Mnemba Island & Swimming with Turtles Tour — Zanzibar's Best Reef and Rescued Sea Turtles in One Day
Pair the two most rewarding water experiences on Zanzibar’s north end into a single day. Board a boat to Mnemba Island — the protected coral atoll widely rated the island’s finest snorkeling site — then head to the Nungwi lagoon for a gentle, hands-on swim with rescued sea turtles.
This Half-day combo links the open-water thrill of a reef teeming with tropical fish to the calm, family-friendly joy of feeding turtles in a sheltered natural pool. Boat, hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, entrance fees, and a friendly local guide are all arranged, so you get two of Zanzibar’s signature encounters in one smooth, stress-free trip.
Duration
Half Day
Tour Type
Ocean & Wildlife
Marine Life
Turtles & Reef Fish
Swimming
Reef & Lagoon
Drinks
Bottled Water
Pickup
Available
Overview
The Mnemba Island & Swimming with Turtles Tour stitches together two very different sides of Zanzibar’s ocean into one easy, well-paced day. It opens on the water at Mnemba Atoll, a horseshoe reef ringing a small private island off the north-east coast. As a no-take marine reserve, the coral here stays healthy and the fish stay plentiful — expect clouds of parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish in water so clear that visibility often runs 20 metres or more. Dolphins frequently show up on the crossing.
From the reef, the day turns to the northern tip of the island and the Nungwi turtle lagoon — a natural, tide-fed rock pool where rescued green sea turtles are cared for before release. You’ll wade in, feed them seaweed by hand, and watch them glide right up beside you. It’s shallow, calm, and safe for all ages, making it a favourite with families and non-swimmers.
Ideal for couples, families, and first-time visitors, this combo is scenic, ethical, and completely hassle-free. With a knowledgeable local guide, boat and hotel transfers, and all marine-park and sanctuary entrance fees arranged in advance, you enjoy two standout Zanzibar experiences without juggling two separate bookings.
Guiding travelers across Zanzibar with a passion for sharing the island’s beauty, culture, and hidden gems. Rama and his local team are committed to delivering authentic experiences, friendly service, and unforgettable adventures across Zanzibar.
Itinerary
Hotel Pickup & Drive North
Your guide meets you at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and drives up toward the north-east coast. Depending on where you’re staying, the transfer takes roughly 45–90 minutes, rolling past fishing villages and seaweed farms along the way.
Board Your Boat at Matemwe
At the coast you board your boat and set out across the channel toward Mnemba Atoll. Keep your eyes on the water — pods of wild dolphins are a common sight on this crossing, and the captain will slow down if any appear.
Snorkel the Mnemba Marine Reserve
Anchor over the reef and slip into the warm, clear water with your gear. A guide leads you across the coral, pointing out reef fish, sea turtles, and the occasional ray while you drift over some of the most vivid snorkeling in all of Zanzibar.
Fruits, Drinks & Rest on Board
Back on the boat, dry off and refuel with fresh tropical fruits and bottled water. Take in the view of the island and the open ocean before the boat returns you to shore.
Drive to the Nungwi Turtle Lagoon
From the coast it’s a short, scenic drive to Nungwi at the island’s northern tip. Your guide brings you to the natural conservation lagoon, home to rescued green sea turtles awaiting release back into the wild.
Swimming with Turtles
Wade into the shallow, tide-fed pool and meet the turtles up close. Feed them seaweed from your hand, swim gently alongside them, and hear how the sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates, and returns each turtle to the ocean.
Return to Your Hotel
After your swim you’re driven comfortably back to your hotel. Because both stops sit on the north end, this combo pairs easily with extra beach time at Nungwi or Kendwa if you’d like — just tell us when you book.
Price
Includes
- Proffesional Tour Guide
- Boat
- Swimming Equipment
- Entrace fees
- Tropical fruits
- All government fees
- Transfer from and return to your hotel is available only for the extra costs
What Guests Say
Related Tours
Book This Tour
Book this tour using the form or contact Rama Zanzibar directly through the contacts below