Mnemba Island: snorkeling and dolphin paradise
Mnemba Atoll, Zanzibar’s marine jewel
Mnemba Island is undoubtedly the most famous of Zanzibar’s neighboring islands! Located just 20-30 minutes by boat from Matemwe (northeast coast), this tiny private islet about 500 meters in diameter is surrounded by a spectacular coral atoll that delights divers and snorkelers.
What makes Mnemba exceptional:
- Coral reefs among the richest in the Indian Ocean
- Crystal-clear turquoise waters with 20-30 meter visibility
- Protected marine area (Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area)
- Frequent encounters with dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish
- Small paradise island (strictly private, but the atoll is accessible to all)
Important: The island itself is private and houses only the luxurious andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge (over $1,000 per night). You cannot set foot on it unless you are a guest. However, the atoll and surrounding reefs are accessible to everyone via boat excursions!
Snorkeling at Mnemba: an unforgettable experience
Snorkeling around Mnemba is the highlight activity among Zanzibar’s neighboring islands. As soon as you enter the water, you are immersed in a natural giant aquarium with impressive marine biodiversity at shallow depth (3-15 meters).
What you’ll see while snorkeling:
- Clownfish (Nemo!) hiding in anemones
- Blue tang fish (Dory!)
- Parrotfish, butterflyfish, trumpetfish
- Leopard rays resting on the sand
- Green turtles and hawksbill turtles swimming peacefully
- With luck: playful dolphins and majestic manta rays
Our tip: Leave early in the morning (7-8 AM) to enjoy the best visibility conditions and avoid the crowd of boats that arrive mid-morning.
Swimming with dolphins at Mnemba
Mnemba is one of Zanzibar’s best spots for observing and swimming with wild dolphins! Two species regularly frequent the atoll: bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.
How the experience unfolds:
- The captain spots dolphins from the boat (they often hunt in the morning)
- If the dolphins are playful and curious, you can enter the water with mask, snorkel, and fins
- Dolphins often swim in groups of 10-30 individuals
- Respectful observation without pursuit ensures a magical experience
Ethical aspect: Always choose a responsible operator who respects the animals and does not chase them. Discover our ethical Mnemba excursion to swim with dolphins with experienced local guides!
Practical information for Mnemba
How to get there: Boat departure from Matemwe, Muyuni Beach, or Nungwi (20-30 minute crossing)
Duration: Half-day (4-5 hours) including dolphin watching, snorkeling, and sometimes a stop at a sandbank
Price: $60-90 per person typically, snorkeling equipment included
Best time: June to October and January-February (calm sea, excellent visibility)
What to bring: Ocean-friendly sunscreen, towel, waterproof camera
Prison Island (Changuu): encounter with giant tortoises
The prison island steeped in history
Prison Island, officially called Changuu Island, is one of the most visited neighboring islands of Zanzibar. Just 30 minutes by boat from Stone Town, this small island combines moving history and encounters with century-old giant tortoises.
The fascinating history of Prison Island:
- Used in the 19th century to detain rebellious slaves
- Transformed into a quarantine center for yellow fever by the British in the 1890s
- A prison was built but never used to imprison criminals
- Today: giant tortoise sanctuary and popular tourist destination
The ruined colonial buildings bear witness to this troubled period and offer an important memorial site for understanding Zanzibar’s history and the slave trade.
The Aldabra giant tortoise sanctuary
The undisputed star of Prison Island is its giant tortoise sanctuary! In 1919, the British governor of the Seychelles gifted four Aldabra giant tortoises to the Sultan of Zanzibar. Today, the island is home to about 200 of these impressive reptiles.
The tortoise experience at Prison Island:
- Free observation in the natural enclosure of several hectares
- Some tortoises are over 150 years old and weigh up to 200 kg!
- Opportunity to feed them with leaves (provided on site)
- Explanation of their exceptional longevity (up to 200 years)
- Souvenir photos with these peaceful giants
Good to know: Aldabra giant tortoises are an endangered species. The sanctuary participates in their conservation and breeding.
Beach and snorkeling at Prison Island
Beyond the tortoises, Prison Island has a lovely white sand beach perfect for relaxing after visiting the sanctuary. The clear waters around the island also allow for pleasant snorkeling, though less spectacular than at Mnemba.
What you’ll find there:
- Coral reefs near the shore
- Colorful tropical fish
- Transparent and shallow water (ideal for families)
- Nakupenda sandbank nearby
Experience this unique adventure with our Prison Island and Nakupenda sandbank excursion!
Practical information for Prison Island
How to get there: Boat departure from Stone Town (30-minute crossing)
Duration: Half-day (3-4 hours) or full day if combined with Nakupenda
Price: $40-50 per person including boat transport and sanctuary entrance
Best time: Year-round (no tide issues)
Good to know: Can be combined with other islands like Nakupenda (pristine sandbank) or a Stone Town visit
Pemba: the mysterious island with clove plantations
The “Green Island” preserved from mass tourism
Pemba is the second largest island in the Zanzibar archipelago, located about 50 km north of Unguja. Nicknamed “the green island” due to its lush hills covered with spice plantations, Pemba remains one of the most authentic and least touristy neighboring islands of Zanzibar.
What makes Pemba unique:
- Hilly and verdant landscapes (unlike flat Unguja)
- World’s largest clove production
- Deserted and wild beaches
- Local population still living from traditional agriculture
- Mystical reputation as “the island of sorcerers” since the 1930s
Atmosphere: If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience among Zanzibar’s neighboring islands, Pemba is your destination! Here, no luxury resorts or tourist crowds, but rare authenticity.
