EXCURSION MNEMBA ISLAND

Dolphins. Whichever option you choose (arriving by boat from Nungwi-Kendwa or arriving in Muyuni by car and then by boat to the atoll), you start by going out to sea to look for the dolphins (unless you don't want to do so, in which case you'll have to say so). The large number of boats (around 30 around small groups of dolphins) makes this a difficult moment, so we advise you to skip it and take the time to observe and swim with the dolphins on a dolphin-only excursion to Kizimkazi. The waters are rough, so you'll soon be tossed about, and Mnmeba is often cloudy, so if the weather is unstable, you'll soon feel cold.

Snorkeling. Go straight on to stage 2, with a break in the sandy lagoon with waist-deep water for a swim. You then have two options: go to the boat mooring next to the snorkeling reef south of Mnemba Island (US$ 3 per person conservation fee), which is in excellent condition and very beautiful to watch, with dozens of colorful fish, some of them in tight schools. You can also moor on the sandbar to the west of Mnemba (opposite Matemwe), to snorkel on this reef (US$ 25 per person conservation fee), but you'll need to plan ahead when planning your excursion. Be aware that a receipt is given to captains by the authorities, who collect the money from the boats. If the weather conditions don't allow you to go there, refuse to go behind the island of Mnemba (to the east), where the captains take tourists by default when the waters are rough. There's absolutely nothing to see there except large sea urchins and rocks! Be sure to check the conditions of your excursion before embarking.

The grill. As an option, you can have lunch in the group restaurant on Muyuni beach, just past the Emerald Resort. Traditional grilled fish, seafood and sea cicadas are served, as on all the island's boat tours. You can also enjoy a swim on Muyuni beach, the only one in this part of the island free of sea urchins and coral. But the place isn't really charming, and it's better to reserve this grill for Nakupenda, Pungume or Safari Blu, as it's served on a sandbank or island. On the other hand, we recommend lunch at Sunshine Marine, right next to Muyuni, to enjoy a good meal in a lovely setting and take a dip in the pool, with a view of Mnemba just opposite.