Chumbe Island Coral Park
A privately managed nature reserve offering a unique eco-luxury escape with a pristine coral reef and forest sanctuary.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience sunrise snorkeling & crab visits
Chumbe Island Coral Park
Best Time
Experience sunrise snorkeling & crab visits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A privately managed nature reserve offering a unique eco-luxury escape with a pristine coral reef and forest sanctuary.
"This place is magical, exclusive. It’s the luxury of simplicity, of being in deep contact with nature."
Pack Light & Eco-Conscious
Bring reef-safe sunscreen & minimal plastic. Embrace the eco-friendly ethos of the island! :recycle:
Book Overnight for Full Experience
Day trips are great, but staying overnight allows for early morning snorkeling & evening crab walks. :crab:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine Coral Reef Sanctuary
East African coast
Dive into one of East Africa's most diverse and protected reefs, teeming with vibrant corals and marine life.
Lush Forest Reserve
Chumbe Island interior
Explore trails to spot rare coconut crabs, unique birds, and fascinating island flora.
Eco-Bungalows
Chumbe Island coast
Stay in charming, sustainable bungalows with stunning ocean views and a true connection to nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Eco-Luxury
Book in Advance for Day Trips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Light & Eco-Conscious
Bring reef-safe sunscreen & minimal plastic. Embrace the eco-friendly ethos of the island! :recycle:
Book Overnight for Full Experience
Day trips are great, but staying overnight allows for early morning snorkeling & evening crab walks. :crab:
Disconnect to Reconnect
Bungalows have limited electricity & no Wi-Fi. Enjoy being present in nature! :iphone:
Guided Tours are Key
Join guided forest walks & snorkeling tours to learn about the unique ecosystem. :compass:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Light & Eco-Conscious
Bring reef-safe sunscreen & minimal plastic. Embrace the eco-friendly ethos of the island! :recycle:
Book Overnight for Full Experience
Day trips are great, but staying overnight allows for early morning snorkeling & evening crab walks. :crab:
Disconnect to Reconnect
Bungalows have limited electricity & no Wi-Fi. Enjoy being present in nature! :iphone:
Guided Tours are Key
Join guided forest walks & snorkeling tours to learn about the unique ecosystem. :compass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chumbe Island is widely praised for its exceptional commitment to sustainability and its pristine natural beauty, particularly its coral reef sanctuary and forest reserve. Visitors rave about the unique eco-luxury experience, delicious food, and the passionate, knowledgeable staff. While some find the day trip a bit rushed, the consensus is that an overnight stay offers an unparalleled, magical escape into nature.
"I will never forget this incredible place! It is amazing the effort they have put in to make it sustainable. The rooms have ventilators powered with solar energy, you can open the "windows" to get a fresh sea breeze and an incredible view. The showers and faucets use rainwater and the toilets are compost toilets. They provide drinking water in the rooms for toothbrushing and drinking. The rooms are beautiful, they provide you with a yoga mat as well.
The food at breakfast, lunch and dinner is amazing, they acommodate to vegetarians. They have a forest walk, crab walk and snorkelling activities. I saw so many coconut crabs, hermit crabs, I even saw a snake !
The coral reef here is the most preserved reef I have seen in Tanzania, beautiful colours and many fish. You can really see the work they have put in to restore the reef. The staff is incredibly kind, serviceable, they know so much about the ecology of the place.
Of course the location is amazing, the island is beautiful."
Mariana Garcia Zuluaga
"Our stay at Chumbe Island Coral Park was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in the beauty and tranquility of this unique eco-resort. The island is a true haven for nature lovers, with its pristine coral reef sanctuary and lush forest reserve.
The staff at Chumbe Island Coral Park were exceptional. Their passion for conservation and hospitality was evident in everything they did. They made us feel welcome and ensured that our stay was both enjoyable and educational. The guided snorkeling tour through the protected coral reef was an unforgettable experience.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our stay was knowing that our visit directly supported the island's conservation efforts and environmental education programs for local schools. It's inspiring to see a place that balances tourism with a strong commitment to sustainability and community development.
If you're looking for a unique, eco-friendly getaway that offers both relaxation and adventure, Chumbe Island Coral Park is the perfect destination. We can't wait to return and highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in Zanzibar."
Adriana de la Garza
"We were here for a day trip and I was a bit disappointed. First some positive things:
+ People are all friendly and helpful
+ The lunch was amazing. Great local food.
+ It is a pretty reef and you can technically see alot even though we had to stress through it due to the limited time
+ Beautiful atmosphere
- I went to the full day trip to snorkel but from the full day only an hour was possible and that very structured. That might be better if you stay overnight but the day trip leaves at 16:30 and the day effectively the program was done at 15:40.
