Zanzibar Marine Life Tours offer guided ocean experiences such as snorkeling, diving, dolphin encounters, and reef exploration around Zanzibar’s top marine hotspots like Mnemba Atoll, Chumbe Island, and Menai Bay. These tours allow visitors to see tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, corals, and stunning underwater ecosystems in safe, eco-friendly conditions.
If you’re researching Zanzibar Marine Life Tours, get ready—this guide gives you the most detailed and expert-backed breakdown of Zanzibar’s underwater world.
As a locally based tour operator, Blue-Green Zanzibar Tours has helped thousands of travelers explore the best reefs, swim with turtles, meet dolphins (responsibly!), and experience the ocean in all its beauty.
This guide covers everything: marine species, best snorkeling zones, ideal seasons, prices, safety, eco-guidelines, photography tips, and how to choose the right tour.
Table of Contents
Why Zanzibar’s Marine Life is World-Class
Few places in East Africa can match Zanzibar’s underwater diversity. Surrounded by marine protected areas, the island hosts:
- 600+ species of tropical fish
- Multiple turtle species (Green, Hawksbill)
- Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins
- Magnificent coral gardens (hard & soft corals)
- Sharks & rays (reef sharks, eagle rays, stingrays)
- Rare species like leaf scorpionfish and ribbon eels
Large portions of Zanzibar’s waters are protected, including Mnemba Marine Reserve, Chumbe Island Coral Park, and Menai Bay Conservation Area, which helps keep marine ecosystems vibrant.
Best Time for Marine Life Tours;
Zanzibar is year-round, but:
Best Months:
July – March
Clear waters, minimal rainfall, excellent visibility.
Avoid (if possible):
April & May – long rains reduce visibility.
Top 5 Marine Life Tours in Zanzibar
1. Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling Tour — Best Overall
Location: Northeast Zanzibar
Difficulty: Easy
Visibility: 20–30 meters
Best for: Snorkeling, colorful fish, turtles, dolphins (often spotted)
What to Expect:
Mnemba is Zanzibar’s crown jewel. With calm waters and vibrant coral gardens, it’s the #1 choice for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
Marine Life You’ll See:
- Sea turtles (Green & Hawksbill)
- Butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish
- Moray eels
- Reef sharks (rare but harmless)
- Bottlenose dolphins along the route
2. Chumbe Island Coral Park — Best for Conservation Lovers
Location: South of Stone Town
Difficulty: Medium
Best for: Eco-tourism, coral lovers, underwater photographers
Chumbe Island is one of the most pristine coral sanctuaries in the Indian Ocean—no fishing, no boats allowed except licensed eco-operators.
Marine Life Highlights:
- 90% coral cover—extremely rare
- Over 200 coral species
- Reef sharks
- Ghost pipefish and rare species
- Sea turtles nesting on the island
What makes it unique:
It’s the closest you’ll get to a “marine life heaven” in Zanzibar.
3. Mnemba Dolphin & Snorkeling Experience (Responsible)
Location: Matemwe
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Dolphin watching without disturbing wildlife
Zanzibar is famous for dolphins—but ethical practices matter. At Blue-Green Zanzibar Tours, we follow international dolphin-approach guidelines.
Expectations:
- You may see dolphins, but we don’t chase them
- Early departure for best sightings
- Combine with reef snorkeling
Marine Residents:
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Spinner dolphins
- Occasional humpback whales (July–Sept)
4. Turtle Aquarium (Baraka Natural Aquarium) – Family-Friendly
Location: Nungwi
Best for: Safe turtle interactions for non-swimmers
A natural lagoon where rescued and rehabilitated turtles are released back into the ocean.
Highlights:
- Hand-feed turtles
- Learn about conservation
- Great for kids and elders
5. Safari Blue (Menai Bay) — Best Combo Tour
Location: Fumba
Includes: Snorkeling + dhow cruise + seafood + sandbank
Safari Blue mixes marine exploration with a full-day ocean adventure.
Marine Life:
- Dolphins
- Octopus
- Starfish
- Rays
- Coral fish varieties
Also includes:
- Sandbank relax stop
- BBQ seafood lunch
- Baobab climbing
- Traditional dhow sailing
Marine Life You’ll Encounter in Zanzibar
Sea Turtles
- Green turtles – abundant around Mnemba
- Hawksbill turtles – frequent around Chumbe
- Nesting season: February–July
Dolphins
- Google ranking differentiators: Add behavior, depth, movement patterns
- Bottlenose – shallow reefs
- Spinner dolphins – offshore, known for acrobatic spins
- Active mainly during the morning hours
Reef Fish
- Surgeonfish
- Clownfish
- Triggerfish
- Angelfish
- Parrotfish
- Anthias (colorful schools)
Sharks & Rays
- Reef sharks (blacktip, whitetip)
- Eagle rays
- Blue-spotted stingrays
All are harmless and generally shy around humans.
Corals
Hard & soft corals including:
- Brain coral
- Staghorn coral
- Fire coral
- Fan coral
FAQ – Zanzibar Marine Life Tours
Are Zanzibar Marine Life Tours safe for beginners and non-swimmers?
Yes — Zanzibar is one of the safest places in East Africa for beginner-level snorkeling. Locations like Mnemba Atoll and Mnemba Channel are shallow (1–3 meters), calm, and protected by reefs.
For non-swimmers:
We provide life jackets, flotation rings, and guide-assisted floating.
A trained guide stays in the water with you, ensuring safety and helping you navigate the reef.
You can choose a glass-bottom boat or stay onboard and still enjoy the scenery.
Special Tip: If you’re nervous, choose morning tours, as water conditions are calmer and visibility is better.
Is swimming or snorkeling with dolphins ethical in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is known for dolphin encounters, especially around Mnemba and Kizimkazi (although Mnemba is more ethical and less aggressive).
Blue-Green Zanzibar Tours follows international dolphin-approach standards:
We keep a safe, non-intrusive distance from the pod
We never chase dolphins
We limit viewing time to reduce stress
Boats follow a slow approach pattern
You may enter the water near dolphins, but this is done responsibly and only if dolphins choose to stay close.
Important:
Chasing, diving on top of, or trying to touch dolphins is NOT ethical and can stress the animals. Responsible viewing is always better.
What should I pack for a marine life tour in Zanzibar?
To ensure comfort, safety, and maximum enjoyment, bring:
Essentials:
Swimwear
Towel
Sandals or water shoes
Reef-safe sunscreen
Sunglasses & hat
Waterproof bag
Phone/camera in a dry case
Recommended Extras:
GoPro or underwater camera (we offer rentals)
Snorkeling mask (optional — we provide high-quality masks)
Motion-sickness tablets (for sensitive travelers)
Snacks or a light meal (unless included)
Optional:
Rash guard or long-sleeve swim shirt
Cash for tips or souvenirs
How deep are the snorkeling sites in Zanzibar?
Depth varies widely depending on the location:
Mnemba Atoll:
1–3 meters near the shore
Up to 12–20 meters in deeper channels
Chumbe Island:
2–5 meters shallow
Up to 15 meters in the vertical coral garden
Menai Bay (Safari Blue):
2–4 meters
Perfect for beginners
Most snorkeling spots are intentionally chosen for shallow, safe conditions.
What boats are used for marine life tours?
At Blue-Green Zanzibar Tours we use:
Modern fiberglass boats
Traditional but upgraded Zanzibari dhows (e.g., Safari Blue)
Boats with shade, ladders, and emergency equipment
All boats include:
Life jackets
First aid kits
Trained captains
Mobile communication equipment
