Zanzibar Marine Parks

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. Stingrays and mantra rays glide in silent grace through the water, giant grouper drift by and whale sharks and barracuda are regular features.

The warm clear water of the Indian Ocean invites its visitors to dive, swim, snorkel and sail, enjoying life both above and under the sea. There are a number of marine parks and conservation 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 kilometres, off the south west coast of Unguja. The area, is managed under the facilitation of the WWF, by the local community. After local fishermen saw their livelihood 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 in 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 just off the north east of Unguja. Perfect powder white beaches circle the island with turquoise water lapping at the shore. A diving favourite, Mnemba’s circular reef is ideal for both beginner 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. Dynamite fishing and El Nino have damaged the coral, but the reef remains home to over 350 different 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.