Snorkel Trips and Dhow Cruises from Kendwa

October 31, 2026

Notice, October 2026: The American government lists Tanzania at Level 3, Reconsider Travel, and the page to consult is travel.state.gov . The British government says Zanzibar is not covered by its warning, which applies only close to the Mozambique border. Both governments mention possible unrest, so keep an eye on the news before a boat day, since ferries and flights have been interrupted in the past.

Snorkel Trips and Dhow Cruises from Kendwa

Most attractions near Kendwa are reached by boat or by a short ride to Nungwi. This guide sorts them by what you get out of each one.

Choose by interest

Coral and fish: a Mnemba Atoll snorkel trip, or a snorkel outing to Tumbatu.
Local culture: a guided visit to Tumbatu, or the dhow-building yard in Nungwi.
Wildlife that is looked after: the Mnarani turtle pond, visited respectfully.
A slow evening: a sunset sail on a dhow.

Mnemba Atoll

Boats reach the reef ringing Mnemba Island from the beaches of the north-west coast. Mnemba is a private concession, which means landing is not allowed and every swim starts from the boat. Marine charges for non-East-Africans were raised in September 2025 to US$10 for an adult and US$5 for a child aged 5 to 15 in the conservation area, with the Special Area closest to the island priced at US$25 and US$10, as reported by The Citizen . Check that the quoted tour price includes these charges. A dolphin may turn up now and then, but nobody can promise one. Look at Mnemba tours

Tumbatu

Snorkel and dive outings reach Tumbatu from Kendwa and Nungwi. The island also receives guided cultural visits. Visitors need the approval of village elders, which the tour company obtains beforehand, and they wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees. Landing without an operator is a bad idea.

The Mnarani turtle pond

In Nungwi, the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond is a tidal enclosure managed by the local community, where turtles are nursed and then released. The pond was set up in 1993. Look, take photographs from a distance and leave the animals alone. Feeding, touching and swimming with turtles are best skipped, and reviewers have criticised handling and crowding. The entrance fee is small and paid at the gate. A second pond, Baraka Natural Aquarium, sits nearby and charges separately.

Dhow yard and market in Nungwi

At the northern tip, craftsmen build dhows on the beach. Wikivoyage suggests the morning fish market for the best atmosphere.

Sunset dhow sail

Wooden dhows carry passengers along the coast as the sun sets. Compare quotes at your hotel and ask exactly when the boat leaves and what is included.

Staying safe on tours

Vendors on the sand sell trips directly. A hotel desk or a registered operator is a safer choice, and life jackets should be on board.
Follow the crew’s instructions in rough weather.
Keep passports and cash in a dry bag.
Zanzibar’s compulsory insurance, US$44 per adult for up to 92 days, must be in your hand before you fly, via visitzanzibar.go.tz .