Best Snorkelling and Diving in Zanzibar: Discover Marine Life

Zanzibar is a marine paradise that appeals to all ocean lovers. Whether you’re an experienced diver, a snorkelling enthusiast, or simply curious about the Indian Ocean’s marine biodiversity, this destination offers unforgettable experiences.

Zanzibar, especially along the southeast coast near Michamvi or Matemwe–Mnemba Island, is one of the best places in the world for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Snorkelling and diving in Zanzibar allow you to observe a wide range of marine species and vibrant coral gardens, including:

• Dolphins (especially near Kizimkazi)

• Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles

• Reef sharks, stingrays, and occasionally whale sharks (seasonal)

• Colorful coral reefs filled with sponges, sea fans, and marine invertebrates

• A huge variety of tropical fish

From the playful dolphins to the majestic sea turtles, every underwater moment tells a story. Zanzibar’s underwater ecosystems are incredibly diverse and largely untouched.

Zanzibar's Marine Paradise: Explore and Discover from Hotel Matlai

One of the best things about staying at Hotel Matlai is the easy access to some of the most beautiful and starfish-filled waters in Zanzibar. Just steps from our beachfront, you’ll find crystal-clear lagoons where you can spot:

• Colorful starfish on shallow sandy bottoms

• Parrotfish, clownfish (the fish popularized by Nemo), and butterflyfish weaving through coral

• Curious octopuses, moray eels, and sea urchins hiding among the marine rocks

Hotel Matlai offers the perfect starting point for exploring the underwater world of Zanzibar.

We are happy to organize everything through our trusted partners to offer customized snorkeling tours to secret spots known only to locals—guaranteeing you a serene and unforgettable experience with Zanzibar’s vibrant marine life:

• Dolphin-watching excursions near Kizimkazi

• Starfish-filled lagoon snorkeling just steps from our hotel

• Scenic sunset dhow cruises along the coast

Each tour is tailored to your interests for a truly unique adventure—and you can choose from a variety of excursions!

A Responsible Approach to Marine Tourism

Zanzibar, with its rich marine biodiversity and extensive coral reefs, faces growing challenges related to environmental sustainability. The island relies heavily on its ocean for tourism, fishing, and local livelihoods, making the protection of its marine ecosystems essential.

Efforts to promote sustainable marine tourism have increased in recent years, with a focus on reducing coral damage, preventing overfishing, and limiting pollution. Local communities, conservation groups, and tour operators are working together to preserve Zanzibar’s fragile underwater habitats by enforcing marine protected areas, educating visitors on eco-friendly practices, and encouraging responsible snorkeling and diving.

At Hotel Matlai, we are committed to sustainability. We strongly discourage booking snorkeling trips with unlicensed beach vendors. While their offers might seem convenient, many of these operators ignore environmental guidelines. Some remove starfish from the water for photos—something that can fatally harm these fragile animals. Others allow visitors to walk on coral reefs when the tide is too low, causing irreparable damage.

It’s important that you, as visitors, are aware of these harmful practices and choose tour operators who respect the ocean and its inhabitants.

Organizations such as Under The Wave and the Marine Culturers Project play an important role in reef restoration and promoting sustainable fishing techniques. This collective approach ensures that Zanzibar’s unique marine life—ranging from colorful coral gardens to endangered sea turtles—can thrive for generations to come, balancing ecological health with economic development.

Hotel Matlai offers you the perfect starting point for exploring the underwater world of Zanzibar.

This post was written by Cassandre Clech, intern at Boutique Hotel Matlai.