The Manta Resort and Underwater Room (Pemba, Zanzibar)
The Manta Resort is a treasured, remote island hideaway on Pemba Island, Zanzibar. On the edge of a lush, green forest, overlooking crystal clear turquoise waters. Scattered with unspoiled coral reefs, fringed by delicate sandy white beaches. And timeless peace and quiet. You will have your own service fundi. A member of staff assigned to assist you personally. Even perhaps to take you on visits to his village to meet relatives – if you so wish. Whether you are a diver or not, Manta Island Resort will offer you the dream beach vacation or honeymoon.
The Manta Resort is elevated along an idyllic island beach on the northernmost point of the island. Facing west to the sunset it offers privacy, romance, adventure, and water sports on one of East Africa’s finest island sanctuaries.
Pemba is a remote island off the east coast of Africa. It is probably as far away from civilization as you might ever find yourself. Manta offers something different from most tropical islands.
If it’s serenity, close encounters with nature and a family of staff you crave, Manta is the place for you. Switch off the noisy, polluted electronic world and enter a completely different one. Not as a tourist, but as a guest with simple needs. Sunshine, fresh air, natural food, a comfortable bed and friendly company.
All the accommodation at Manta Resort is created from local materials and traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition, a state of the art Evening Breeze cooling system provides comfort without noise or drafts. After selecting your preferred sleeping climate, cool clean air will gently circulate over the surface of your bed. Carrying with it the promise of a good night’s sleep.
Garden Rooms x 4
The 59 m2 Garden Rooms are open plan thatched rooms situated in the gardens. With a four poster king size bed, open en-suite bathroom and private garden with outside shower. In addition a small balcony allows guests a shady spot to relax in the garden.
These rooms offer great value and are part of the all-inclusive product.
Garden Room
Superior Garden Rooms x 4
Two pairs make up the four Superior Garden Rooms with views of the sea between the foliage. The Superior Garden Rooms boast a spacious (69 m2) and private open plan design. With a four poster king size bed and a large en-suite bathroom. Attached is your own private garden with outside shower. In addition, a large Swahili baraza lounge provides the perfect place to relax in the peacefulness of the garden.
Superior Garden Room Outdoor
Oceanview Villas x 2
The Oceanview Villas are perfect for family and small groups. Each villa has a spectacular view over the Pemba Channel and of our Marine Protected Area. It has two bedrooms, joined by a private bar and dining area which lead onto a spacious deck and pool. A private walkway leads down to the beach ending at a beach banda, a small lounge area, shower and bar fridge.
Oceanview Villas
Seafront Villas x 5
The 79 m2 Seafront Villas boast a spacious and private open plan design. Enjoy the breathtaking sea views and open bathroom. With an extended balcony and private plunge pool.
Maximum 4 guests per villa
Seafront Double Villa
Seafront Family Villa x 1
The Seafront Family Villa has two spacious and private open-plan buildings, connected by large open area and a private swimming pool.
Seafront Villas – showing Family and normal villas
Underwater Room x 1
Imagine yourself encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals of reef fish swimming lazily by. Sometimes in three or four layers of different species above the reef floor. This is the heart-stopping experience that awaits you in the underwater room.
The Swedish-engineered floating structure provides three levels. Those above the water clad in local hardwood, and each an experience in itself.
The landing deck, at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom facility. A ladder leads up to the roof which has a lounging area. Ideal for sun worshiping by day. By night you can lie back in the starlight and wonder at the extraordinary clarity of the stars, planets, and above all. The edge of our own galaxy – the wonderful Milky Way. All seen without any light pollution. Sleep under the stars to the soft murmuring of the sea.
Then downstairs. The magical feeling of lying on a soft double bed surrounded by panes of glass affording almost 360 degrees viewing. Watching the shoals of reef fish and exquisite, often rarely seen individuals visiting your windows. Some have taken up residence around the room, which affords them some protection from predators. For instance, three batfish and a trumpet fish called Nick who is always swimming around and seemingly looking in!
