Mnemba Island, 2 miles/3.2km to the north-east of the island of Zanzibar (Unguja), is surrounded by a vast coral reef measuring several miles in diameter. Listed as a marine reserve, it is the most popular snorkeling spot in Zanzibar. Moorish idols, blue tang, and clownfish are easy to see in a few feet of water, above a colorful, well-preserved reef.
Mnemba Island is a privately owned island with access restricted to guests of the luxurious &Beyond Mnemba Island

Attractions around Mnemba:

Attractions around Mnemba Island The island is a popular scuba diving site that also holds a wide variety of corals as well as occasional sightings of turtles and dolphins. It is a nesting place for endangered green turtles, Humpback whales, Whale sharks which is the world’s largest fish, 600 species of coral reef fish, migratory and resident shorebirds.

How to get there?

You reach Mnemba Island by boat, mainly from Muyuni or Nungwi, which is a 1h30 drive from Stone Town. It takes about twenty minutes to reach the snorkeling spot from Nungwi and 30 minutes from Muyuni village. Tour guides will drop you off directly at the reef, which lies a few hundred yards from the small island.

Things to do on Mnemba island:

Discover the 8 best things to do when you visit Mnemba island for the first time on Zanzibar island.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is ideal for those who do not wish to do a scuba diving accreditation but who want to confidently explore the shallower coral reefs, situated off Mnemba Island, with the help of a snorkel.

Scuba diving

Mnemba Island has a fully stocked dive center and offers a full range of diving activities. If you are experienced, our Dive Instructor will guide you on fantastic dives around the Mnemba Atoll. If you are a beginner, our Instructor is waiting to introduce you to a whole new world of mystery, wonder, and beauty

Sea kayaking

Explore the warm Indian Ocean waves in utter tranquillity in a deep-sea kayak built for two. Ask one of Mnemba’s Dive Instructors for a quick tutorial session or set off with your partner on the quiet waters protected by the island’s surrounding reefs. Paddle along the beach to admire the changing features of the shoreline or head out into deeper waters in the hope of encountering a pod of dolphins or some sea turtles.

Stand up paddleboarding

Enjoy an unforgettable experience on the calm Indian Ocean waters on a stand-up paddleboard. Get a few tips from our expert instructors before grabbing paddle in hand and mounting the board to head out into the waves. Ideal for the calm waters off Mnemba Island, this activity allows you to glide effortlessly through the waves while enjoying exceptional views of the ocean waters and the Mnemba horizon. Watch as dolphin frolic nearby, play in the waves and guide yourself through graceful turns.

Scuba Diving Courses

Add another extraordinary element to your beach holidays, gaining insight into a vast underwater world by learning to scuba dive. With the great variety of dive sites close to the island, and calm waters it is the perfect island to learn how to scuba dive or improve your skills and become a master scuba diver. There are over 14 dive sights, some just a 10 minute up to 60-minute boat ride from the island.

For more experienced divers certain dive sites descend to depths of more than 150m. With a fully certified PADI dive center, there are a variety of courses offered- including refresher courses and a three-day Open Water course for beginners. For those with open water certification, advanced and specialized classes, all with proper international certification are on offer.

Bubblemaker course

Ideal for younger children who would like to enjoy a taste of the dive experience, this course is similar in structure to the Discover Scuba course but is restricted to swimming pool depth. The course is offered to children above the age of eigh

Private beach activities

Give in to the lure of total isolation and pretend that you are marooned on a deserted island, albeit one where your butler is perpetually on hand to cater to your every desire! You may catch a fleeting glimpse of your fellow guests as you lounge in the tropical sunshine in your private beach sala or take a leisurely walk around the island. But you can also choose to make the most of your solitude with a private dinner in a secluded forest clearing or enjoy the light-hearted intimacy of a sandcastle dinner set to the sound of the waves gently sighing on the shore.

Wellness Treatments

Rest and Relax A soothing treatment using the Healing Earth Pinotage Relax Oil. to restore and rejuvenate the body and mind. Bringing relief to tired, aching muscles allowing the body and soul to return to perfect equilibrium.

Yoga

Channel your energy and increase your self-awareness with a yoga class placed against the background of a clear ocean. Classes are plentiful and can be accommodated to fit all levels of experiences and preferred style. The island has an internationally qualified yoga instructor, who is able to take private or group classes, which can be booked in advance or once you arrive on the island.

Deep-sea fishing

It’s a battle of wills as guests test their strength against barracuda, mackerel, kingfish, and marlin on a full day, deep-sea fishing adventure.

The Tour starting:

The full-day excursions from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm generally include a single snorkeling stop at Mnemba, as well as a lunch break on the beach and a chance to observe dolphins. You will have no trouble booking an excursion on the island.