Mnemba Island & Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Zanzibar 1 Day Trip
Mnemba Island & Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Zanzibar 1 Day Trip is a tour that offers a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of Zanzibar’s marine biodiversity. The tour includes two main destinations:
✓ Mnemba Island
✓ Nungwi Turtle Aquarium
This 1-day Zanzibar tour combines a marine adventure at Mnemba Island Atoll with turtle conservation in Nungwi, featuring premier snorkeling in turquoise waters, dolphin spotting, and interactions with endangered sea turtles at the Baraka Natural Aquarium. The Tour typically lasts 8 to 9 hours.
This full-day excursion usually runs from morning (around 0830 Hours) to mid-afternoon, offering roughly 2-3 hours for snorkeling at Mnemba and 1 hour at the aquarium.
Itinerary Highlights
0900 Hours – Hotel Pickup & Departure: Convenient pickup from Nungwi/Kendwa (or Stone Town) to the boat departure point.
1000 Hours – 1230 Hours: Mnemba Island Marine Park:
Snorkeling: Explore the coral reefs, rich with tropical fish.
Dolphin Searching: Watch wild dolphins, with a chance to swim alongside them
1230 Hours – 1330 Hours: Tropical Lunch: Enjoy a seafood barbecue lunch (fish, prawns, calamari) with fruits and cold drinks on a traditional dhow or on the beach.
1400 Hours – 1530 Hours: Nungwi Natural Aquarium: Visit Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi to swim with, feed, and learn about rescued sea turtles.
1530 Hours – 1630 Hours: Relaxation & Return: Relax on the white sands of Nungwi Beach before returning to your hotel.
Mnemba Atoll and Nungwi Aquarium are both located on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania. Mnemba Atoll is about 3 km offshore from Matemwe village, while Nungwi Aquarium is in Nungwi village, about 20 km north of Matemwe.
There is no direct road or air connection between Mnemba Atoll and Nungwi Aquarium. To travel between them, you would need a boat. Mnemba Island is a private island that lies about 3 km off the northeast coast of Zanzibar. It is part of the Mnemba Atoll, a coral reef that hosts a rich variety of marine life, including fish, dolphins, turtles, and whales.
The island is renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and exclusive accommodation. The tour offers the opportunity to snorkel the reef and observe its underwater scenery and wildlife. The tour also includes the chance to spot dolphins and whales that frequent the area, depending on the season and weather.
Nungwi Turtle Aquarium is a natural aquarium that is located in the village of Nungwi, on the northern tip of Zanzibar. It is a community-based project that aims to protect and rehabilitate injured sea turtles that are found along the coast.
The aquarium features a large tidal pool that houses several species of turtles, including green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles. The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Zanzibar and a drive to the boat launch point in Matemwe village.
There, you will board a traditional wooden boat and cruise to Mnemba Island, enjoying the scenic views of the Indian Ocean and the Zanzibar coastline. Mnemba Island is a private island that is surrounded by a coral reef that hosts a wide variety of marine life, including fish, dolphins, turtles, and whales.
You will have an opportunity to snorkel in the reef and observe the underwater scenery and wildlife. You will also have a chance to spot dolphins and whales that frequent the area, depending on the season and weather conditions. After snorkeling, you will return to the boat and enjoy a delicious barbecue seafood lunch on board, with fresh fruits and drinks.
The tour continues with a cruise back to Matemwe village and a drive to Nungwi village, where the turtle aquarium is located. Nungwi Turtle Aquarium, also known as the Baraka Natural Aquarium, is a community.

Mnemba Island & Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Zanzibar 1-Day Trip takes you to two of the most popular destinations for marine lovers in Zanzibar. They offer a variety of activities for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and relaxing. The tour highlights include:
* Swimming and Snorkeling around Mnemba Island corals
* Seafoods BBQ Lunch; Octopus, Lobsters, Squids, Prawns, etc.
* Tropical Fruits: Mangoes, Bananas, Pineapple, Watermelon, etc.
* Swimming with & feeding the Turtles on Nungwi beach
Mnemba is a private island that is surrounded by a coral reef that hosts a wide variety of marine life, including fish, dolphins, turtles, and whales. You can snorkel in the clear waters and see colorful corals and fish.
You can also spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat, depending on the season and weather conditions. Mnemba is a place to enjoy nature’s beauty and tranquility.
Nungwi is a village that is home to a natural aquarium that rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles. You can visit the aquarium and interact with the turtles by feeding and touching them. You can also learn about their conservation efforts and their ecology.
Nungwi is also a place to enjoy Zanzibar’s culture and history, as the village features a lighthouse, a fish market, and a dhow-building industry. Nungwi is also known for its white sandy beaches and stunning sunsets.
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
1.) What is the best time to visit Mnemba Island and Nungwi Turtle Aquarium?
The best time to visit Mnemba Island and the Nungwi Turtle Aquarium is between June and October, when the weather is dry and sunny, and snorkeling visibility is good. However, you can visit these places year-round, as Zanzibar has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and occasional rain showers.
2.) What should I bring for the tour?
You should bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera, and some cash for souvenirs. You should also wear comfortable, waterproof clothes and shoes.
3.) How long is the tour, and how much time do I have at each destination?
The tour is about 10 hours long, including hotel pick-up and drop-off. You will have about 2 hours of snorkeling time at Mnemba Island, about 1 hour of turtle interaction time at Nungwi Turtle Aquarium, and some free time to relax on the beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa.
4.) Is the tour suitable for children and people with disabilities?
The tour is suitable for children aged 8 or older who can swim. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is not suitable for people with disabilities, as the boat transfer to Mnemba Island and the access to Nungwi Turtle Aquarium may require some physical effort.
Mnemba Island & Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Zanzibar 1 Day Trip Rates
Mnemba Island & Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Zanzibar 1-Day Trip Rates Include
✓ Hotel Pick up & Drop off
✓ Mnemba Island Entry
✓ English Speaking Guide
✓ Snorkeling with a professional snorkeling guide
✓ Lunch (Seafood BBQ, Chicken, or Vegetarian options)
✓ Boat to Mnemba Snorkeling + Snorkeling Equipment & Life Jackets
✓ Ice Tea, Coffee & Soft Drinks + Fresh Seasonal Tropical Fruits + All Entrance Fees and Taxes
|
Dates From |
Dates To | Price Per Person |
| 1st Jan 2026 | 31st Dec 2026 |
Request For Rates |
Notes
* This is a private tour.
* Most travelers can participate
* This experience requires good weather.
* Comfortable swimming costumes, hat, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear if you have any.
Mnemba Island & Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Zanzibar 1-Day Trip Rates Exclude:
* Souvenirs
* Alcoholic drinks
* Travel insurance
* Tips and gratuities
* Personal expenses
* Medical Insurance
* Transportation Fees from the Hotels outside the city center
* Photo Shooting session available on request at an extra charge
Booking & Reservations Mnemba Island & Nungwi Turtle Aquarium Zanzibar 1 Day Trip Contact
Mobile: +254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com