Tours & experiences

Mnemba Island Dhow Snorkeling and Seafood Lunch Experience

About this experience

Enjoy a relaxed traditional dhow experience around Mnemba Island, combining guided snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, swimming, beautiful ocean views and a freshly prepared BBQ seafood lunch served on board. Depending on the tides, you may visit a beautiful sandbank or Blue Lagoon. The journey also includes snacks, possible dolphin spotting and peaceful sailing back towards Nungwi/Kendwa, followed by a beautiful sunset and fresh tropical fruit. Available as both private and shared tours.

Shared tours operate on selected days and require a minimum number of guests. If the minimum is not met, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

At a glance

  • Duration: 9 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Shared Mnemba Dhow Trip
Snorkling at Mnemba Reef : Explore vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish with a local guide
Duration: 9 hours: Flexible depending on weather and sea conditions
Fresh Seafood BBQ lunch : Freshly prepared seafood served on board, including seasonal fruits, snacks, and soft drinks.
Pickup included
Private Mnemba Dhow Boat Trip with Snorkeling & BBQ Seafood Lunch
Guided Snorkeling at Mnemba : Explore vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish with a local guide
Duration: 9 hours: Flexible depending on weather and sea conditions
Fresh seafood BBQ lunch : Freshly prepared seafood served on board, including seasonal fruits, snacks, and soft drinks

Plan your experience

Time on the tour9 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (audio guide), English (live guide), English (written information)

Set aside 9 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Soda/soft drinks
  • Bottled water
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • All required local government and conservation fees are included in the tour price.
  • light snacks, and fresh seasonal tropical fruits served during the trip.
  • Freshly prepared BBQ seafood lunch served on board, including locally sourced seafood and seasonal side dishes.

Not included

  • Alcoholic beverages are not included and can be purchased on board if available.
  • Private land transportation (such as taxi) to and from the pickup or meeting point is not included. Travelers are responsible for arranging and paying for any taxi transfers if needed.

Itinerary and highlights

The experience begins at 9:30 AM with a relaxing 1.5–2 hour dhow cruise from Nungwi/Kendwa towards Mnemba Island. Enjoy snacks, soft drinks and ocean views along the way, with possible dolphin spotting depending on sea conditions. At Mnemba Island, spend approximately 4 hours snorkeling, swimming and relaxing in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Depending on the tides, we visit a beautiful sandbank or Blue Lagoon, and enjoy a freshly prepared seafood BBQ lunch on board. Around 4:00 PM, we raise the sails and begin the peaceful 1.5–2 hour journey back towards Nungwi/Kendwa. As we approach the coast, we stop to enjoy the sunset from the boat with fresh tropical fruit before the experience ends.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Please wait on the beach at the agreed meeting point. Our crew will meet you there and guide you to the dhow boat. Our crew members wear grey Maria Ocean Breeze T-shirts, and our boats are named Maria or Maria II. The exact meeting instructions will be confirmed after booking.
  • Pickup is available from selected beachfront hotels in Nungwi and Kendwa for private boat trips only. Pickup is from the beach in front of the hotel, not from the hotel itself. Pickup time and exact meeting location will be confirmed after booking, depending on tide conditions and beach access. For shared trips, guests will meet at the designated meeting point. Guests staying at hotels where beach pickup is not possible will be given a suitable nearby meeting point.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Audio
  • English — Guide
  • English — Written
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Maria Ocean Breeze

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 9 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Pickup is available from selected beachfront hotels in Nungwi and Kendwa for private boat trips only. Pickup is from the beach in front of the hotel, not from the hotel itself. Pickup time and exact meeting location will be confirmed after booking, depending on tide conditions and beach access. For shared trips, guests will meet at the designated meeting point. Guests staying at hotels where beach pickup is not possible will be given a suitable nearby meeting point.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (audio guide), English (live guide), English (written information).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 5–10; Adult tickets: age 11+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveller reviews and photos

Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.

Notes for a considered safari.

Occasional guides to observation, thoughtful arrangements and the work behind a Serengeti visit.