THE MANTA RESORT
Pemba Island, Tanzania
The Personalities
Adventure seekers. Divers & snorkelers. Eco-conscious travelers. Slow travelers. Ocean dreamers. Wildlife enthusiasts.
Moments
Floating over turquoise waters. Sunrise from the floating villa. Snorkeling among coral gardens. Kayaking through quiet coves. Evenings with stars mirrored on the sea. Watching manta rays glide beneath the surface.
Best Visiting Months
The best time to visit The Manta Resort is during the dry season, from June to October, when the waters are calm, visibility for diving is at its peak, and the skies are mostly clear. February to March offers warm waters and quieter crowds, ideal for snorkelers and divers seeking solitude among coral reefs. The surrounding ocean is at its clearest during these months, revealing the rich marine life that makes Pemba a diver’s paradise.
Cost
Why stay
Perched on the turquoise edge of the Indian Ocean, The Manta Resort occupies a remote corner of Pemba Island, part of Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago. The island’s coastline is a mosaic of mangroves, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs, while the interior rises into fertile hills dotted with clove and coconut plantations. Surrounded by a thriving marine ecosystem, the resort offers a rare sense of isolation—where the only horizon is endless water, and the only neighbors are tropical birds and passing manta rays.
The resort’s floating villa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a private sanctuary literally above the ocean, suspended over a thriving reef. On land, eco-luxury villas and suites are set among lush tropical gardens, with private decks that catch the sea breeze and reveal panoramic views of Pemba’s coastline. Each space is crafted from local materials—bamboo, teak, and thatch—blurring the line between indoor comfort and outdoor immersion.
Days here are defined by movement between ocean and land. Swim in the crystal-clear waters, kayak through quiet coves, or hike along forested trails that descend to hidden beaches. The combination of geographic isolation, diverse landscapes, and thoughtful design creates a stay that is restorative, adventurous, and intimately connected to the natural rhythms of Tanzania’s northern archipelago.
Why wander
The waters around Pemba Island are a diver’s dream, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago’s protected marine ecosystem. Coral gardens teem with tropical fish, rays, and occasional reef sharks, while underwater visibility reveals the intricate reef architecture. Snorkelers can glide alongside vibrant schools of fish or watch manta rays sweep gracefully beneath the surface.
Above water, explore quiet coves and mangrove channels by kayak, or take sailing trips to neighboring islands. Coastal trails wind through clove and coconut plantations, offering glimpses of local life and island flora.
Adventure extends beyond the shore. Guests can join conservation programs, tracking sea turtles, assisting with coral restoration, or participating in reef cleanups. For families and explorers alike, Pemba offers both play and reflection, a chance to move between adrenaline-filled adventure and slow, meditative connection with the ocean.
Indulge in
Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local spices come together in intimate meals served on private decks or under open skies. Ocean-inspired cocktails, freshly baked breads, and simple yet elegant island fare ensure every meal is a sensory delight. Private dining experiences on the floating villa or beaches turn every sunset into a celebration.
Getting There
Fly into Pemba Island Airport (PMA) via Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, followed by a short speedboat transfer to the resort. The journey itself is part of the experience—traversing turquoise waters and passing quiet islets before arriving at the secluded sanctuary.
WILD INITIATIVES
The Manta Resort is deeply committed to conservation and sustainable practices. Coral reefs are protected through monitoring and restoration programs, marine life is respected, and energy-efficient systems minimize environmental impact. The resort sources food locally where possible, reduces single-use plastics, and involves guests in educational programs about marine conservation. Each stay supports the health of Pemba’s ecosystems, ensuring the island remains a thriving sanctuary for both people and wildlife.
*Images property of THE MANTA RESORT