The Zanzibar archipelago is surrounded by coral reefs, hidden in the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Many are very beautiful, and so great places for snorkelling and diving - but here we aim to highlight the best.
 
Top of our list must be the huge reef around Mnemba Island, which is vast and dwarfs the island by comparison. (Just zoom out from the satellite view of Mnemba to see what we mean!) As well as the top-end Mnemba Island Lodge itself, most of the lodges in north and north-east Zanzibar will do many of their dives here, so it's not a quiet reef.
 
Very different, but equally very attractive, are the quite and relatively undiscovered reefs of the Menai Bay Conservation Area - off southwest Zanzibar. These are fairly untouched as there's been little development, and currently there are just a few small lodges here - notably Fumba and Unguja, mentioned below.
 
Finally, no list would be complete without the tiny Chumbe Island which, thanks for historical protection, has some of the best coral gardens in the world. The only way to visit this is via Chumbe Island Lodge - and to preserve the reefs, only snorkelling is allowed, guided by one of the lodge team.
 
Here are our top tips for the best lodges for a snorkelling or diving holiday in Zanzibar; read more by clicking on the hotel and lodge names - if you like what you see, add it to your list of favourites…

6 of our favourite diving and snorkelling retreats in Zanzibar

Mnemba Island Lodge East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Mnemba Island is surrounded by one of Zanzibar's best coral reefs. Most lodges in northern Zanzibar will come here for their trips to snorkel and dive. However, whilst staying at Mnemba Island Lodge, you'll have the very best, easiest access to this huge, spectacular reef – just step of the shore! Mnemba naturally also has a first-class dive centre and up to 2 dives per day are included in the cost of your stay. - View lodge details

Chumbe Island Lodge South-west Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Chumbe Island has some of the most pristine and amazing coral gardens in the world. The reef around the island has remained largely untouched and boasts over 400 species of fish and more than 200 species of hard coral. To help preserve them, the whole area is now protected by Chumbe Island Coral Park; no scuba diving is allowed here, but guided snorkelling trips guarantee an extraordinary underwater experience! - View lodge details

Fumba Beach Lodge South-west Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Fumba recently opened a PADI scuba diving centre with brand new equipment. Though the diving from Fumba is less spectacular than the best of the East Coast; the corals here are especially beautiful and in better condition. There aren't as many fish, but you'll usually see no other boats in area. It's a blissful experience after the relatively crowded dives around Mnemba Island. - View lodge details

Unguja Lodge South-west Zanzibar, Zanzibar
Unguja Lodge has a dive center on-site, run by a company with a reliable reputation on Zanzibar. Snorkellers and divers will enjoy the coral in the protected 'Menai Bay' area, whilst the most experienced divers can even head out to new dive sites, identified only by a GPS. If you wish to do a diving course, let us know when you book your trip. - View lodge details

Matemwe Beach Village East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
The famous Mnemba Atoll is located just off-shore from Matemwe Beach Village. The circular reef has some of the best diving in East Africa, and turtles, as well as dolphins, are regular visitors. With its own PADI-affiliated dive centre offering certificate courses, Matemwe Beach Village is an ideal base for keen divers. - View lodge details

Fairmont Zanzibar East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar
There is a PADI dive centre at the Fairmont Zanzibar, which offers high0-quality scuba-diving excursions and dive training. This fully equipped dive-center boast a fully-functioning decompression chamber, one of only three in Africa – so it's an excellent place from which to dive for the more safety-conscious. - View lodge details

Alternatively, click below for more ideas of places to consider for diving & snorkelling throughout our specialist region:


Diving & snorkelling in Africa | Diving & snorkelling in Malawi | Diving & snorkelling in Mozambique | Diving & snorkelling in Seychelles | Diving & snorkelling in Tanzania | Diving & snorkelling in Zanzibar


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