Toten Island

Lonely Planet review

Directly offshore is the small, mangrove-ringed Toten island with the overgrown ruins of a mosque (dating at least to the 17th century) and some 18th- and 19th-century gravestones. Fifteenth-century pottery fragments have also been found on the island, indicating that it may have been settled during the Shirazi era.

The island's apparently long history ended in the late 19th century, when its inhabitants moved to the mainland. Its ruins are less accessible and less atmospheric than those at nearby Tongoni, and it's only worth a look if you have lots of extra time. There are fishing boats on the western side of the harbour that can take you over, although we've only heard unhappy tales from the few travellers we know who have tried this. Better is to organise an excursion through the tourist information office.