The private island with an underwater bedroom is the Manta Resort’s Underwater Room, a floating structure off Pemba Island in the northern Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania, with a bedroom below the water line. The resort says the room has operated for more than twelve years and has been rebuilt as a next-generation version.
Key facts
| Detail | What we found |
|---|---|
| Location | Pemba Channel, off Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania |
| Resort | The Manta Resort, one of six room types alongside villas and garden rooms |
| Track record | Operating for over twelve years, per the resort |
| Price | Not published on the resort page; our 2010s figure of $700 a night is no longer verified |
| Where the money goes | After operating costs, the resort says 100% of remaining proceeds fund the Pemba Channel Conservation Area |
What is the Underwater Room?
It is a floating room anchored above a reef in the Pemba Channel, an area described as one of East Africa’s most important marine zones. Guests can watch reef life at close range from the bedroom. Earlier coverage described a three-level structure with the bedroom about four meters below the surface and attributed the engineering to Swedish designers, but we could not confirm those details for the current version.
How much does it cost?
The resort page does not list a nightly price or guest capacity for the Underwater Room. Older coverage mentioned a figure from $700 a night, but that predates the rebuilt version, so ask the resort or use its booking page for current rates. The room is the most expensive category in most listings, so do not budget off the old number.
Where does the money go?
The resort says that after operating costs, all remaining proceeds go to managing the Pemba Channel Conservation Area through Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas, funding community engagement, research, monitoring and protection.
Is it worth it?
Our view: it is one of the few underwater stays you can book on a real reef rather than in a stunt. Treat it as one night inside a longer stay at the resort, and book early because there is only one room.
For more information, see the Manta Resort’s official site.
FAQ
Where is the Manta Resort underwater room?
In the Pemba Channel off Pemba Island, in the northern Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania.
How long has the underwater room operated?
The resort says it has operated for more than twelve years and is now a next-generation version.
How much is the Underwater Room?
The resort page does not list a price. Older coverage mentioned $700 a night, but check current rates with the resort.
Where do the proceeds go?
After operating costs, the resort says remaining proceeds fund the Pemba Channel Conservation Area.
Can you see fish from the bedroom?
Yes, guests can watch reef life at close range from the room.
Last updated: October 2026.
