Chumbe Island: snorkelling in the coral reserve near Stone Town (2026 price)
Chumbe is a small private island off Stone Town, run as a protected marine park. Its coral reserve is one of the best preserved in Zanzibar: guides speak of more than 400 species of fish and more than 200 species of coral, with the occasional turtle and harmless blacktip reef shark. The park is run as an eco-lodge and limits the number of visitors, so you come for a guided snorkel of about an hour and a walk in the island forest, not for a lively beach. The official day-trip rate is 110 USD per person, plus a 25 USD levy for a foreign adult, taken from the park's website in October 2026.
Highlights
The lighthouse and the forest
A stone lighthouse towers over the island, which keeps a coastal forest on fossil coral. The visit on land is with a guide, on marked paths.
The beach and the reef
The water is clear off the island and the reef starts close to the shore. Snorkelling is with a guide, in a no-fishing zone, and the equipment is provided.
Starfish at low tide
On the reef flat you come across starfish, hermit crabs and shells. Look without touching: the park is also a place for teaching sea protection.
Practical info
Tips
- Official day rate: 110 USD per person, all year, according to the park's 2025-2026 price table. Since 20 August 2024 a blue economy levy is added: 25 USD for a foreign adult over 15, 10 USD from 5 to 15 years, free under 5. According to the park, children under 12 pay half of the base rate. Agencies resell the day from about 260 USD per adult, meal and transfer included: the gap is explained by the hotel transfer, but compare with booking direct. Days depend on free places: visitor numbers are limited and booking is in advance; do not count on a last-minute place. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a light top for the boat ride back.
How to get there
The island is about fifteen minutes to half an hour by boat from the west coast, near Stone Town (estimate). The park arranges the crossing itself from its boarding point; agencies offer pick-up at your Stone Town hotel. To fill a day in town, see Prison Island or Stone Town. To dive around the island, see diving in Zanzibar.
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