Underwater Room
From above
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Underwater Room
Underwater Room
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Underwater Room
Underwater Room
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Underwater Room
Underwater Room
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Oceanview Villa - Bedroom
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Oceanview Villa - Private Dining Area
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Oceanview Villa - Pool View
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Oceanview Villa - Family Dinner
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Oceanview Villa - Private Beach Banda
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Overview of Manta
Overview of Manta
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Beach
Overview of beach
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Pool area
Overview of pool area and terrace overlooking the ocean
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Seafront villa
Private plungepool
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Seafront villa
Bedroom
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Superior garden room
Terrace infront of the room
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Superior garden room
Bedroom
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Superior garden room
Bathroom
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Standard garden room
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Standard garden room
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Outdoor shower in standard garden room
Detail image of outdoor shower
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Beach bar
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Our beach
Swimming in the ocean
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Beach
Sunbeds on our beach
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Kwanini Foundation
Rangers protecting Marine Protected Area
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Snorkelling for conservation
Infront of Manta in our Marine Protected Area
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Snorkelling
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Ngalawa sailboats
Ngalawa sailboats
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Pemba Island
Pemba Island
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Ngalawa Boat on Beach
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Ngalawa Boat Sunset
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Ngalawa Cruise
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Sandbank at Manta
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Birds - Pemba White-Eye
Photographer credit: Manta
Birds - Pemba Flying Fox
Photographer credit: Manta
Beach Dinner at Manta
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Honeymoon Beach
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Diving at Manta
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Anemone Fish
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Night diving
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Kayak
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Swimming Pool
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Beach Bar Swings
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Paddle at Manta
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Snorkel for Conservation
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Sunset Dip
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Pathway to Spa
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Underwater Room - Fish
Photographer credit: Samy Ghannam
Pemba is a remote Swahili island off the coast of East Africa, known for its untouched beauty and rich culture. Manta Resort is perched on the northernmost tip of Pemba Island, far from the noise of civilisation, offering a peaceful and intimate escape.
Here, marine conservation and tourism walk hand in hand, creating a unique, authentic experience that invites you to connect with nature in its purest form. If serenity, close encounters with wildlife, and the warmth of a dedicated team are what you crave, Manta is your sanctuary.
Home to the iconic Underwater Room, Manta provides guests with an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in marine conservation efforts. Explore the pristine coral reefs and marine life while snorkeling or diving in one of East Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystems, all within our Marine Protected Areas.
Disconnect from the digital world, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and embrace the simplicity of island life. At Manta, all you need is sunshine, fresh local food, a comfortable bed, and the friendly company of those who call this beautiful island home.
THREE LEVELS
The landing deck, which is at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom facility.
From there, steps lead up to the roof which also has a lounging area perfect for sun worshipping by day and stargazing by night. Sleep under the stars to the soft murmuring of the sea.
Downstairs – the magical feeling of lying on a soft double bed surrounded by panes of glass affording almost 360 degrees viewing – watching the shoals of reef fish visiting your windows. Some have taken up residence around the room, which affords them some protection from predation. For example, three bat fish and a trumpet fish, called Nick, is always swimming around and seemingly looking in!
UNDERWATER SPOTLIGHTS
By night, the underwater spotlights beneath each window around the room attract the shyer and more unusual species, for instance squid. Coral is already establishing itself on the anchoring lines and around the underwater structure. Octopus and even spanish dancers have been seen attaching themselves to the glass panes.
HOW IT WORKS
Your journey will start by boarding a traditionally crafted wooden boat to take you out to the underwater room. The room lies approximately 250m from the shore, about a 2min boat ride over the crystal clear waters of the Manta house reef. On arrival at the room, along with your service fundi and boat captain, you will get shown the ins and outs of your private floating island.
We will then leave you alone to enjoy your new surroundings. Once settled in, a light tropical lunch with cold drinks will be ready for you to enjoy at your leisure. A kayak, snorkel and fins will be provided. The underwater room lies in what we call the blue hole, which has some fantastic coral heads and an abundance of marine life.
After having sundowners on your preferred deck, dinner will be served at a pre-arranged time decided by you and your fundi. After dinner you will be left to yourselves. Breakfast will be served at a pre-arranged time. When arranging your meal times your dietary requirements and meal options can be discussed too. Check out time from the room is at 11:00.
FACILITIES
A mobile phone will be provided with the contact numbers required should you need assistance with anything. The bathroom facilities include an open-air fresh water shower, a fully-functioning advanced marine toilet system that is eco-friendly, and a small hand-wash basin. We will provide all necessary environmentally friendly, biodegradable shower products. A fully-stocked bar fridge is there for your convenience.
The Seafront Villas boast a spacious and private open-plan design, with a centered king size bed and large en-suite bathroom.
The villas feature a perfect blend of traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition, our newly installed state of the art EveningBreeze cooling system provides comfort without noise or drafts. After selecting your preferred sleeping climate, cool clean air will gently circulate over the surface of your bed—carrying with it the promise of a good night’s sleep.
The Superior Garden Rooms boast a spacious and private open-plan design, with a four-posted king size bed, a large en-suite bathroom and a private garden with outdoor shower.
Created from local materials and traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition a large Swahili baraza lounge provides the perfect place to relax in the peacefulness of the garden.
The Standard Garden Rooms have a private open-plan design, with a four-posted king size bed, en-suite bathroom and private garden with outdoor shower.
Created from local materials and traditional Pemban decor with contemporary comfort. In addition a small balcony allows our guests a shady spot to relax in the garden.
The perfect hideaway for families and friends
Our newest addition to the Manta collection are our Oceanview Villas. These new villas are perfect for family and small groups. Each villa has a spectacular view over the Pemba Channel and of our Marine Protected Area.
It has two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, joined by a private bar and dining area which lead onto a spacious deck and pool. A private walkway leads down to the beach ending at a beach banda, a small lounge area, shower and bar fridge.
The Seafront Family Villa boast two spacious and private open-plan rooms, each centered with a king sized bed and large en-suite bathroom. The two rooms are joint together by a patio with a plunge pool, overlooking the turquoise water of our Marine Protected Area. In addition, each room has its own outdoor shower situated in a small private garden.
