Picture this: turquoise waters at Mnemba Island, Zanzibar so clear you can see your own reflection (and maybe a little sunburn creeping in), the sun warming your skin, and playful dolphins doing acrobatic flips just a splash away. Yep, that’s exactly what happened on our dolphin and snorkelling tour at Mnemba Island.
If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins in Zanzibar, spotting colourful coral reefs, and pretending you’re in a nature documentary without looking totally awkward… buckle up, because this day was everything I imagined and then some. Laughter, wonder, and magical moments filled every splash.
So grab your snorkel, your sense of adventure, and maybe a waterproof phone case, because we’re diving into our magical Mnemba Island snorkelling and dolphin adventure.
The Journey There (From “Where Are We Even Going?” to Wow)
We booked a private tour with Hazaard, our local guide, and on the drive there we went through some seriously rural areas. Like, proper “where the hell are we going?” thoughts were definitely happening in my head.
But then we reached the most beautiful beach just as the sun was rising, and suddenly all the confusion disappeared. The sky was glowing, the sand was soft and quiet, and that’s when the excitement really kicked in.
The ocean was already shining in shades of blue I didn’t even know existed, and as we climbed onto the boat, it finally hit me, this was it. We were officially heading out to Mnemba Island, one of Zanzibar’s most famous snorkelling spots and a hotspot for wild dolphins.
Wind in our hair, salty air in our lungs, and a guide promising us an unforgettable experience… my inner travel blogger was screaming, and my inner child was just grinning from ear to ear.
The Dolphins (Where Everything Gets Real, Real Fast)
So basically, as soon as the boat takes off, it turns into a full-on mission to find the dolphins. Early mornings are prime time, so everyone’s scanning the ocean like detectives, waiting for that first splash.
Because we were on a private tour with just me, hubby, and the guides, it felt super chilled and personal, no fighting for space, no strangers in your shots, just us and the open sea. Honestly, 10/10 would recommend if you can.
And then suddenly… there they were.
Seeing dolphins in real life, in the wild, hits so different. They don’t just swim, they glide, like they’re literally floating through the water with zero effort, while you’re there trying to keep your goggles on and not swallow seawater.
I’ve always said dolphins are my spirit animal, so this whole moment felt weirdly emotional for me, like one of those “this is exactly where I’m meant to be right now” situations.
You can hop in and out of the boat to swim near them, but let me manage expectations real quick, they are FAST fast. One second they’re right there, next second they’re gone, and you’re just floating in the ocean like… okay cool, I tried.
So yes, it’s magical, dreamy, bucket-list vibes… but also slightly unhinged in the cutest way, because you’re lowkey chasing dolphins in the middle of the Indian Ocean and calling it a normal day.
Snorkelling at Mnemba Island
After the dolphin madness, we headed a little further out towards Mnemba Island for the snorkelling part of the tour, setting off from Matemwe’s Muyuni Beach.
And let me just say this now, the water here deserves its own main character moment.
It’s calm, warm, and so ridiculously clear that you can see straight down into the ocean without even trying. The colour is something else entirely, that perfect, dreamy shade of blue that doesn’t even look real in photos. Genuinely the bluest water I’ve ever seen in my life.
This part of the tour is perfect whether you’re a confident snorkeller or someone who just wants to float and vibe. Even just being on the surface, looking around at endless blue in every direction, feels like an experience on its own.
But once you actually go under the water, it’s a whole different world. The water is nice and shallow, so you can get really close and take everything in. Tropical fish everywhere, colours popping, little movements all around you, it honestly feels like swimming inside a real-life aquarium.
You can snorkel over vibrant coral reefs or just drift around and enjoy the moment. We spent a good while playing in the water, getting in and out for little breaks, laughing, floating, swimming, and just fully soaking it all in, because it’s one of those moments you wish you could freeze.
And not to be dramatic, but when I grow up I’m retiring in Zanzibar and swimming here every single day. That’s the plan. 🐠💙
Final Splash
And after all that swimming, chasing dolphins, and snorkeling in the bluest water I’ve ever seen, of course we were starving. Enter: the most delicious fruit platter I’ve ever had. Sweet like me… I mean, full-on sugar energy 😌🍍
There we were, chilling on the boat in the middle of endless blue, munching tropical fruit and sipping coconut water, and honestly… this is what travel goals are made of. No phones, no stress, just sunshine, sea, and pure happiness.
Eventually, it’s time to head back to shore, and that’s when the adrenaline slowly fades and the tiredness creeps in. Sun-soaked, satisfied, and with your heart full of memories you’ll carry forever, you can’t help but think… yep, Mnemba Island did not disappoint. Every splash, every laugh, every magical moment was worth it.
