Sail from Kendwa Beach aboard a private 41-ft luxury catamaran to the Mnemba Island Marine Reserve, one of Zanzibar’s best snorkeling areas. This full-day cruise combines relaxed sailing, reef snorkeling in clear tropical waters, and a freshly prepared Swahili lunch served on board. With drinks from the open bar, spacious deck areas for relaxing, and the chance to see dolphins along the route, it offers a comfortable and exclusive way to explore Zanzibar’s northern coastline.
Your trip begins at Kendwa Beach on Zanzibar’s northwest coast. After meeting the crew at the Zanzibar Watersports Center, you board your private catamaran and receive a short safety briefing before departing along the island’s northern shoreline.
The boat sails toward Mnemba Island Marine Reserve, a protected reef system known for clear water and abundant marine life. The journey itself is part of the experience, with wide views across the Indian Ocean and frequent dolphin sightings in the waters around the reserve.
Once anchored near the reef, guests enter the water for snorkeling over coral gardens populated by tropical fish. The sheltered reef areas around Mnemba provide calm conditions and excellent visibility, making the snorkeling suitable for both beginners and experienced swimmers. The crew assists with equipment and helps guests enter and exit the water safely.
After snorkeling, the crew prepares a Swahili-style lunch served on board. Meals typically include grilled fish or chicken, rice, vegetables and tropical fruit. Throughout the day drinks are available from the open bar, including wine, beer, soft drinks and water.
The afternoon is spent relaxing on the spacious deck, listening to music through the onboard sound system, swimming from the boat or enjoying the scenery as the catamaran sails back toward Kendwa Beach.
Mnemba Island Marine Reserve lies off the northeast coast of Zanzibar and is surrounded by coral reefs and lagoons that support a wide variety of marine life. The protected status of the area helps maintain excellent snorkeling conditions and clear water visibility.
The cruise departs from Kendwa Beach, a well-known coastal village on Zanzibar’s northwest coast. The area offers calm sea conditions and easy access to offshore sailing routes toward Mnemba.
No sailing or snorkeling experience is required. Guests who plan to snorkel should be comfortable swimming in open water.
The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travellers with limited mobility. Infants must sit on laps during the cruise.
This experience offers a more comfortable way to explore Mnemba Island Marine Reserve compared with smaller boats or crowded shared tours. The 41-ft catamaran provides stable sailing, shaded seating areas, and plenty of space for relaxing between water activities.
Experienced local captains and crew regularly operate trips to Mnemba and adjust routes based on tides and sea conditions to find the best snorkeling locations. Fresh meals prepared on board, a full-day open bar, and attentive service help create a relaxed and well-organised day on the water.
For travellers looking for privacy, comfort and time to properly explore the reef, a private catamaran offers one of the best ways to experience Mnemba Island.
About the centre
Kaskazini A Zanzibar, TZ
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