Mnemba island snorkeling

Mnemba island snorkeling

Mnemba island snorkeling : Mnemba island is found on the north eastern part of Zanzibar island and is a famous part of the island which is known for its vast coral reef.

The coral reefs were declared as a Marine conservation area where different snorkeling sites are located as well as diving points. The reef and the island together form the Mnemba atoll.

A number of aquatic species are also found around Mnemba island and they include bottle nosed dolphins, humpback whales among others which can be spotted in the clear waters around the coral reefs.

Mnemba island is made up of an oval reef which covers about 7×4 kilometers of the island. There are also green turtles which breed around the Mnemba island which is also home to a variety of bird species.

Green turtle are named after the color of their fat and is considered the second largest sea turtles. They are very commonly seen around Zanzibar island and can be encountered during the various holiday activities in the waters around Mnemba island and also around Zanzibar

Another unique feature of Mnemba island is that it is a privately owned island which also has restricted access. Tours to the Mnemba island start from around the reef which lie about 90 meters from the island.

These tours on Mnemba island can even take a whole day and involve engaging in activities like snorkeling, watching dolphins and also enjoying a lunch break on a nearby beach. Snorkeling on the island is the popular and many tourists visit the island to engage in the activity. Half day tours also take place on the island.

Mnemba island snorkeling
Mnemba island snorkeling

Some of the snorkeling sites around Mnemba island include Kichwani reef, Coral garden, the big wall site, Wattabomi site, Aquarium site, west gardens site among others. Diving can also be carried out all year round and can be done around 5 diving areas on the island.

  • Kichwani reef is the most popular diving site on Mnemba island and a variety of reef fishes can be spotted around this area. Hard and soft corals are found on the around this reef where different species of fish can be seen such as puffer fish, frogfish, jackfish, Napoleon fish. Trumpet fish, and sometimes dolphins can also be spotted around. This site is a deep clear dive from about 20 meters to 4o meters and this depends on the experience of a diver.
  • Wattabomi site is another excellent dive site located nearby and some of the fish species which can be spotted in the area include moray eels, lionfish, triggerfish, stonefish among others. This site is also made up of hard and soft corals and a coral drop off of about 25 meters and snorkeling can also be carried out around this site.
  • Aquarium site is also considered among the scenic sites on Mnemba island with mild to strong currents as well as numerous fish species. This site is about 20 meters deep and some of the species which can be spotted around include goat fish, snappers, surgeon fishes, parrotfish and also green turtles.

Other fish species which can be spotted during the different activities around Mnemba island include mackerel, sea horses, leaf fish, mantis shrimps, snappers, moray eels, puffer fish, scorpion fish, lionfish, nudibranch, angel fish, tunas, rainbow runners, jackfish, eagle rays, stingrays, barracudas, batfish among others.

Another activity which is carried out during a tour on Mnemba island is swimming. Swimming in the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean is also an exciting activity carried out around the Mnemba island.

The water around the reef area on Mnemba Island is similar in depth and the density of fish around these areas is higher compared to other areas on Zanzibar Island. This is because fishing is prohibited in these areas of the reefs.

How to get to Mnemba Island;

Mnemba Island is about 3 kilometers off the north coast of Unguja which is the largest island of the Zanzibar archipelago.

The different ways to get to Mnemba island include a boat from Nungwi. Nungwi is about 1 and half hours’ drive from Stone town which is a historic town at the heart of Zanzibar Island. The boat ride can take about 15 minutes.

The form of transfer to the Mnemba island also depends on the weather of the day when you are visiting the island. The best time to visit Zanzibar island is during the dry season from June to October.

Accommodation on the Mnemba Island is only and beyond Mnemba island which is a luxury lodge. This resort provides the perfect getaway on Zanzibar island and it has 12 luxurious bandas where guests can stay during their holidays.

Visit Mnemba island and experience the beauty of the marine life on the island and explore the corals as you engage in various activities.

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