If you love snorkeling, step up your ocean experience at Tanzania’s Manta Resort. Situated off the Zanzibari island of Pemba, the resort features a truly distinctive accommodation: a submerged guestroom with a viewing window positioned just over three yards below the surface of the Indian Ocean.
Guests reach the underwater cabin by a short boat transfer from the main resort. The large window provides an intimate perspective on marine life, revealing vibrant activity beneath the waves by day when sunlight streams through, and offering a tranquil, otherworldly panorama of nocturnal sea life after dark.
Designed by Swedish innovator Mikael Genberg, the concept builds on his earlier experiment with an underwater room on a Swedish lake in 2000. While underwater hotel rooms and suites can be found in locations such as Florida and the Maldives, the Manta Resort is the first to bring this immersive experience to the African continent.
The underwater room makes an exceptional base for marine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a memorable, immersive stay. Whether you’re watching reef fish drift past, observing the changing colors of the sea at sunrise, or listening to the subtle sounds of the ocean at night, the submerged suite offers a rare chance to connect with the marine environment without leaving the comfort of your room.
Beyond the underwater accommodation, the resort on Pemba Island offers a range of activities that complement the unique room: snorkeling and diving on nearby coral reefs, boat excursions, and opportunities to learn about the local marine ecosystem. The shallow, clear waters around Pemba are known for healthy coral reefs and abundant sea life, making them ideal for both casual observers and experienced divers.
Staying in the underwater room is as much about the setting as it is about thoughtful design. The suite’s placement and large viewing window were engineered to balance guest comfort with safety and visibility, allowing uninterrupted views while maintaining structural integrity. The result is an elevated coastal retreat that blends design innovation with a deep respect for the surrounding natural environment.
For travelers seeking a special marine-focused escape in East Africa, the Manta Resort’s submerged guestroom on Pemba Island offers a unique combination of luxury, adventure, and intimate contact with the Indian Ocean’s underwater world.