By night, the underwater spotlights beneath each window around the room attract the shyer and more unusual, for instance, squid. Coral is already establishing itself on the anchoring lines and around the underwater structure. Octopuses and even Spanish dancers have been seen attaching themselves to the glass panes. The reef inhabitants can simply not resist the attraction. Which makes for exciting watching and a truly unique experience!
Underwater Room
The Underwater Room practical details
The adventure of a lifetime can be yours by adding an extra day and night in the Underwater Room to your stay at The Manta Resort. Experience a unique view of the underwater world.
Board a traditionally crafted wooden boat to take you out to the underwater room. The room lies approximately 250m from the shore. About a 2min boat ride over the crystal clear waters of the Manta house reef. On arrival at the room, you will get shown the ins and outs of your private floating island by your service fundi. Plus arrange your preferred meal times so these can be delivered to you.
Settle in to enjoy your new surroundings. A light tropical lunch with cold drinks will be ready for you to enjoy at your leisure. A kayak, snorkel, and fins will be provided. The underwater room lies in what is called the blue hole. Which has some fantastic coral heads and an abundance of marine life.
Underwater Room fish
A mobile phone will be provided should you need assistance with anything. The underwater room security guard will be anchored to a buoy not far off from the room. The bathroom facilities include an open-air freshwater shower, a fully-functioning advanced marine toilet system that is Eco-friendly, and a small hand wash basin. All necessary environmentally friendly, biodegradable shower products and a fully stocked bar fridge is there for your convenience.
Sustainability at Manta Resort ↓
Why is it important to preserve the culture of Pemba, the coral reefs and the nature?
Asking Why? Kwanini? Is behind every decision Manta management make. It is in the heart of everyone working at and with the resort. To empower the people of Pemba Island to build sustainable and resilient communities through education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and marine protection.
Community involvement
The Kwanini Foundation, in close collaboration with the Manta Resort, has been involved in several community projects over the last five years. These are generally projects that have been requested by the community.
Marine conservation
Pemba is home to a rich diversity of tropical marine habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangroves. The reefs surrounding the island are arguably the most diverse in East Africa and have been identified as a priority area for conservation by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Pemba also faces global challenges such as climate change and plastic pollution which are also contributing to the demise of coral reefs throughout the world. The creation of marine protected areas in key locations plays a crucial part in halting this decline.
Terrestrial conservation
Pemba Island is home to a number of species which are found only on Pemba, known as endemics. A high number of the endemic species inhabit one of the last remnants of natural forest on Pemba – the Ngezi Forest Reserve.
There are several rare and/or endemic species associated with the forest. Notably the ebony, fruit-bearing Mjoho, the most common tree species in the forest, now classified as globally rare. Of course, the forest provides a habitat to many other species. The endemic Pemba flying fox, a large fruit eating bat, and the charismatic (but rarely seen) Pemba Scops Owl are both Ngezi residents, alongside Pemba Vervet and Zanzibar Colobus monkeys and the Pemba Blue Duiker – a relative of the antelope.
Currently, there are two forest trails and a visitor centre, so it is possible to explore the forest with a guide. At the Kwanini Foundation we see the Ngezi Forest as an important cultural and heritage link for the Pemban people as well as a unique resource that, with careful management, can be exploited without damaging the unique plants and animals which inhabit the forest.
Activities at Manta Resort
Plenty of dolphins are spotted every day around the island of Pemba. Which also holds the world’s oldest preserved rain forest.
Sandbank Excursion
At low tide, a sandbank protrudes to offer a walk on the purest white coral sand. The perfect beach to relax on surrounded by azure blue waters.
The excursion relies heavily on the tides, currents, and weather conditions and is not always possible.
A cooler box of fruits and refreshments is brought along. This is a 15 minute boat ride from the resort on the most northern point of Pemba Island.
Sandbank excursion
Ngalawa Sunset Cruise
A Ngalawa is the traditional Pemban sailing vessel used by fishermen on the island.
