Zanzibar · Marine conservation area
Mnemba Atoll
Snorkelling with turtles and dolphins
Size
Reef atoll off the north-east coast
Location
About 20 minutes by boat from Matemwe
Best time
Oct–Mar for the clearest water
Known for
Snorkelling · Turtles · Dolphins
About the atoll
Zanzibar's best reef
Mnemba is a small, oval coral atoll a few kilometres off Zanzibar's north-east coast. The island itself is private, but the surrounding reef is a protected marine conservation area open to snorkellers and divers, with some of the clearest water and healthiest coral around the island.
Green turtles graze the seagrass in the shallows, schools of reef fish crowd the coral and spinner and bottlenose dolphins are often seen on the boat ride out. Going early in the morning means calmer water and fewer boats.
Highlights
Why visit Mnemba
Snorkelling
Shallow, clear water over coral gardens full of reef fish.
Dolphins
Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are often seen near the atoll.
Green turtles
Turtles feed on the seagrass around the reef.
Diving
Wall dives and coral bommies for certified divers.
When to visit
October to March usually brings the calmest seas and best visibility. June to September can be windier with choppier crossings. Humpback whales sometimes pass in August and September.
Marine life you may see
Green turtles, spinner and bottlenose dolphins, moray eels, octopus, lionfish, parrotfish, angelfish, starfish and, seasonally, humpback whales.
Getting there
Boats leave from Matemwe beach (about 20 minutes) or Nungwi and Kendwa (about 1 hour). Trips usually last a morning, including time in the water.
Visit with Asili
Trips that include Mnemba
5 days
Zanzibar Beach Escape
11 days
Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar
10 days
Serengeti & Zanzibar Honeymoon
Plan your Mnemba trip
We'll book a small-group or private boat, timed for calm morning water, from your beach hotel.
Enquire now