Private Tour
Private Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling at Mnemba Island reef
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This is one of our most recommended activities in Zanzibar. You can swim and snorkel at three different spots: Dolphins, relaxing at the Sandbanks, and Snorkeling at the Mnemba Reef. Mnemba Island was ranked as the #1 Best Beach Destination in Africa by Tripsavvy.
During this trip, we usually encounter pods of bottlenose dolphins, ranging from 10 to 20. They are usually grey in color, measure two to four meters in length, and have a curved mouth that gives the appearance that they are always smiling.
While snorkeling, you can spot different species of fish, such as Angel Fish, Blue Spotted Rays, Black Snappers, Groupers, Red Tooth Triggers, Flounder, Octopuses, Leaf Fish, Scorpion Fish, Stone Fish, Frog Fish, and lots of Trevallies.
Mnemba Island is connected with a Sandbank (Sandbar) that is only accessible at low tides. The beach around the Sandbank is so beautiful with crystal clear water and white sand.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Please remember the following details: This tour offers three activities in one package: a Dolphin Tour, Snorkeling at Mnemba Reef, and a visit to the Sandbank. The tour will begin with the Dolphin tour. Dolphins can be spotted at Kombe, Tangini, West Garden, Kichwani, or near Mnemba Island, all located northeast of Zanzibar Island. These areas are less crowded with tourists when visited early. You can observe groups of 10-30 dolphins up close in this area, and there are more than 1000 dolphins in total. Although dolphins are wild animals and can roam the open sea, there is a 95% chance of sighting them. After the Dolphin tour, we will proceed to Mnemba Island reef. This reef is renowned for its diverse marine life, making it a haven for snorkelers. Many people consider the Mnemba reef to be a magical place. While some may compare it to other famous reefs like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, each reef has its own unique characteristics. Finally, we will head to the Sandbank located near Mnemba. The water near the Sandbank is exceptionally clear and calm, resembling a natural pool. It is an ideal place for relaxation.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Fruit Snacks: Watermelon, Pineapple, Bananas, Mangoes, Coconut, and more
Bottled water
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Conservation fee
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
From Kigomani/Muyuni
Kigomani: This tour package includes pick-up and drop-off from any hotel or accommodation in Kigomani, Muyuni, etc.
Pickup included
From anywhere in Zanzibar
Zanzibar: This tour package includes pick-up and drop-off from any hotel or accommodation in Zanzibar.
Pickup included
From North Coast
North of Zanzibar: This tour package includes pick-up and drop-off from any hotel or accommodation in the north; Nungwi, Kiwengwa, Pongwe, etc.
Pickup included
Reviews
104 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
🌊 “Like Swimming in a Dream!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hinariku,,Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mnemba Atoll felt like stepping into a postcard — warm turquoise waters, dancing fish, and a surprise sea turtle gliding by. We also swim with dolphins nearby. Pure magic. If you do one thing in Zanzibar, make it this.
Disappointing
docheather55,,Jan 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Arrived to a rough sea. Was surprised we had no safety brief or reassurance about the sea conditions. In fact we were told very little. Arriving at the reef about a dozen body’s were already anchored. Less than 10% of people were venturing into the water. It was too rough. Others were visibly unwell. We did snorkel, it was an amazing if brief experience. There were no dolphins. Obviously superior beings to avoid the weather conditions. Dolphins of course we have no control over but I feel that today’s trip was purely to income generate and not good value.
Unique
genschmer,,Dec 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked our tour for small money directly on the beach and were only two on the boat. We went out when the big boat rush was already over. I swam and snorkeled with the dolphins for more than an hour. It was a beautiful experience. I've read the many reports about the boat hunts. If the dolphins felt so disturbed by it, they would just dive and disappear. You are not locked up!!!
Expensive, better alternatives available
John T,,Nov 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Hmm a bit pricey. I suspected they act as the middle men between the toutists and those who actually own the boat and gear at the location. I highly recommend tourists to take a cab straight to the location, then hire a boat. It will be soo much cheaper.