Leaving from the beach at around 5 pm, you will cruise along the shoreline over the reefs enjoying the sunset. Refreshments are provided.
Spice Farm and Rain forest Tour
The Zanzibar islands are known as the ‘spice islands’, with 70% of the world’s cloves coming from Pemba.
A visit to the spice farm will have you experiencing the true tastes and smells of Pemba Island. This is followed by a walk through the Ngezi Rainforest for about 45 minutes. A protected reserve home to endemic bird species, vervet and black colobus monkeys.
Pemba Inland Excursion
This excursion takes you all around Pemba Island, visiting the ancient Ngezi rainforest, spice farm and other places of interest. Pick and choose what you would like to include on your safari and how much time you would like to spend. If you do it all it will take you a good 8 hours starting at 8.30 in the morning.
Lighthouse Walk
Take a stroll through the local village, Mnarani on the way to the island’s lighthouse (approximately 20 minutes from the resort). Built in the early 1900s, this historical building offers a cultural experience with breathtaking views. If the tides are right, the lighthouse can also be reached from the beach. You will be accompanied by your service fundi. No charge except for a $5 dollar entrance if you wish to climb the lighthouse and get the tour by the operator in charge.
Deep Sea Fishing
Enjoy a day out deep sea fishing on the 34 ft sport fishing boat, Lunatic. An experience you will never forget. The captain will take you out to the famed North Pemba Channel fishing grounds, where a wide range of game fish species await under the clear blue waters. Striped Marlin, Black Marlin, Blues, Sail fish, Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo and more. Your fishing adventure will start minutes from the mooring in front of the Manta resort and continues right up to your return. No time wasted running out and back. All fishing tackle / gear is provided, and refreshments/snacks will be provided throughout the day. Up to four anglers can enjoy this excursion.
Please check with us for rates. There is 3, 5 or 9 hour fishing trips. Plus Marlin Special NE Sea Mounts Indian Ocean (12 plus hours).
Hourly rate can be discussed. Prime fishing season mid July to mid April. Best time for Striped Marlin December to mid April. We actively promote catch and release of all Bill Fish species.
Deep sea fishing
Casual Fishing
Enjoy a casual cruise along the reef line in our dive boat while trawling lines and hoping for a strike. If you happen to catch a tuna, dorado, kingfish or wahoo; the chefs will cook it up for dinner. This 2-3 hour excursion is tide and weather dependent. Max 8 persons per boat.
Hand line fishing from Ngalawa
Fishing tradition runs deep to the roots of Pemba’s culture. Not only will you enjoy sailing the Ngalawa, but you will also learn how to fish with the local experts. This 2-3 hour excursion is tide and weather dependent. Max 3 persons per boat.
Snorkeling
Venture into the pristine Marine Protected Area (MPA) right in front of Manta! Guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling. And encounter an abundance of marine life amidst the crystal clear turquoise waters and powdery white sands.
It’s a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and ocean lovers alike. Offering an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of the Indian Ocean.
There is also a program called “Snorkeling for Conservation”. Where one of the trained guides will take you for a snorkel. A 100% the proceeds of this activity goes directly to the Blue Alliance. Manta Resorts conservation partner, to protect the reefs around Pemba.
A Driver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) allows you to effortlessly glide through the water and explore more of the vibrant marine life. Cover greater distances with less effort, enjoy longer dive times, and experience the underwater world like never before.
Pemba Diving
The diving around Pemba is nothing else but breathtaking. The untouched coral reef surrounding the entire island makes Pemba one of the top dive sites in the world. Pemba is the perfect place to start your diving adventure. With one of the healthiest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, a water temperature averaging 26ºC, and the best visibility of East Africa of 30-40 meters almost every day!
In combination with these great water conditions, the five star Padi Dive Center, Dive 360 Pemba, has everything you need. Including a great training pool in two levels, professional dive instructors, and multilingual staff to help you with all your diving needs!
Pre-Paid Dive Packs are available.
Diving
Coral Reef Safari
This is a once in a lifetime experience! The Coral Reef Safari (CRS) uses the concept of a terrestrial safari, but applies it under water.
