Pristine Coral Reef
Snorkel over one of the most diverse coral reefs in East Africa, with hundreds of fish species.
Zanzibar Islands
Chumbe Island Coral Park
A pristine coral reef sanctuary, ancient forest and giant coconut crabs make Chumbe Island one of the most celebrated marine conservation projects in the world.
- Location
- 12 km south of Stone Town
- Known For
- Coral reef sanctuary
- Birdlife
- Over 60 species
- Experience
- Snorkelling day trip
Discover Chumbe
A snorkelling paradise.
Chumbe Island is a snorkelling paradise, rich in history and with excellent wildlife, including hermit crabs and the giant coconut crab, which can weigh up to 4 kg. Over 60 bird species have been recorded, including the rare roseate tern.
The island's coral reef sanctuary is one of the most pristine in the region, protected as a private marine park. Visitors can snorkel over vibrant coral gardens, walk forest trails and explore the historic lighthouse.
Why Chumbe
Conservation at its best.
Chumbe shows how tourism can protect the ocean, offering unforgettable snorkelling in an untouched reef.
Coconut Crabs
Search for the giant coconut crab, the world's largest land crab.
Forest Trails
Walk through the island's coral rag forest with guides.
Historic Lighthouse
Climb the lighthouse built in 1904 for views over the reef and the ocean.
Location
Where is Chumbe Island?
Chumbe lies about 12 km southwest of Stone Town in the Zanzibar Channel. Boats depart from near Stone Town for day trips, which include guided snorkelling and forest walks.
The island and its reef are a private nature reserve, so visits are by arrangement only, helping to protect its fragile ecosystem.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Chumbe story.
Chumbe can be visited most of the year, with calm seas best for snorkelling.
Dry Season
Sunny, dry weather and calm seas, the most popular time to visit.
Hot & Dry
Hot and sunny, with clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
Short Rains
Brief showers and quieter sites.
Long Rains
The wettest months; visits are still possible between showers.
What is the best month to visit Chumbe?
Calm, clear water makes the dry months ideal for snorkelling.
Hot and sunny, ideal for island trips.
The hottest month, with calm, clear seas.
Long rains begin mid-month.
The wettest month; visit between showers.
Rains ease late in the month.
Dry season begins with pleasant breezes.
The coolest month, sunny and comfortable.
Dry and sunny, perfect for excursions.
Excellent weather and clear water.
Warm and dry, great for boat trips.
Short rains bring brief showers.
Hot and sunny, with festive-season visitors.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Chumbe.
Reef, forest and history on a small island.
West coastReef SanctuaryA protected coral reef with outstanding fish and coral diversity.
InteriorCoral Rag ForestAn undisturbed forest home to coconut crabs and birds.
NorthThe LighthouseA historic lighthouse built in 1904.
ShorelineIntertidal ZoneRock pools and shoreline rich in marine life.
Wildlife
Reef and forest life.
Chumbe's reef shelters hundreds of species of fish and corals, as well as turtles and dolphins in the surrounding waters. On land, the forest is home to the giant coconut crab and the rare Ader's duiker.
Birdlife is rich, with over 60 species recorded, including the roseate tern and many waders and waterbirds.
6 animals to look for
Coconut crab
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Coral rag forest
The world's largest land crab, weighing up to 4 kg.
1 / 6
Hermit crab
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Shoreline and forest
Common along the beaches and trails.
2 / 6
Tropical reef fish
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Reef sanctuary
Hundreds of species on the protected reef.
3 / 6
Roseate tern
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Shoreline
A rare seabird recorded on the island.
4 / 6
Hawksbill turtle
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Reef sanctuary
Occasionally seen while snorkelling.
5 / 6
Ader's duiker
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Forest
A rare small antelope.
6 / 6
The Reef Sanctuary
One of the richest reefs in East Africa.
Guided snorkelling over Chumbe's reef sanctuary reveals vibrant corals and hundreds of species of fish, many of them rare elsewhere because of overfishing. The reef has been protected since the 1990s.
Guides explain the ecology of the reef and the importance of marine conservation, making the experience both beautiful and inspiring.
Safaris to 中文
Zanzibar excursions
Zanzibar itineraries that include Chumbe Island.
Tanzania · 6 days
6-Day Zanzibar Island Package
Zanzibar
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 11 days
11-Day Zanzibar Island Package
Stone Town · Nungwi · Kizimkazi
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 5 days
5-Day Zanzibar Beach Relaxation
Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 6 days
6-Day Exceptional Zanzibar Tour
Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania · 11 days
11-Day Wildlife Safari plus Zanzibar Beach Vacation
Ngorongoro · Serengeti · Stone Town
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Tanzania & Kenya · 12 days
12-Day Kenya & Tanzania: The Essence of East Africa Expedition
Amboseli · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
Private & tailor-madePrice on requestView trip
Stay in 中文
Where to stay nearby
Hotels in Stone Town, close to the departure point for Chumbe.
Silver tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaHorizon Palace HotelA relaxed city hotel in the heart of Stone Town, offering comfortable rooms, rooftop views and easy access to Zanzibar'sStone Town hotelView lodge
Gold tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaTembo Palace HotelA charming Swahili-style hotel on the Stone Town seafront, steps from the Old Fort and House of Wonders, with three poolBeachfront Swahili hotelView lodge
Platinum tier
Stone Town, TanzaniaZanzibar Serena HotelA classic five-star hotel on the Stone Town waterfront, with ocean views, a seafront pool and sunsets over the Zanzibar 5-star seafront hotelView lodge
GipsonTravel ExpertOnline
Planning a Chumbe visit?
Tell us your Zanzibar dates and we will arrange your Chumbe Island day trip.
Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story behind Chumbe.
Chumbe's lighthouse was built by the British in 1904 to guide ships into Zanzibar harbour. For decades, the island's reef was protected by default as a military zone.
In the 1990s, the island became a private marine reserve and Tanzania's first marine protected area, winning international awards for conservation and education.
How do I visit Chumbe?
By arranged day trip from Stone Town, including boat transfer, snorkelling and guided walks.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. Guided snorkelling is suitable for most visitors, with life jackets available.
What is special about Chumbe?
It protects one of the most pristine coral reefs in East Africa.
Can I see coconut crabs?
Yes, they live in the forest and are sometimes seen on guided walks.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry months offer the calmest seas.
Can Chumbe be combined with other excursions?
Yes, with Stone Town tours and other Zanzibar excursions.
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Let Gip Adventure arrange your visit to Chumbe Island's coral sanctuary.