Snorkelling Tumbatu with Zanzibar Watersports

Shallow, wonderfully preserved reefs off a quiet island, a morning's sail from Kendwa. Off Tumbatu, the island across the channel from Kendwa, the reefs come almost to the surface and are some of the best preserved on Zanzibar: thousands of fish, ribbon eels and whip gobies, with the action close enough to touch — though you shouldn't. Zanzibar Watersports runs the trip as a half-day from Kendwa, past a hundred-year-old lighthouse, with a guide in the water carrying a life ring, all the gear and free buoyancy aids for anyone less confident. The same team runs a full day to Mnemba, with a vegetarian lunch on board. How to book: Book the day before with Zanzibar Watersports (zanzibarwatersports.com) and be at Kendwa beach 15 minutes before the 09:15 departure. Water and fresh fruit are included.