World-class diving at Pemba
Pemba is internationally recognized as one of the best diving spots in East Africa! The vertical drop-offs, underwater caves, and pristine reefs attract experienced divers from around the world.
The best dive sites:
- Misali Island: Marine reserve off Pemba with spectacular corals and Napoleon wrasse
- Njao Gap: Vertical drop-off down to 50 meters, encounters with reef sharks
- Uvinje Gap: Impressive underwater caves and tunnels
- Fundu Gap: Renowned site for manta rays and whale sharks (seasonal)
Visibility: Often exceeding 30 meters, with less crowded waters than Mnemba
For whom? Preferably advanced certified divers (some sites have strong currents)
What to do in Pemba
Beyond diving, Pemba offers several unique experiences among Zanzibar’s neighboring islands:
Visit clove plantations: Pemba produces 80% of Zanzibar’s cloves! A guided tour of a plantation immerses you in the island’s traditional agriculture.
Wild and deserted beaches: Vumawimbi Beach, Ngezi Forest Reserve, and the northwest beaches offer a paradise setting without a tourist in sight.
Misali Island: This small island off Pemba is a marine conservation sanctuary. Exceptional snorkeling and secluded beach.
Ngezi Forest Reserve: Primary forest home to Kirk’s red colobus monkey (endemic to Pemba) and rare bird species.
How to get to Pemba
By air: Daily flights from Zanzibar (Stone Town) with Coastal Aviation or ZanAir (30-minute flight, about $100-150)
By ferry: Regular connections from Stone Town with Azam Marine (4-6 hour crossing depending on conditions, about $35-50). Warning: the sea can be rough!
Recommended duration: Minimum 2-3 days to discover Pemba (ideally 4-5 days)
Chumbe Island: ecological marine park
A model of ecotourism in Zanzibar
Chumbe Island is a pioneering private marine conservation project among Zanzibar’s neighboring islands. This small island southwest of Stone Town is home to the first privately managed marine park in East Africa.
What makes Chumbe special:
- Over 200 coral species (among the best-preserved reefs in Zanzibar!)
- Over 400 fish species
- 100% sustainable and ecological management
- All tourism profits reinvested in conservation and environmental education
Accommodation: Seven eco-bungalows made from natural materials, self-sufficient in solar energy and rainwater. Robinson Crusoe experience with total respect for the environment!
Snorkeling: Chumbe’s pristine coral reefs offer some of the best snorkeling in Zanzibar. Turtles, seahorses, parrotfish, and multicolored corals create an enchanting underwater tableau.
Price: About $200-300 per person for a day excursion (including transport, guide, lunch, snorkeling)
Mafia Island: whale sharks and authenticity
The forgotten island of the archipelago
Mafia Island (not to be confused with the mafia!) is technically separate from the Zanzibar archipelago but deserves mention among Zanzibar’s neighboring islands for travelers seeking adventure.
Located 120 km south of Zanzibar, Mafia is much less developed for tourism and offers rare authenticity. The island is famous for its whale sharks that can be observed and swum with between October and March.
Highlights of Mafia Island:
- Swimming with whale sharks (October-March)
- Mafia Bay Marine Park with exceptional coral reefs
- World-class diving (less crowded than Mnemba)
- Authentic fishing villages
- Quiet and low-tourism atmosphere
How to get there: Flights from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar (30-45 minutes)
Recommended duration: 3-5 days minimum
Practical tips for exploring Zanzibar’s neighboring islands
Planning your island itinerary
Short stay (5-7 days): Focus on Unguja + a day trip to Mnemba OR Prison Island
Medium stay (10-12 days): Unguja + Mnemba and Prison Island excursions + possibly 2-3 days in Pemba
Long stay (15+ days): Unguja + island excursions + 3-4 days Pemba + 3-4 days Mafia
Best time for the islands
June to October: Ideal dry season, calm sea, excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving
December to February: Also a very good period, with slightly more tourists
March to May: Rainy season, sometimes rough sea, reduced visibility. Negotiable rates.
To optimize your planning, check out our guide on when to visit Zanzibar.
Budget for island excursions
- Mnemba snorkeling + dolphins: $60-90/person (half-day)
- Prison Island + Nakupenda: $50-70/person (half-day or full day)
- Chumbe Island: $200-300/person (full day)
- Zanzibar-Pemba flight: $100-150 (one way)
- Diving at Mnemba or Pemba: $60-80/dive
Respecting the marine environment
Zanzibar’s neighboring islands are home to fragile ecosystems. A few essential rules:
- Never touch corals (they take decades to regenerate)
- Do not collect any shells, starfish, or coral
- Use ocean-friendly sunscreen (without oxybenzone)
- Keep a respectful distance from turtles and dolphins
- Do not feed fish (disrupts their natural behavior)
Explore Zanzibar’s neighboring islands with a local guide
Zanzibar’s neighboring islands offer unforgettable marine and cultural experiences! From the paradise atoll of Mnemba where dolphins and turtles swim, to the century-old giant tortoises of Prison Island, to the mysterious Pemba and its preserved reefs, each island reveals a unique facet of the archipelago.
Our local team organizes all these island excursions with passionate guides and safe boats. Contact Chudy, your French-speaking guide, to create your custom itinerary and discover the hidden treasures of Zanzibar’s islands!
Karibu to the islands of Zanzibar!
For more information on Zanzibar’s islands, check out Lonely Planet Zanzibar and specialized guides on diving in East Africa.
