Had a fabulous 1 1/2 days on the island (could have stayed longer). Lodges 6 and 7, exquisite and have sea views. There are lots of hammocks to lounge around in. The snorkelling trips were the best in Zanzibar and saw turtles and black tipped sharks. (safe). The staff were amazing, friendly and helpful. the island manager Hasaan and Hussein run the place excellently. Hasaan managed to extend our stay so we could return on the afternoon boat ( giving us an extra half day) . The food is top class. The boatmen will take you out to the reef on a small group basis. I even did at 72, a night snorkel which was amazing. (Huge lobsters). Would definitely return.
Would return

Even at first it seems really expensive it's totally worth it. We stayed there for one night- the bungalow was really nice and we enjoyed the quietness there- you wake up to singing birds and in front of the bungalow you see hermit crabs - so nature all around! The lunch with seaview and dinner was well prepared and had a variety to choose from. The highlight was snorkeling guided with a guide to see blacktip sharks, lobsters, rays and a lot of corals. You always felt safe and could go back to the boat if you wanted to. On the Island there is a 30m high lighttower a good place to watch the sunset. As this island is a non profit project it's something we like to support as you see all the vital nature around you! This trip was a highlight to our Zanzibar holiday.

Chumbe is a great addition to a visit to Zanzibar. The thatched roof bungalow was comfortable and clean, plenty of warm water for showers. Good views and very wonderful support staff. Like one of the other reviewers, the site manager took one of my Teva sandals whose sole had delaminated and sewed the sole back on, better than new and in a few hours - amazing (I was expecting a "Shoe-Goo" glue treatment).

Although snorkeling is one of the main features of Chumbe I'm afraid I'd have to rate it mediocre. The equipment and staff support (J #2) was excellent but the coral and aquatic life was disappointing. Much of the coral is still "dead" although it is clearly beginning to come back. Likewise, until the coral makes more of a comeback, there won't be a great variety or number of fish and other creatures. The great work being done to bring to life the coral reefs at Chumbe is working but it's going to be a number of years before the snorkeling improves.

That being said, there's lots to do on the island. The tidal walks are fun and interesting, the night walk looking for coconut crabs (huge!), the forest walks and the lighthouse were fun, and the sail on a small dhow (extra but reasonable cost) was great - this particular boat was recently built (in the traditional manner) by the man (Mduu?) who took us out.

Very good food. Very relaxing. You can do as much or as little as you want. Would recommend at least one night stay. We did 2 nights and it seemed enough.

In sum: well worth it.