Chumbe Island Coral Park

We spent two nights on Chumbe Island with our family in August. The island is fascinating: a small coral paradise with a dense tropical forest, historical buildings such as the old lighthouse built by the British during colonial times, and beautiful wooden architecture. The most remarkable aspect is the strong focus on sustainability: solar panels, rainwater collection for daily use, compost toilets, and minimal water and energy consumption.||The food is good and the guides are knowledgeable, though the one who followed us (Chakka) was rather unempathetic. The coral reef, compared to the Red Sea, the Maldives, or Indonesia, is not at the same level, although we did spot small reef sharks, starfish, and some colorful fish.||What weighs most on the overall impression is the value for money: for two nights, four of us spent around 2,300 USD, with very uncomfortable beds and a service that does not match the price.||Useful tips for travelers:| • On arrival, two boats awaited us: a traditional wooden dhow and a more modern speedboat. Try to get on the modern one – otherwise, both you and your luggage will end up soaked.| • Travel light. Boarding and disembarking are done on muddy ground, so clothes and bags can easily get wet and dirty.| • The daily schedule is very tight: 11:30 snorkeling, 1 pm lunch, in the afternoon a walk to the lighthouse and through the forest, and after dinner a night tour to see the coconut crabs. For the high price, the activities – especially snorkeling – should be more varied and extensive.| • Inside the bungalows, the atmosphere is extremely humid, and the compost toilets give off a rather unpleasant smell.| • Upstairs rooms are open to the outside: birds sometimes come inside, and at night, with no doors or windows, the loud sounds of the sea and the wildlife can disturb light sleepers.| • The drinking water often had an odd taste, likely due to poorly rinsed glasses.| • Overall, there is little attention to detail and to guest comfort.||Conclusion: Chumbe Island is interesting for those who appreciate eco-friendly projects and want a unique nature experience, but the level of comfort, service, and activities offered do not, in our opinion, justify the...

this is probably the only place we have been to, where the reality exceeds the fantasy presented by tropical-island-holiday brochures and websites which seldom deliver on the pristine beaches, unspoilt nature, exquisite underwater life, fabulous food, serenity, and spaciousness that they promise.

On this island you get all that and more, and beware its very real and vivid, the water, the wind, the sun, the sand on this sharp, coral fossil island, perhaps you would have liked it tamer! Yes, the overnight price may seem high,ironically that’s the cost of authentic eco tourism and it’s not for everyone’s taste..... Chumbe Island is a moment-by-moment invitation, to drop through the artificial skin of the world that most of us inhabit, and to be present. To step out of a world of busy-ness, digital slavery, and a pre-occupation with anything but the experience of being here and now with all one’s senses. It is like coming out of a trance; we drank it in, and felt restored and saner for it.

The rhythm of the day is guided by the clock of nature, the cycle of sun rising and setting, and the cycle of the moon, waxing and waning, dragging the water of the oceans with it. Each low tide the water drains away; as intertidal zone and beach are exposed. There was always time to stop, wait and watch, the still, slate-grey egrets, with comical yellow feet, hunting the silvery fish in the shallows. Or the ghost crabs, stalk eyed, scurry anxiously over sand leaching the high tide’s water, to burrow and forage. Each eying the other nervously, defining and defending their temporary territory.. a parody of humanity.

The tide turns and the water returns, and with it small fish move into shwoal and feed, perhaps followed by needlefish camouflaged in the surface film mesmerizing lionfish or young reef tipped sharks.

Watching and being intimately part of this flow -in and out, back and forth- of water of life, is possibly the most poignant and unspoken gift that the island offers, and the immediacy of the experience touches all who care to...

What a stunning and wonderful gem. Came to this beautiful and pristine eco-marine lodge after summiting Kilimanjaro. This was what I needed to decompress. Comfy eco-friendly cabin, sunkissed beach, and chill/ good vibes.||The staff were amazing all around. Chef John and his team like Muren and Zena kept me fed and satiated. All the meals I had were included and I loved sampling everything they gave me. Endless coffee and ginger tea was an added touch. Chagga was super informative. Loved having after dinner drinks and talking with him. And his guided walk to see those incredible coconut crabs was perfect. Vera was the ultimate host/ manager. No words in terms of how generous and how much she cared for everything and everyone on the island. The other park staff and rangers were always smiles and helpful.||Be aware no doors anywhere I could see on the island except for the lighthouse. Felt super safe regardless.||The bungalow was well outfitted. Mosquito net over bed and solar powered lights all over. Fan was available but only used it once. Their window system is genius. Bathroom had an easy compost toilet and simple rain shower system. Loved the easy shades in the bungalow. ||Internet only in the main building, which was nice to help disconnect. If you have cell service it is throughout the island but not consistent.||Flip flops definitely not recommended. Grateful they provided coral/ reef safe sandals. Used them to get to the boat, off the boat, and throughout the island.||Snorkel, swim, or wander walk the island - all wonderful. Lots to explore or not. Enjoyed learning about the marine life, conservation, and seeing how they model true eco-travel excellence. Highly recommend walking the whole island...