Mnemba Atoll lies just 3 km off the northeastern shore of Unguja Island and is widely considered the jewel of Zanzibar's underwater world. The atoll encompasses a small coral island — Mnemba Island — surrounded by a ring of pristine fringing reef that forms a protected marine conservation area. The reef is home to over 600 species of fish, resident green sea turtles, spinner dolphins, humpback whales (in season), and impressive coral gardens. Mnemba Island itself is an ultra-exclusive private island resort (&Beyond Mnemba Island), accommodating just 12 couples at a time in complete seclusion. Day visitors access the atoll's reefs by boat from Matemwe or Nungwi for snorkelling and scuba diving — one of Zanzibar's most popular and rewarding water activities. Whether experienced from a dive boat or from the private resort's stilted villas, Mnemba Atoll is among the most beautiful marine environments in the Indian Ocean region.