Menai Bay Conservation Area

Off Zanzibar's southwestern tip lies a haven for marine life: the 467-square-kilometre Menai Bay Conservation Area. Established in 1997, it's the archipelago's largest protected marine area, encompassing six islets and stretching 61 kilometres offshore. The turquoise waters here cradle vibrant coral reefs, vital seagrass meadows, and dense mangrove forests. Traditional dhows ferry visitors to explore this underwater paradise. Snorkellers can marvel at the kaleidoscope of fish flitting amongst the coral formations, while divers encounter a symphony of marine life, from playful dolphins to graceful reef sharks. Kayaking offers a peaceful perspective on the lush mangroves, a refuge for birds and breeding ground for sea turtles. On land, deserted sandbanks beckon for relaxation under the warm African sun.