- The program beside that snorkel trip was not dense either. Basically a 40 min forest walk, a lunch and the hour snorkling. Inbetween there was lots of waiting and you were also not allowed to go into the water yourself
If you stay a night you might have a better experience but for such an expensive day trip I expected more"
Thomas Moser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Chumbe Island is typically via a boat transfer from Zanzibar. Many visitors arrange this through their accommodation or directly with Chumbe Island Coral Park. The journey offers beautiful ocean views and sets the tone for the island escape.
Yes, day trips are available and offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the island's highlights, including snorkeling and a forest walk. However, booking in advance is highly recommended due to limited capacity.
The most common and recommended way to reach Chumbe Island is by boat from Zanzibar. This transfer is usually arranged as part of your booking, whether for a day trip or an overnight stay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Costs vary depending on whether you opt for a day trip or an overnight stay. Day trips include boat transfers, lunch, and guided activities. Overnight stays encompass accommodation, meals, and all activities, reflecting the island's commitment to conservation.
Absolutely! Chumbe Island is a privately managed nature reserve with a strict limit on daily visitors to protect its delicate ecosystem. Booking your day trip or overnight stay well in advance is crucial.
A day trip typically includes boat transfers from Zanzibar, a delicious lunch, a guided snorkeling tour of the coral reef, and a guided forest walk. You'll get a comprehensive taste of the island's natural wonders.
The cost of visiting Chumbe Island, whether for a day trip or overnight, covers the conservation efforts and management of the protected coral reef sanctuary. There isn't a separate fee for reef access once you've booked your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include guided snorkeling in the vibrant coral reef sanctuary, guided forest walks to spot wildlife like coconut crabs, and relaxing on the island's beautiful beaches. Overnight guests can also enjoy evening activities.
Chumbe Island boasts one of the most diverse and well-preserved coral reefs in East Africa, making it an exceptional snorkeling destination. Expect to see a multitude of fish species and healthy coral formations.
The island's forest reserve is home to rare coconut crabs, various bird species, and other unique island fauna. The coral reef teems with colorful fish, and you might even spot turtles or reef sharks.
Yes, Chumbe Island offers a unique educational experience for families. Children can learn about conservation and marine life through guided tours, though the eco-friendly accommodations might be a new experience for some.
Accommodation consists of charming, eco-friendly bungalows powered by solar energy. They are designed to maximize natural ventilation and offer stunning views, promoting a disconnect from modern amenities like Wi-Fi.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Chumbe Island serves delicious, healthy meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients. They are accommodating to vegetarians and offer a wonderful dining experience, often under the stars.
Yes, Chumbe Island is very accommodating to vegetarians and can prepare delicious meals to suit dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Chumbe Island offers stunning photographic opportunities, from the vibrant underwater world during snorkeling to the unique flora and fauna in the forest reserve. The eco-bungalows also provide picturesque settings.
Yes, you can take photos underwater while snorkeling. However, it's important to be mindful of the marine life and avoid disturbing it. Ensure your camera or phone is waterproof or in a waterproof case.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The eco-bungalows, while simple, offer a chance for kids to experience a different way of living, disconnected from constant screen time and immersed in nature. It's a great opportunity for them to learn about conservation and the importance of protecting our planet.🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
The island's commitment to conservation is not just a talking point; it's a way of life, with revenue directly supporting environmental education and reef protection. Staying here means you're actively contributing to a positive impact, enjoying a luxurious yet simple experience that respects the natural environment.🧘♀️ Travelers Seeking Tranquility
Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean, enjoying delicious meals with stunning views, and spending your days exploring pristine nature. It's a place to recharge your batteries and reconnect with yourself and the natural world.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Eco-Conscious Experience
Rainwater harvesting is utilized for showers and faucets, and the unique dry compost toilets contribute to the island's minimal environmental footprint.This dedication extends to their educational programs. Chumbe Island Coral Park actively engages in environmental education for local schools and visitors, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for marine and forest conservation. By choosing to stay or visit, you are directly contributing to these vital efforts, making your trip a meaningful one.
The park is a non-profit organization, ensuring that all revenue is reinvested into conservation and education initiatives.Exploring the Marine Sanctuary
It's a haven for an astonishing array of marine life, with over 500 species of reef fish and at least 59 genera of hard coral documented. Snorkeling here offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness a vibrant underwater world, with excellent visibility allowing for close encounters with colorful fish, intricate coral formations, and potentially even reef sharks, turtles, or rays.Visitors are guided through the reef to ensure minimal impact and maximum appreciation. The conservation efforts have clearly paid off, as many reviewers note it's the most preserved reef they've seen in Tanzania.
Discovering the Forest Reserve
Here, you can encounter the fascinating coconut crab, the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world, along with various species of hermit crabs and other intriguing island inhabitants.These walks are not just about spotting wildlife; they are also educational. Guides share insights into the ecological significance of the forest and the conservation challenges it faces. It’s a chance to appreciate the island's natural beauty from a different perspective, away from the ocean breeze. The forest provides a vital habitat and contributes to the overall ecological balance of Chumbe Island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit