The Zanzibar archipelago is home to stunning
coral reefs and a diversity of marine life. Pods of spinner and
bottle nose dolphins roam the coast and sometimes put on an
acrobatic display for passing boats. Sting rays and mantra rays
glide with soundless grace through the water, giant grouper
drift by and whale sharks and barracuda are regular features.
The warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean invite visitors to
dive, swim, snorkel and sail, enjoying life above and under the
sea. There are a number of marine parks and conservations areas
across the islands, turtle sanctuaries and dive sites for
visitors to enjoy. It’s easy to lose track of time as you become
entranced by this magical underwater world.
Menai Bay Conservation Area became a protected area in 1995,
stretching over 467 square kms, off the south west coast of
Unguja. The area is managed by the local community, under the
facilitation of the WWF. After local fishermen saw their
livelihoods threatened by practices such as dynamite fishing and
poor conservation management, they decided to take action to
protect the area. The bay itself is beautiful, with gorgeous
coral reefs and mangrove forests. A dizzying array of tropical
fish fills the reef, glowing neon colours in the clear turquoise
water. Sea turtles feed on sponges before gliding away like
spaceships.
Chumbe Island has been described as “one of the most spectacular
coral gardens to be found anywhere in the world”. The island is
a privately run nature reserve but for many, the pristine coral
reef is the main attraction. The marine wildlife have become
accustomed to visitors, so you may have batfish follow you as
you snorkel past, curious lobsters waving their feelers and blue
spotted stingrays scurrying by under a thin veil of sand.
Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area is a picturesque atoll,
off the north east of Unguja. Perfect powder white beaches
circle the island, the turquoise water lapping at the shore. A
diving favorite, Mnemba’s circular reef is ideal for both
beginners and experienced divers, with dolphins, turtles and
reef sharks found in the area.
Pemba’s Misali Island became a conservation area in 1996 and is
the perfect spot for drift diving. The coral has been damaged by
dynamite fishing and El Nino but the reef remains home to over
350 species of fish. Conservation is managed under a partnership
between local fishermen, the Zanzibari government and the Misali
Island Conservation Area, supported by CARE International. Sea
turtles lay their eggs on the island’s beaches and the island is
largely untouched by tourism.
