy?+
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★Viator review
Great family sea experience
Francisca_S, October 2026
We managed to see the dolphins, swim and see the coral and beautiful fish. Great family experience at the sea.
★★★★★Viator review
Overall good experience
Andrea_C, October 2026
Overall good experience, however started off a little rocky. The guides did not have us check the snorkel equipment beforehand and when it was time to jump in the water some of the equipment was broken or didn’t fit. My mom and I ended up with one flipper each (which were not the correct size). The initial 15-20 minutes of snorkeling was overcrowded and I found myself dogging other swimmers more than looking at fish. However, the crowd died down a little and it was much more of an enjoyable experience. Chasing and swimming with the dolphins was my highlight. Water was crystal clear and the fruit was fresh.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Mnemba Island tour
MoeJoeSalo, October 2026
This was a phenomenal experience. The first of its kind. To swim 2 metres from these fascinating creatures felt like a dream.. When coming up for water, ita like you woke up from that dream. Even if its not low tide, you can enjoy the covered sand bank in the most crystal azure waters until your waist. Snorkeling was epic..... Hundreds of tropical fish swimming right infront of your face. An advice to leave very early in order to hit the waters at 8am....later becomes too busy and everyone wants to jump in at the same time.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Top guide and captain
UlrikeL137, October 2026
Can highly recommend this tour. When there were too many boats near the dolphins, we continued on, with the result that we had dolphins all to ourselves on the way back. TOP! Snorkeling spot is dreamlike, but very crowded.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Fun trip, but very busy!!! Many boats.
Stay29685058968, October 2026
Had a nice trip to Mnemba island, very special to stand on a sandbank in the middle of the sea, crystal clear water! It got very busy quickly. Ate delicious fruit on the way and saw starfish, caught out of the water by our captain, and luckily put back quickly. Saw many dolphins only in the middle of lots of other boats, that's really a shame...