Each guest will be equipped with an underwater earpiece, whilst a qualified guide will be able to communicate with the guest using a small microphone. This allows the guide to explain certain behavior, relationships and interesting facts about marine life whilst on the dive.
Only two guests are allowed on a CRS, which makes the experience even more intimate.
Dive Sites ↓
1. THE SWISS REEF – 3 DIVE SITES
System of sea mountains running parallel to the wall on a platform 25 m down. The mountains have different profiles; from just a few meters up to 100 m long. The thing to do here is drift dive over the system from one mountain to another, discovering the amazing reef life. Good chance of seeing big pelagic and turtles. Recommended for: Experienced divers.
2. SHIMBA HILLS – 2 DIVE SITES
The last corner of the Shimba Wall breaks into two and forms a valley at 12 m depth with sand bottom with lots of barrel sponges and anthias, red sea sweatlips, fusiliers, red tooth triggerfish, etc. Recommended for: Novice Divers
3. SHIMBA WALL
A gentle sloping wall, starting at about 6 m and runs parallel to the island for about 500m. Connecting with Shimba hills. The Max depth of 25 m making this suitable for Advanced divers. Noted for its red tooth trigger fish, nudibranches and leaf fish to name but a few.
4. THE EDGE – 5 DIVE SITES
Just west of the north-western peninsula. This is the last wall before Pemba island drops into the Pemba channel The wall starts at 30 meters and falls down steep! On the top of the wall huge barrels sponges and spirals corals grow up to two meters high. This is a great place for encounters with Napoleon fish, potato grouper, cubera snapper, big pelagic, turtle and even white tip shark. Recommended for: Deep divers certificate apply. Strong currents occur.
5. POLE POLE MOUNTAIN
Mountain of coral that lumes from 30 m to 16 m, the base of the mountain is scattered with smaller hills of coral, with lots of spotted sweet lips, nudibranches and turtles, this site is for experienced AOW divers and above, and can only be dived at slack tides.
6. SCORPIONS SECRET
Situated a 2 min boat ride from the resort a gentle sloping wall starting at 5 m down to 18 m. Clear visibility and gentle currents make this site perfect for novice divers (DSD and OW) and snorkelers alike, as well as night dives. Well know for its camouflaged scorpion fish. Leaf fish, lion fish and giant frog fish.
7. HOUSE REEF
Right on the entrance to the manta resort coming from the ocean, an open patch of sand at 5m with superb visibility, flowing into big coral bomies filled with tropical fish and nudibranches, is perfect for snorkelers and divers of all levels, as well as night dives, Keep an eye out for large eye squid and octopus.
8. NJAO GAP – 5 DIVE SITES
A 30 min boat ride from the resort, Njao Gap which separates Njao island from the main island, you will find 5 different dive sites (Coral Garden, North Wall, South Wall, Slip stream, Jahazi Reef)ranging from 5 m to 40 m with sheer walls, mountains and coral gardens. This site focuses on good visibility, a massive variety of hard and soft coral, strong currents and a healthy vibrant range of marine life for example, Titan trigger fish, Napoleon wrasse, green turtles, giant trevally and dog tooth tuna, to name but a few, on the deeper dives we have been known to see white tip reef sharks, the sites are suitable for divers and snorkelers of all levels
9. FUNDU GAP – 5 DIVE SITES
Situated South of Njao island about a one hour boat ride from the resort Fundu Gap separates Fundu island and Njao island. The 5 dive sites (Mandela Wall, Pinnacle, Coral Garden, Crack, South Wall) at Fundu range from 5 m to 40 m and allows for clear visibility, strong currents and large coral formations. These sites are better know for their larger fish species such as Eagle rays, Napoleon’s, GT’s and Barracuda. The deep drop-offs and cooler waters allow for amazing soft coral growth such as Gregorian sea fans and anemone cities. The Macro life on these softer coral gardens is phenomenal and is suited for all levels of diver and snorkeler, U/W photography is a must.
