Chumbe Island: Guide to the Best Ecotourism and Pristine Coral of Zanzibar

Chumbe Island is one of the most successful marine conservation projects in Africa and probably the best example of sustainable ecotourism in all of Africa. Zanzibar. This small uninhabited coral island, located 12 km southwest of Stone Town, is home to one of the most pristine coral reefs in the western Indian Ocean and an equally well-preserved coral rag forest. Unlike other tourist islands, Chumbe strictly limits the number of daily visitors, operates on 100% renewable energy and reinvests all of its revenues in conservation and environmental education. In this guide I tell you all about visiting Chumbe Island: what makes its pristine coral so special, how to book, real prices and why this experience is worth every penny.

What is Chumbe Island Coral Park

Chumbe Island Coral Park (CHICOP) was established in 1994 as Tanzania's first privately managed marine reserve. The island is just 22 hectares in size and is uninhabited except by park staff. What makes Chumbe Island unique is not its size but its history: it was created by Sibylle Riedmiller, a German woman working in development cooperation in Tanzania who noticed the accelerating degradation of the Zanzibari reefs.
What began as an idealistic project has become one of the most cited case studies of successful ecotourism worldwide. The island's surrounding coral reef and terrestrial forest have been protected as a Marine Reserve and Coral Reef Sanctuary since 1994.

The Chumbe Island conservation model

Chumbe Island operates under a unique model:

All revenues from ecotourism fund conservation
Maximum 14 visitors per night (7 bungalows)
Energy 100% solar
Rainwater collected and filtered
Waste composting system
No noisy generators or engines

This model has demonstrated that well-managed ecotourism can be financially sustainable while actively protecting ecosystems.

Chumbe Island's pristine coral: why it is so special

The reef surrounding Chumbe is considered one of the healthiest and most diverse in the western Indian Ocean. Here's why Chumbe's pristine coral stands out:

Exceptional coral cover on Chumbe Island

While reefs globally have an average coral cover of 25-30% (and many much less), Chumbe Reef maintains over 75% of live coral cover. This density is extraordinary and increasingly rare.

Species diversity on Chumbe Island

The pristine coral reef of Chumbe Island is home to:

More than 420 species of reef fishes
200+ species of hard coral (scleractinia)
90% of all hard coral species recorded in East Africa
Rare species such as the humphead wrasse, green turtles and hawksbills
Occasionally bottlenose and humpback dolphins

According to studies by the University of Dar es SalaamThe Chumbe reef is one of the most important coral biodiversity hotspots in the Indian Ocean.

Why is Chumbe Island so well preserved?

The pristine coral of Chumbe is due to:
Strict protectionNo fishing, boat anchoring, coral extraction, or any destructive activity has been allowed since 1994.
No-fishing zoneThe area functions as a "genetic bank" that repopulates neighboring reefs with coral and fish larvae.
Active managementConstant monitoring, anti-poaching patrols, and maintenance of mooring buoys.
EducationPrograms for local communities that have dramatically reduced illegal fishing.
Resilient climate change: Although it suffered bleaching in 1998 and 2016, the reef has recovered better than others thanks to its high genetic diversity.

Visiting Chumbe Island: practical information

Types of visits

Full day excursion (Day Trip)

Schedule: 10:00-16:00
Price: 100-120 USD per adult, 50-60 USD children (5-15 years)
Includes: Boat transportation from Stone Town, guided snorkel, lunch, use of facilities, educational land tour.
Not included: Snorkel equipment (rental: 10 USD)

Overnight Stay (Overnight Stay)

Price: 350-450 USD per person per night (double occupancy)
Includes: Accommodation in ecological bungalow, all meals, unlimited snorkeling, guided land tour, educational activities.
Minimum: 2 nights recommended

How to reserve Chumbe Island

ImportantYou can't just show up. Reservations are mandatory and must be made in advance.

