Inside One of a Kind Underwater Room Zanzibar
where you can enjoy a night Beneath the Sea, Have you been on a tropical, sun-kissed beach lined with palm trees and spices? Welcome to Zanzibar. Nestled on the east coast of Africa, Zanzibar is a tranquil, peaceful archipelago where you can relax, discover marine life, and explore culture and history.
The archipelago has two large islands – Unguja, the main island, and Pemba. Unguja is famous for its sought-after beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa. Pemba, on the other hand, is quiet and unexplored, making it ideal for those seeking seclusion. For divers, Pemba is the place you’ll encounter dolphins, whales, sharks, and many fish in their natural setting.
However, Pemba has more to offer. It is home to the Manta Resort, a super luxurious accommodation that offers unique, world-class beach and adventure experiences, including the Underwater Room experience.
At the time of writing, no other lodge in Zanzibar offers an underwater room. The only accommodation offering this once-in-a-lifetime experience in East Africa is the Manta Resort. If you’re chasing bucket list moments, don’t miss this one. In this guide, we explain everything you may want to know about the Underwater Room experience.
How much does the underwater room cost?
Price varies by season. It starts at $1,700 per night for two adults. In peak season (July – October or during Christmas and New Year holidays), prices can go up to $2,200 per night or above that.
The resort offers discounted rates during the low season – that’s from April to May. But you have to confirm its availability.
The price includes
- Full board (all meals and drinks)
- Boat transfers to/from the floating room
- Access to the main lodge’s facilities and beach
Be informed that the room can accommodate just two people per night. And it often sells out months in advance, especially in high season. So, secure your spot early.
Bookings can be made via the Manta Resort’s website: www.themantaresort.com. Once you’re on the website, navigate to “The Underwater Room, “select your travel dates, and submit a booking inquiry.
Alternatively, you can book it through a trusted tour operator – but you need a trustworthy one. We have reserved bookings for this room for many clients. So, you can lean on us.
While booking, you are required to provide information like your travel dates, number of nights, number of guests, and any dietary or special requests. To confirm your booking, a half deposit or full payment is required.
The experience itself
The experience is as surreal as it sounds. The room itself is a three-level floating island:
- Below Sea Level: The bedroom is submerged four meters underwater with glass windows on all sides. This design offers uninterrupted views. You can spot reef fish, squid, octopus, etc. Marine life is active at dawn and nightfall. So, enjoy the views by yourself.
- Sea Level Deck. This is where the lounge area and bathroom are. Here, you can relax, read, dine, or enjoy the setting.
- Rooftop Deck. This is your sundeck and stargazing platform. Here, you can lie back, enjoy the sunlight, or watch a blanket of stars.
The Underwater Room experience is for unwinding and appreciating nature. No Wi-Fi, no TV. Just you, the sea, and the sky. It’s quiet, back-to-nature, with your senses being the center of enjoyment.
Wake up to sunlight piercing through turquoise water. Go for a snorkeling trip in the reef, then lounge on your deck. Or enjoy a massage at the main resort. Enjoy your favorite meal on the deck or in the floating lounge. That’s how a full day looks.
Is it eco-friendly?
Absolutely – conservation is at the heart of the Manta Resort. The Underwater Room has its anchor down to the ocean floor, causing no damage to the corals. In addition to that, it uses marine lights to avoid harming local fish. The resort also supports the Kwanini Foundation, which funds marine research and local sustainability projects. Therefore, part of the expense you pay for the experience is channeled to protect marine biodiversity.
Getting to the Underwater Room
Pemba has daily flights from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. The Manta Resort is at the northern tip of the island – a 1:30 drive from the Pemba Airport. From there, you’ll take a short boat ride to the Underwater Room.
What to pack for the experience?
Remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof camera (because we are sure you’ll like the shots), and offline entertainment. The main resort offers snorkeling gear, but you may bring your own.
What are people saying about it?
As one guest, Brandon, wrote after his stay:
“Look, it was like we were a giant aquarium. Everything was natural. No phone, no internet, no problem.”
On TripAdvisor, another couple reflected:
“We were lucky enough to spend a day aboard the ‘floating hotel room’…it was an incredible experience.”
Is it worth it?
Yes – exactly! It’s a unique way to make unforgettable memories – the ones to tell your grandchildren. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon or an anniversary, this luxury experience will change your life.
