Islands in Zanzibar

Chumbe Island Coral Park, located 8 km west of Unguja in Zanzibar, is a protected island dedicated to marine, forest, and wildlife conservation for over 20 years. It's famous for its amazing coral reef, making it a top spot for snorkelling in East Africa with diverse marine life. Day trips offer chances to see unique wildlife and enjoy activities like Forest Walks and Birding.

Getting There: Boat trip from Jungle Paradise Hotel
Price: $10 per person
Reservation: 4 days in advance
Closed: 01 April to 3rd June
Activities: Snorkelling, Forest Walk, Coconut Crab Walk, Intertidal Walk, Birding and other wildlife observations, Education Centre Visit, Exploring Historical Monuments.
Accommodation: Eco-bungalows on the premises.
Website: www.chumbeisland.com

Mnemba Island is a small private island owned by andBeyond, situated 3 kilometres off Zanzibar's northeast coast. It's renowned for its rich marine life and is surrounded by the Mnemba Atoll marine reserve, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving in Zanzibar. The island boasts white sandy beaches and coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can spot a variety of marine life along with green sea turtles and dolphins.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Size: 6.6 kilometres long, 500 meters in diameter, and 1.5 kilometres
Highlight: Snorkelling and Diving at Mnemba Atoll
Accommodation: andBeyond Mnemba Island

Pemba Island is a secluded and lesser-known spot, located 50 kilometres north of Zanzibar in Chake Chake town. This hilly island, 42 miles long and 14 miles wide, features dense forests, mangrove swamps, hidden beaches, lagoons, and tidal sandbanks. Pemba’s clear waters and vibrant coral gardens make it a great spot for diving, with the added attraction of an annual whale migration in July and August.

Mode of Transport: By ferry
Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, boat safari to Jambagome Ruins, dolphin safari, wakeboarding, knee boarding, kayaking through a mangrove forest, and sunset cruise.

Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, Kibandiko, or Quarantine Island, is a famous tourist spot with unique features. It is home to Aldabra giant tortoises and the remains of an old prison and hospital. While it once held slaves and served as a quarantine place, today, visitors can enjoy day trips exploring its history and natural beauty.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 04:15 PM
Entry Fee: $4 per person
Restaurant: Prison Restaurant

Nakupenda Beach, also known as Zanzibar Sandbank or Nakupenda Island, is a stunning sandbank in the Zanzibar archipelago, just a 15-minute boat ride from Stone Town Harbour. It's celebrated for its beautiful sandbanks, vibrant birdlife, and crystal-clear waters, making it a favourite for beach lovers and romantic couples.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Time Required: 3 hours
Best Time to Visit: Early morning 07:00 AM to 08:30 AM (Afternoon is crowded and the island sinks in the evening)
Recommended Items to Bring: Tents, swimming kit, snorkelling gear, and sunscreen
Combine With: Prison Island
Special Needs Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Tumbatu Island, shaped like a dagger in the Kaskazini region, stands out with the reef that separates it from the rest of Zanzibar. It's the third-largest island in the Zanzibar group, only 2 kilometres wide and 8 kilometres long. Known for its quiet beaches, diverse marine life, and lively local culture, Tumbatu Island has a rich history.

Getting There: Boat tours through operator
Length: 8 kilometres

Uzi Island, located in the southern part of Zanzibar, is a quiet and untouched destination. With a length of 6 kilometres, it's the second-largest among the smaller islands around Zanzibar. Home to around 6000 people, Uzi Island provides a glimpse into rural Zanzibar life, showcasing its simplistic culture and traditions. The island is lush with mangroves, banana plantations, baobab trees, and beautiful white sand beaches.

Length: 6 kilometres
Time Required: 2-3 hours

Thanda Island in Zanzibar is a luxurious private retreat, a four-star resort surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs. The single lavish villa with five suites provides an intimate escape. Notably, the island is part of the Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve, making it a haven for marine life and a tranquil getaway.

Price: Around $33,000
Minimum Stay: 5 nights
Area: 350 meters wide, circumference of 1.1 kilometres
Activities: Marine activities, water sports, safaris, bird walks, spa.
Website: www.thanda.com/thanda-island/

Bawe Island in Zanzibar is a small, private retreat known for clear turquoise waters, coconut groves, and unique rock formations. This hidden gem is considered Africa's best-kept secret and is known to be smaller than a football pitch.

Getting There: 30-minute boat ride from Stone Town
Price: $60 per pseron
Activities: Snorkelling and other water sports
Parking: Available
Pets Allowed: No

Mafia Island, also known as Chole Shamba, is the third-largest island in Tanzania, situated 80 miles southeast of Dar-es-Salaam. It stands out as a premier dive spot, with the Mafia Island Marine Park protecting its southern coastline and waters, providing a habitat for diverse marine life, including whale sharks and sea turtles.

Entry Fee: $23.60 per person
Activities: Diving, snorkelling, and safaris
Pet Friendly: Yes

Kwale Island, also known as Kuvala, is a protected and historically significant island in Tanzania's Pwani Region. Spanning 300 hectares, it hosts a diverse ecosystem, including various turtle species, whale sharks, and migratory humpback whales, making it a unique destination.

Area: 7.1 square kilometres
Activities: Snorkelling, climbing a baobab tree, swimming, 
Accessibility: No wheelchair accessibility

Misali Island near Pemba is known for its diverse marine life, with 350 fish species and unique coral. It's a protected area for species like sea turtles. Famous for great diving, especially at the Wall of Turtles, no permanent settlements are allowed.

Area: 1 kilometre
Recommended Time: 7 hours
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkelling, turtle hatching
Pets Allowed: No.