The Manta Resort Wining & Dining
The elevated Seaview Restaurant is where most meals are enjoyed. Serving a variety of fresh locally caught seafood as well as beef, chicken and vegan dishes. Most of which have a distinct Pemba touch to them.
The Beach Lounge is right by the guest swimming pool. It is the ideal spot to sip on cocktails as the sun begins to sink. Don’t miss the complimentary sundowners served every afternoon.
The sound of the breaking waves and a breathtaking sunset over the Pemba Channel makes the Beach Bar one of the most chilled places on the planet. Specializing in a variety of sundowners and cocktails. With fruit drinks and cocktails from the freshest handpicked island mango, lime, lemon, pineapple, and coconuts. Blended with a touch of rum to create uniquely smooth and refreshing drinks.
Beach Bar
The Kipepeo Spa
Embrace a new pace. Leave your everyday worries behind you and focus on You for a change. Trained therapists welcome you to Kipepeo Spa for a free daily treatment of your choice. Soothing expert hands will coax you into perfect relaxation. To the sound of rustling palms and breaking waves on the beach below.
Best time to visit The Manta Resort
The best time to visit Pemba Island is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities like diving, snorkeling, and exploring the island.
Getting to Manta Resort
You can reach Pemba Island by taking a short flight from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to Pemba Airport (PMA). Alternatively, ferries are available from Zanzibar, though flights are generally quicker and more comfortable. From Pemba Airport, it is a 1.5-hour drive through the island to The Manta Resort. This journey is quite interesting and offers a glimpse of the island.
The Manta Resort Accommodation Rates
Closed in May
2024 and 2025 Normal nightly rates at The Manta Resort (US$)
Per person
Single
Extra bed for adult
Children
Low Season: 1st March – 30th April, 1st – 30th June & 1st to 30th November
Seafront Villa
$680
$816
$408
$272
Superior Garden Room
$480
$576
$288
$192
Standard Garden Room
$400
$480
N/A
$160
Underwater Room
$880
$1,056
N/A
N/A
Oceanview Villa
$3120 (1 – 6 people)
Seafront Villa
$2320 (1 – 6 people)
High Season: 1st January – 28th February, 1st July – 31st October & 1st to 31st December
Seafront Villa
$850
$1,020
$510
$340
Superior Garden Room
$600
$720
$360
$240
Standard Garden Room
$500
$600
N/A
$200
Underwater Room
$1,100
$1,320
N/A
N/A
Oceanview Villa
$3900 (1 – 6 people)
Seafront Villa
$2900 (1 – 6 people)
All accommodation rates are on an All Inclusive Basis, per person in US$. A minimum 3 night stay is required at Manta Resort (5 in peak season).
The Manta Resort Rates Include
Breakfast: Pastry & Fruit platter, followed by English Breakfast Lunch: Choice of 2 options for starter and main course Dinner: 3 course dinner, 2 options for starter and main course Beverages: Soft drinks, Juices, Mineral Water, Coffee/Tea, Cocktails, Wines, Beers and all alcoholic beverages Spa Treatments: One treatment per person, per day at the Kipepeo Spa Kayaks from the beach WiFi internet in main lounge area & rooms
Not Included
Airport transfers Impact donation Zanzibar infrastructure tax Diving and Marine Activities Island Excursions Flights
Mandatory travel insurance for everyone traveling to Zanzibar is now required. It can only be booked directly from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation through this link.
Child policy: The Manta Resort welcomes children aged 7 and older *If 1 adult travels with a child/children, the adult pays a single rate. Children rates apply to guests between ages 7 and under 12 years of age Only children 12 years of age and older are allowed to stay in the Underwater Room. Children under 12 years old and accompanying adults travel free on the transfer from/to the airport
The Manta Resort Special Offers and Packages
Stay 5, Pay 4 Package – get a night free or Stay 7, Pay 5 Package – get 2 nights free! Or stay for 10 nights and 3 nights will be free!
Please note: The packages are not available between 20th December – 10th January.
