Maziwe Island

A sandbar marine reserve where sea turtles nest and the snorkeling is the best on this stretch of coast.

The coral around Maziwe is in good condition compared to much of the East African coast, and the snorkeling is genuinely excellent. Turtles are commonly seen in the water around the island, and the reef fish are varied and numerous. The island itself, at low tide, is a narrow crescent of white sand ringed by a shallow lagoon — beautiful in a stark, elemental way.

Boats to Maziwe leave from Pangani town and take roughly 30 minutes each way. Arrange a trip through local fishermen or your accommodation; costs are reasonable and the boats go when there are enough people to fill them. The best snorkeling is in the morning before the wind picks up. Bring your own mask and fins if you can, as rental equipment is unreliable. The marine reserve entry fee is paid on arrival.

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Maziwe Island is a low sandbar about 10 kilometres offshore that all but disappears at high tide. It is a protected marine reserve and one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites on Tanzania's mainland coast — green and hawksbill turtles haul out here from June through September. No one stays overnight; boats come out for the day, snorkel the coral, and return before the island vanishes beneath the tide.

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