Direct booking:

Web: www.chumbeisland.com
Email: info@chumbeisland.com
WhatsApp: +255 777 413 332

How far in advance:

High season (July-October, December-February): Reservations 2-3 months in advance
Low season: 2-4 weeks is enough

Policies:

50% deposit upon reservation
Cancellation more than 30 days in advance: full refund minus administrative charges
Cancellation 15-30 days: 50% refund
Less than 15 days: no refund

Best time to visit Chumbe Island

Ideal season (October-March) in Chumbe Island:

Better underwater visibility (20-30 meters)
Calmer sea
Pleasant temperatures
Less wind

Intermediate season (April-May, November) in Chumbe Island:

Occasional but brief showers
Fewer visitors
Sometimes lower prices
Visibility remains good

Windy season (June-September) in Chumbe Island:

Stronger southeasterly winds
Sea can be more lively
Visibility remains excellent
Best time to see humpback whales (July-September)

What to do in Chumbe Island

Snorkeling in pristine coral at Chumbe Island

Chumbe's star activity is undoubtedly snorkeling in its protected reef. Unlike scuba diving (not allowed to preserve the coral), snorkeling is the preferred way to explore.

The Marine Sanctuary on Chumbe Island:

55 acre (22 hectare) reef protected area
Depth: 3-15 meters (perfect for snorkeling)
Access from the beach (no boat required)
Underwater trail marked with educational buoys

What you will see:

Brain coral, staghorn and table coral gardens
Parrotfishes, clownfishes in anemones, angelfishes
Sea turtles (especially in the morning)
Trumpet fishes, surgeon fishes, groupers
Octopuses, moray eels (harmless if you don't bother them)
If you are lucky: dolphins or eagle rays.

Guided Tours:
All snorkels include a certified marine guide who:

Explains the reef ecosystem
Identifies species
Ensure that you do not touch or damage the coral.
Maintains safety

Schedules:

Morning session: 10:00-12:00 (better visibility, turtles)
Afternoon session: 14:00-16:00 (brighter colors with side lighting)
Overnight guests: Unlimited snorkeling during stay

Educational tour of the coral rag forest on Chumbe Island

The interior of Chumbe Island is home to a forest of rag coral (fossilized coral rock) that is also protected.

What is coral forest rag:
Formed by ancient coral that emerged thousands of years ago when the sea level was higher. The porous soil creates a unique ecosystem.

What you will see on the tour:

Aders' duiker: Extremely rare miniature antelope (endemic to Zanzibar).
Coconut crabs (Birgus latro): The largest terrestrial arthropods in the world.
More than 60 species of birds, including the rare Zanzibar swallow
Endemic flora adapted to coral soils
Spiny-tailed monitors (lizards)

Duration: 1-1.5 hours
DifficultyEasy, well maintained trails
Best timeEarly in the morning (most active animals)

Educational programs in Chumbe Island

Chumbe Island places strong emphasis on environmental education:
Conservation talksSessions on the importance of coral reefs, threats (climate change, overfishing, pollution) and what you can do.
Sustainability demonstrationsHow ecological bungalows work (solar, rainwater, composting).
School programIf you coincide with a school visit (local groups come for free), you can participate in educational activities.

The ecological bungalows of Chumbe Island

If you stay overnight, you will experience one of the most sustainable lodges in Africa.

Isla Chumbe bungalow design

Architecture7 individual bungalows designed to capture natural breezes, eliminating the need for air conditioning.
MaterialsConstruction with local and sustainable materials (makuti - palm leaves for roofing, certified wood).
Energy:

100% solar panels
No generators or noise
Warm energy-saving LED light
Solar fans (rarely needed)

Water:

Rainwater harvesting from rooftops
Advanced filtration (potable)
Solar showers (passive solar hot water)
Composting toilets (waterless, odorless)

Features:

King size bed with mosquito net
Private terrace overlooking the ocean
Outdoor shower (private)
Hammock
No TV, limited WiFi (central point), no telephone in the room

Meals at Chumbe

All meals are included and are exceptional:
BreakfastFresh tropical fruits, homemade yogurt, eggs, freshly baked bread, coffee/tea.
LunchBuffet with options of fresh fish, chicken, vegetarian curry, rice, salads.
Dinner3-course menu with Swahili and international influences. Fresh fish (sustainably caught), vegetarian options always available.
BeveragesUnlimited water, coffee/tea. Soft drinks, beer and wine available (extra charge).
Special dietsVegetarians, vegans, celiacs, allergies can be accommodated (please advise when booking).