Once again - too many tourists - just money making
Heinz K,,Oct 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Dead reef - few coral fish - no dolphins seen. The organization (pick up boat and food) were good, but the tour - 48 boats were waiting for the poor dolphins to hunt them, today they did not come
A fantastic guide for unforgettable excursions in Zanzibar
Stay55239873406,,Aug 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We stayed in Zanzibar 4 days and have chosen Ali for our excursions thanks to very good reviews on TripAdvisor. Ali was really kind and caring. He organized 2 private excursions for us: - excursion to the island of Mnemba, where we were able to see dolphins and swim with them. After swimming we went back in our private boat and got a big and delicious platter of local fruits. Then we had a fantastic lunch in a small restaurant on the beach with a great view. We ate fish, octopus, shrimps and lobsters (all included). - We also trusted Ali for a second combined excursion: Prison Island, Stone Town and spice farm. Everything was perfect. As for Mnemba Ali came to pick us up at our hotel. Everything was perfectly organized. We had a fantastic guide to visit every thing. We learned a lot (history, culture, economy, way of life, the various spices the country is growing and exporting… The service offered by Ali is truly professional. He is an honest and serious person. In addition, his prices are affordable and very reasonable. If you are looking for good value for money, do not hesitate to contact him. He will be able to meet your needs and advise you based on what you want to do. He offers many customized quality programs. He can search a guide speaking your language. We strongly recommend Ali. Below are his contact details, do not hesitate to call him or contact him by WhatsApp : Ali +255 778 943 116 Thanks a lot to Ali for everything.
Pay attention
Journey13389695852,,Jul 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We booked the Tour in Kiwengwa with Consiglio, i saw the Dolphins the very first time. Unfortunately, nothing remained of the initially positive impression. More than 15 boats were chasing them, jump in for a minute and go out hunting all over again. The snorkling was even worse i have never seen something similar! Destroyed the corales with the anchores! How you can earn such good money with such damage to nature in 2024 remains a mystery to me. The guides, agencies, hotels and even Tripadvisor should be fined for this.
2 and a half Stars
Lori G,,Jun 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
2.00Let’s start with this was not a 4 hour tour. For us it lasted 2 hours - including from the time we were picked up at your hotel. We were picked up at 7am and were done by 9:10am. Then - swimming with the dolphins experience went south quickly. Once we navigated to a soo in the ocean we waited for the dolphins. That was ok… however, at least 10 more boats were already which, at the moment, was not a big deal for us… Once there was word that dolphins had been spotted, it become, literally, a boat race to get to the dolphins. All boats circled the dolphins and we were yelled to jump… by the time we and everyone else hit the water, the dolphins had been scared and submerged. We found ourselves in the water getting hit or avoiding being hit by the boats. We were asked to get quickly on the boat so we could chase the dolphins and repeat. By the second attempt there were just too many boats and we knew it was not safe nor worth to jump in the water at this point. In addition the dolphins were scared so they remain swimming on the bottom of the ocean. We felt awful for the dolphins! After this we went snorkeling. The experience was good but again too many boats and people. We snorkeled for about 15 minutes. When we returned to the boat, we were offered pineapple, papaya, ripe avocado, and small bananas which were just cut without any sanitary consideration, while we were swimming and placed in a tray on the floor of the boat. So the tray got salt water on it almost immediately. This is raw-No napkins, no plates, no sanitary protocol. NO SANDBAR - part of the tour included the sandbar. we were told there was no sandbar because at that time of the day the water is high. Wish they have clarified this in their promotion. So we headed back to the shore where we were dropped at a beach to get transported back to our hotel - under other circumstances I would have come to terms and accepted the disappointing experience but with a price tag of $135 per person - it is a rip off.
Amazing
FarAway275107,,Apr 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing , swimming with wild dolphins is surnatural . The water is warm , the corals are amazing , not to many paole, well organnize from A to Z
Dolphin hunting
Lioleflingueur,,Mar 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I don't recommend going there, it's more like a dolphin hunt than diving with the locals with their boat, chasing them and throwing the tourists into the water. When there are some we find ourselves in a war scene they are scared no pleasure. It was horrible. I have been a diver for 40 years and have been diving. I've never seen a dolphin approach us, it films the boats, that's all.
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Operated by The Sultan Tours