A glimpse into the depths: snorkelling in the waters around Zanzibar
A sea of colours off the coast of Zanzibar
Explore the reefs off Zanzibar’s coast while snorkelling among clownfish and parrotfish. Around 600 species of fish live there as well as dolphins and turtles. Colourful corals and seagrass meadows stretch across the seabed. Zanzibar offers ideal conditions for snorkelling: pleasant water temperatures all year round and visibility of up to 30 metres, perfect for beginners and experienced snorkellers alike.
Snorkelling in Zanzibar’s famous Blue Lagoon
In the east of Zanzibar, the water of the Blue Lagoon glows a bright turquoise. A few metres below the surface, a colourful coral reef is home to pufferfish and angelfish. But above all, the Blue Lagoon is famous for its starfish. Our tip: combine your snorkelling dive off Zanzibar’s coast with a visit to The Rock restaurant, perched on a rock in the middle of the sea.
Snorkel with sharks at the Mnemba Atoll off Zanzibar
Just three kilometres northeast of the main island lies the Mnemba Atoll. This reef, one of the most biodiverse in the Indian Ocean, is a marine protected area. Swarms of clownfish and blue tangs can be found here. And, if you’re looking for a spot to watch sharks while snorkelling in the waters around Zanzibar, this is also the place for you. Dolphins and reef sharks often swim through the waters around the coral reef.
In the coral forest off Chumbe Island
One of East Africa’s most diverse coral reefs is found off Chumbe Island. Blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles and stingrays swim above the stony corals, making it the perfect place for snorkellers who want to explore Zanzibar’s underwater wildlife. On the seabed, you can find fossilised coral and giant clams.
Home of the dolphins: Menai Bay Marine Park
The fishing village of Kizimkazi, located at Zanzibar’s southern tip, is the starting point for guided snorkelling tours to Menai Bay Marine Park. At 470 square kilometres, it’s Zanzibar’s largest marine protected area and ideal for snorkelling. In addition to trumpetfish and seahorses, you’ll often find dolphins swimming through the bay. In early autumn, you can see humpback whales passing by as you stand on the beach.
Tumbatu: Zanzibar’s secluded snorkelling paradise
The island of Tumbatu is located off Zanzibar’s northern tip. When snorkelling there, you can see a coral reef that is home to cuttlefish, leaf fish and sea turtles. The calm currents make it a great place for beginner snorkellers. Setting foot on the island itself is only permitted with the express consent of the locals.
Sandbanks and lagoons off Kwale Island
On the coast of Kwale Island, part of the Zanzibar archipelago, you can snorkel in crystal-clear water. Located in the protected Menai Bay Conservation Area, Kwale Island boasts a diverse underwater world of coral reefs, sandbanks and lagoons. Colourful parrot fish, angelfish, octopuses and dolphins live in the surrounding water.
Snorkelling off Zanzibar’s Prison Island
Boat tours to Prison Island usually start from Stone Town, five kilometres away. Lying to the west of Zanzibar’s main island, the former penitentiary has a lot to offer snorkellers. The reef is particularly biodiverse and the sea is calm thanks to its sheltered location, creating ideal conditions for exploring the underwater world.
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