Amazing Corals of Chumbe Island, Africa

Anemone on the Reef

Giant Clam and Cucumber

   When my dad told me that I had to see these amazing coral gardens near this tiny island off the coast of Zanzibar I was immediately interested. Doing a little more research into this island called Chumbe, I discovered that it was an uninhabited island that was turned into a marine protected area and an eco lodge back in 1994. The eco lodge has won all kinds of accolades for self sustaining the coral park and its no-impact vow on the surrounding environment. The lodge and bungalows run on solar, complete with vegetation grey water filtration system and composting toilets. One side of the island is open to fishing while the other side consist of one of the best coral gardens I have ever seen.

Healthy Reef

  Since it cost $280 per person to stay overnight on Chumbe Island we decided to book a day trip for $90. This includes the return boat trip, a fabulous lunch, snorkel gear and guides, a nature walk, and access to one of the bungalows for the day.

Master Free Diver

   As we motored up on our little dhow I could see right down to the coral through the clear tropical water. We had to check in first for a little orientation but then it was straight into the water. There was about 14 of us in total, so they split us up into 2 boats and took us to the Northern edge of the protected area and let us swim the entire distance of the island. When I put my face into the water I immediately had visions of the Great Barrier Reef and the reefs in Indonesia and Philippines. The more I snorkeled though I started thinking that this may be one of the healthiest, densest, and most varied reefs anywhere. Looking in one direction over the reef I lost count of the number of different species of coral in sight.

Coral Species Gone Wild!

  There were plenty of fish as well. Several places clouds of fish covered the coral, while angelfish and butterfly fish cruised beside us. The water was very clear and when the sun would poke out from behind the clouds I could snap some incredible pictures of the reef. I took all of these with just the ambient light, no strobe needed.

Flatworm

Reef Fish bonanza

   The reef provides plenty of hiding places for invertebrates so they can be tough to find. Although sea stars and sea cucumbers were visible. I even stumbled upon a vibrant blue flatworm underneath an overhanging rock in the shallows. I imagine that this reef comes alive with marine invertebrates at night. We snorkeled for around an hour and half, until we finally made it all the way back to the steps leading onto the island. Just in time for a much needed lunch and then some island exploration time.

Chumbe Island Lifestyle

  The island itself also is home to some rare animals. Perhaps the most famous species on the island are the huge coconut crabs. They come out in the hundreds after sunset but we were able to track down some in their daytime hiding spots. We took the nature trail loop around the island which was very interesting although a bit easy to get lost in the dense bush. Luckily a massive concrete lighthouse stands sentinel over the island, always giving us a waypoint if we though we were getting lost. We were allowed into the lighthouse but I could only imagine what an amazing view it would be.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle dwarfed by the coral

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Lighthouse Standing Watch Over the Island

One of the locally famous denizens of the island: Coconut Crab