Snorkeling to Tumbatu Island – Half-Day Zanzibar Snorkeling Tour From Nungwi
Overview
At 8:30 AM, our small, traditional dhow slips away from Nungwi’s sun‑drenched shore toward Tumbatu Island’s protected reef.
This half‑day Zanzibar snorkelling tour keeps group sizes to just seven guests, so you’ll have room to explore at your own pace.
Drift over kaleidoscopic coral gardens alive with leaf fish, octopuses, and vibrant nudibranchs. Learn from guides who have charted these waters for decades and who know exactly where to find graceful sea turtles and elusive mantis shrimp.
Why Travelers Love This Tour
Many guests choose our Tumbatu Island snorkel because:
Intimate Exploration: Limited to seven snorkelers, you’ll glide through the reef without feeling rushed or crowded.
Local Expertise: Our guides point out hidden reef inhabitants, like the camouflaged scorpion fish and playful frogfish, you’d easily miss on a larger boat trip.
Eco‑Friendly Focus: We use reef‑safe sunscreen, educate on no‑trace principles, and support local conservation so these reefs stay pristine.
Limited morning departures, secure your spot early to avoid disappointment!
A Sensory Experience to Remember
Feel the warm sun on your shoulders as you drift over swaying sea grass.
See the coral heads erupt in rainbows of color beneath the glass‑clear surface.
Hear the muffled clicks of shrimp and the distant calls of circling seabirds.
By 2:00 PM, you’ll return to shore with sand‑kissed skin, a camera full of memories, and the wake of your dhow shimmering behind you, proof of a morning well spent.
What You’ll Experience
As you glide through crystal‑clear water, your guide will share stories of Tumbatu’s hidden coves and endangered reef species.
You’ll snorkel alongside:
Sea Turtles gliding just below your fins
Leaf Fish practically invisible against waving coral
Moray Eels peeking from crevices
Mantis Shrimp flashing rainbow colors as they dart away
This is not a “snorkeling tour” in name only, it’s a window into one of Zanzibar’s richest marine ecosystems.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Highly personalized with just seven guests per departure
✔ Excellent chance of turtle and rare critter encounters
✔ Half‑day schedule: you’re back by lunch for more Zanzibar adventures
Cons:
✘ Dependent on calm sea and weather conditions
✘ No glass‑bottom option: requires basic snorkel comfort
✘ Small group size means quick sell‑outs in high season
Practical Details & Pricing
Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Capacity: Private dhow for 2–7 people
Indicative Pricing (Total per Boat):
| Group size | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 guests | 230–270 USD |
| 3–5 guests | 280–320 USD |
| 6 guests | 310–340 USD |
| 7 guests | 330–370 USD |
This price range offers flexibility based on the number of guests and seasonal demand.
Ready to Dive In?
Book your Tumbatu Island snorkelling adventure now, pay later, cancel anytime.
With only two departures each morning and space for just seven snorkelers, spots vanish fast. Reserve today and ensure your place in Zanzibar’s underwater paradise.
