Pungume Island Tour: Snorkeling, a Sandbank & Seafood BBQ off Zanzibar’s South Coast
Pungume Island is an uninhabited island with a long white sandbank, a short boat ride from the south coast. It is quieter than the better-known sandbanks and a good choice for travellers who like their beach days peaceful.
The tour is a full day of snorkeling, swimming and a barbecue on the sand.
Duration
Full day (6–7 hrs)
Tour Type
Boat Tour
Difficulty
Easy
Age
All Ages
Meals
Seafood BBQ Lunch
Drinks
Included
Snorkeling
Included
Pickup
Available
Overview
Boats leave from the Kizimkazi area in the morning and cross to the island in about half an hour. On the way, the crew keep an eye out for dolphins, which are regularly seen near the south coast.
At Pungume you snorkel over the shallow reefs, walk the sandbank and relax in the shade. A fresh seafood barbecue is cooked on the island, with fruit and soft drinks.
Private boat prices apply for individuals, with a lower per-person price for groups. Ask us for the right option.
Mosum Tours & Safaris is a Zanzibar-based operator with more than ten years of experience in ground handling. Our guides and drivers live on the island, know it well and are on WhatsApp from 8 AM to 9 PM every day.
Highlights
Dolphin spotting
Possible on the crossing
Reef snorkeling
Shallow and easy
Pungume sandbank
Quiet and uncrowded
Seafood BBQ
Grilled on the island
Tropical fruits
Cut fresh on board
Uninhabited island
Peaceful and wild
Itinerary
Pickup
We collect you from your hotel in the morning and drive to Kizimkazi.
Boat to Pungume
Cross to the island, looking for dolphins on the way.
Snorkel the reef
Swim over the shallow reef with your guide and equipment.
Sandbank and shade
Walk the sandbank and relax under a shade.
Seafood barbecue
Eat the freshly grilled catch with rice, salads and fruit.
Return
Sail back and drive to your hotel.
Price
Includes
- Professional tour guide
- Boat and life jackets
- All snorkeling equipment
- Fresh BBQ seafood lunch on the sandbank
- Entrance fees
- Soft drinks
- Tropical fruits
- All government fees
- Hotel pickup and return (available for an extra cost)
Best Time to Visit Pungume Island
This trip runs all year. For the calmest water and clearest snorkeling, aim for the dry months: June to October and December to February. April and May bring the long rains, with more showers and a choppier sea, so we may move the trip to a better day if conditions are unsafe.
- Excellent — calm seas, best visibility
- Good — occasional showers
- Moderate — rainy season, still operates
Peak season (June–October & December–February) fills up fast, and Pungume runs as a small private trip — booking a few days ahead is recommended to secure your preferred date.
What Guests Say
The best tourist guide in Zanzibar!!
Very nice visit to Stone Town with Mohamed. Good explanation and Mohamed is very knowledgeable about Zanzibar's history. Recommended.
We were attended by Mohamed who provided us with impeccable service. Great driver, super polite and helpful! In addition to knowing Zanzibar very well and being a great guide!!!
Erg goede gids, wist veel te vertellen van Stonetown. Goed gezelschap!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the trip?
Plan on six to seven hours including the transfer.
Will we see dolphins?
Often, but not guaranteed.
Is it suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes. Life jackets are provided and the water is shallow.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a fresh seafood barbecue. Tell us about allergies in advance.
What is different from Safari Blue?
Pungume is quieter, with fewer boats, and focuses on the island and the sandbank.
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Book This Tour
Tell us your dates and group size and we will confirm availability, pickup time and the final price. Prefer to chat? Message the Mosum Tours & Safaris team on WhatsApp.