Pungume Sandbank Boat Trip with Snorkeling & Lunch

Your ocean adventure begins early in the morning with a hotel pickup (if the transfer option is selected) and a short drive to the meeting point near Fumba. Here, you’ll board a traditional handcrafted wooden dhow and set off across the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

The tour starts around 8:30 AM, heading first to the initial snorkeling stop, where you’ll explore clear, shallow waters filled with colorful tropical fish and Zanzibar’s iconic starfish resting on the sandy seabed. You’ll spend approximately 45 minutes snorkeling, with equipment provided and guidance available.

Next, you’ll continue to a second snorkeling spot, home to a large coral reef known for its vibrant marine life and excellent visibility — one of the most beautiful snorkeling areas in this part of Zanzibar.

After snorkeling, enjoy freshly cut seasonal fruit served on board as you cruise toward the main highlight of the day — Pungume Sandbank. Famous for its wide stretch of powder-white sand surrounded by endless shades of blue, Pungume offers a peaceful escape in the open ocean.
(Please note: Pungume Island itself is private and not accessible.)

While anchored at the sandbank, you’ll enjoy a Swahili-style BBQ lunch served on the boat, featuring freshly prepared local dishes. Take time to swim, relax on the soft white sand, or simply soak in the serene surroundings of the Indian Ocean.

Depending on tides and sea conditions, the journey may also include a visit to nearby natural sea caves along the way. During the return trip, if conditions allow, the dhow may sail using its traditional sails, offering a calm and authentic end to the experience. With some luck, dolphins may occasionally be spotted from the boat during the cruise.

The tour returns to the beach between 3:00 and 3:30 PM. Guests who selected the transfer option will be transferred back to their hotel, while others will finish the experience directly at the beach.

This tour runs with 2–25 participants and brings together snorkeling, traditional Swahili food, and a visit to Pungume Sandbank, one of Zanzibar’s most stunning white-sand sandbanks.
Departing around 6:00 AM, the boat heads south of Mnemba Island, an area known for its rich marine life and crystal-clear waters. Fishing equipment and snorkeling gear are included, and your guide will teach you catch-and-release fishing techniques, showing you how to fish like a local, explaining the habits of the fish, and sharing fascinating insights into Zanzibar’s marine ecosystem. All fishing is done sustainably — fish are carefully handled and returned to the ocean, ensuring a respectful interaction with marine life.

As you cruise, your guide searches for the best spots, while you may encounter dolphins along the way. If a pod appears and you wish, the captain can slow the boat for a respectful swim alongside these playful creatures. The tour is flexible, so you can also stop at nearby coral reefs to snorkel among colorful fish and stunning coral formations, or visit one of the sandbanks near Mnemba Island that appear at low tide. These pristine, temporary islands are perfect for swimming, relaxing, or simply taking in the endless shades of blue surrounding you.

For guests opting for the half-day tour, the boat returns to Muyuni Beach around 11:30 AM, with hotel drop-off included if selected. The full-day experience continues into the early afternoon, featuring a freshly prepared Swahili seafood BBQ, including grilled octopus, chicken, rice, chapati, and sambusek, served on board while soaking in the serene ocean surroundings. Freshly cut local tropical fruits and soft drinks are available throughout the trip.

By approximately 3:00 PM, you’ll return to shore, with hotel drop-off included if selected. From fishing like a local with hands-on guidance and swimming with dolphins, to snorkeling vibrant coral reefs and relaxing on secluded sandbanks, this tour delivers a fully private Zanzibar ocean adventure. Experience the local lifestyle, marine wonders, and delicious Swahili cuisine, all at your own pace.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard for a day full of Zanzibar’s magic, marine life, and unforgettable ocean adventures.