Actual prices and what is included

Day Excursion100-120 USD/adult

Boat transportation to/from Stone Town
Guided snorkel in the reef
Educational tour through the forest
Buffet lunch
Use of facilities (showers, common area)

Stay 2 days/1 night700-900 USD per couple

Lodging in ecological bungalow
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Unlimited snorkeling
Guided Tours
Boat transportation included

Is it worth the price?
Yes, for these reasons:

All money funds direct conservation
Unique authentic ecotourism experience
Reef among the best in Zanzibar
Housing 100% sustainable
Small groups (never overcrowded)
Environmental education included

Compared to luxury resorts in Zanzibar (300-500 USD/night without activities), Chumbe offers more value if you care about sustainability and nature.

Important rules of Chumbe Island

To preserve the pristine coral and the ecosystem:

✅ Allowed:

Snorkel with BCD (mandatory for safety)
Underwater photography
Respectful observation
Enjoying the silence

❌ Prohibited:

Playing coral (NEVER!)
Feeding fish
Collect shells, coral, or anything else.
Tank diving (not allowed)
Fishing of any kind
Drones
Smoking on the beach
Leaving garbage

Sunscreen: Only reef-safe sunscreens (biodegradable, without oxybenzone). Sold on the island if you don't bring it.

Impact and recognition of Chumbe Island

The Chumbe Island Coral Park project has received numerous international awards:

British Airways Responsible Tourism Award (2002)
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) Global 500 Award
Recognition of IUCN as a model of private conservation

According to scientific studies, Chumbe's pristine coral reef functions as a "gene bank" that helps repopulate degraded neighboring reefs, multiplying its conservation impact beyond its boundaries.
The educational program has brought more than 10,000 Zanzibari students to the island free of charge, creating a generation aware of the importance of preserving the reefs.

Frequently asked questions about Chumbe Island

Is it possible to visit Chumbe Island on my own without a reservation?

No, it is not possible to visit Chumbe Island without prior reservation. The island is a private marine reserve with a limited number of visitors per day (maximum 14 overnight visitors and limited groups on day trips). You must book in advance through their official website (chumbeisland.com) or by email/WhatsApp. There are no public boats going to Chumbe - transportation is included in your reservation and departs from Stone Town at fixed times. This strict limitation of visitors is precisely what has allowed the island's pristine coral to be preserved in exceptional conditions. Attempting to get there on your own is not only logistically impossible, but would violate the regulations of the protected marine reserve.

What is the difference between Chumbe Island and other islands in Zanzibar?

Chumbe Island is radically different from other tourist islands in Zanzibar. While Prison Island, Mnemba or Nungwi beaches are geared towards mass or luxury tourism, Chumbe is a conservation project that allows limited tourism to finance its protection. Its pristine coral is among the best preserved in East Africa (75%+ coral cover vs 20-30% regional average). Operates on 100% solar power, rainwater and composting - virtually unique technology in Zanzibar. Only accepts 14 guests maximum per night, while other places can have hundreds. All revenue is reinvested in conservation, not private profit. It has no stores, no noisy bars or jet skis - it's pure nature. As described by National GeographicChumbe, which has highlighted the project multiple times, represents the "gold standard" of African ecotourism.

Is Chumbe Island suitable for children and families?

Yes, Chumbe Island is excellent for families with children over 5 years old. Snorkeling in shallow water is perfect for children who know how to swim (mandatory vests provide extra safety). Seeing pristine coral, tropical fish and turtles is educational and fascinating for the little ones. Marine guides adapt explanations to the age of the children. The land tour to see giant coconut crabs, miniature antelopes and exotic birds excites children. Bungalows have ample space and meals include kid-friendly options. However, consider: no pool, limited WiFi, no TV (some urban kids may get bored), requires walking on nature trails (constant supervision), and the price per child (50% adult) can add up for large families. Best for families who value nature and environmental education over conventional entertainment. Children under 5 are generally free but check availability of cots/extra beds.