Safari Blue Zanzibar: #1 Sea Adventure Tour | Snorkeling, Dolphins & More
Picture this: you're sailing across turquoise waters on a traditional dhow, the wind filling hand-stitched sails as Menai Bay's protected coral gardens shimmer below. By midday, you're standing barefoot on a pristine sandbank, savoring grilled seafood as the Indian Ocean sparkles in every direction. This is Safari Blue, Zanzibar's most beloved boat adventure, and it's waiting for you.
Quick Facts: Safari Blue at a Glance
Duration: Full day (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Price: $95-$120 per person
Group Size: Maximum 6 guests per dhow
Difficulty: Easy (suitable for all ages, basic swimming helpful)
Pickup: All Zanzibar hotels included (North, East, South coasts)
Best Season: Year-round (June-October for calmest seas)
⭐ 4.9/5 Stars on Google Reviews | ✓ Licensed by Zanzibar Tourism Board
Safari Blue Zanzibar Pricing
Standard Shared Tour: $95 - $105 per person
Everything included:
Traditional dhow sailing boat
Professional snorkeling guide
Premium snorkel equipment (masks, fins, vest)
Freshly grilled seafood BBQ lunch
Tropical fruits, coconut water & soft drinks
Menai Bay marine park conservation fees
Visit to Kwale Island & 200-year-old baobab tree
Private Charter: From $400 (up to 6 guests)
Perfect for families, honeymoons, or groups wanting a personalized itinerary. Includes all standard amenities plus flexible departure times and custom route options.
Why Book Direct with WeAreZanzibar?
Local Prices, Zero Hassle
Beach touts typically charge $130-$150 for the same tour. As Zanzibar locals, we offer authentic local rates ($95-105) without the beach haggling, hidden fees, or quality compromises.
What makes us different:
Maximum 6 guests (most operators pack 15-20 people)
Your captain learned these waters from his grandfather
Reef-safe practices & partnership with Kwale Island Marine Conservation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
Direct WhatsApp support before, during, and after your tour
Your Safari Blue Itinerary: A Day in Paradise
8:00 AM - Hotel Pickup
Your guide collects you from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The 45-minute drive south passes spice farms and villages where daily life unfolds in vibrant color.
9:30 AM - Board Your Traditional Dhow
At Fumba fishing village, step aboard a handcrafted dhow, the same wooden boats Swahili traders have sailed for centuries. As the triangular sail catches wind, you glide into Menai Bay Conservation Area, one of East Africa's richest marine ecosystems
10:30 AM - Snorkeling in Menai Bay's Coral Gardens
The main event. Your guide leads you to protected channels where visibility reaches 20+ meters. Here, the reef pulses with life:
Schools of powder-blue surgeonfish dart through coral cathedrals
Parrotfish crunch on coral, their colors impossibly vivid
Octopuses hide in rocky crevices (your guide knows where to look)
If you're lucky: dolphins, sea turtles, or graceful eagle rays
The water temperature hovers around 26-28°C (79-82°F)—no wetsuit needed. Life jackets and flotation devices available for less confident swimmers.
First-timer tip: Your guide will demonstrate proper snorkeling technique and stay close throughout. Even non-swimmers enjoy floating on the surface with a vest, gazing into this underwater kingdom.
12:30 PM - Sandbank BBQ Lunch
The dhow moors beside a sliver of white sand that appears only at low tide—your private island for the afternoon. Wade ashore and sink your toes into powder-soft sand as your crew sets up lunch.
On the menu:
Whole grilled fish (catch of the day: snapper, kingfish, or octopus)
Spiced calamari and prawns
Coconut rice and plantain
Fresh tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, watermelon)
Zanzibar's famous spiced tea
Palm trees frame the horizon. The ocean stretches in every direction. You might decide this is the most beautiful lunch spot on Earth—and you wouldn't be wrong.
2:00 PM - Kwale Island & the Ancient Baobab
A short sail brings you to Kwale Island, home to a 200-year-old baobab tree. Climb the wooden ladder built into its massive trunk (carefully—it's rustic but safe) and emerge above the canopy.
From this natural lookout, the panorama takes your breath: Menai Bay's protected waters, distant dhows with white sails catching light, and the endless Indian Ocean horizon. Coconut crabs (Zanzibar's largest land creature) scuttle around the base, their prehistoric appearance oddly charming.
Your guide shares local legends: how baobabs were planted upside-down by the gods, why their hollow trunks once stored water and sheltered travelers, and which traditional medicines come from their leaves.
3:30 PM - Mangrove Lagoon & Natural Swimming Pool
As the tide rises, your dhow glides into a hidden mangrove lagoon. Sunlight filters through tangled roots, casting emerald shadows on crystal-clear water. This sheltered channel feels like nature's private spa - warm, calm, and utterly serene.
Float on your back and watch frigate birds circle overhead. Let the gentle current rock you. This quiet interlude, after the adventure's high energy, feels like the ocean's gift of stillness
5:30 PM - Sunset Sail Home
The wind softens as golden hour approaches. Your captain adjusts the sail and the dhow leans gracefully, cutting through water that turns amber, then rose, then deep violet. Dolphins sometimes escort you home, their dorsal fins slicing the glassy surface.
By 6:00 PM, you're back at Fumba, sun-drunk and salt-sprayed, already planning to tell everyone you know about this day.
What to Bring on Safari Blue
Essential Items:
Swimwear (wear under clothes for easy changing)
Reef-safe sunscreen (required—chemical sunscreens harm coral)
Sun hat and sunglasses
Beach towel
Waterproof phone case or dry bag
Nice to Have:
Underwater camera or GoPro (some magical moments happen below the surface)
Water shoes (optional—helpful on rocky areas)
Light cover-up or rash guard (sun protection while snorkeling)
What NOT to Bring:
Chemical sunscreen (damages coral)
Valuables or jewelry (leave at hotel)
Single-use plastics (we're committed to ocean conservation)
Important Things to Know Before You Book
Weather & Cancellations
Safari Blue operates year-round, but the Indian Ocean demands respect. If winds exceed safe limits or heavy rain is forecast, we'll contact you by 6:00 AM to reschedule at no charge. Your safety always comes first.
Best conditions: June through October (dry season, calmest seas)
Green season benefits: March through May offers lower prices, fewer tourists, and occasional dramatic skies
Booking Availability
Book early. We run only one Safari Blue departure daily to maintain our small-group experience. During high season (July-August, December-January), tours often sell out 5-7 days in advance.
Who Can Join?
Minimum age: 5 years old (younger children welcome on private charters)
Swimming ability: Basic swimming recommended but not required (life jackets provided)
Fitness level: Moderate (you'll climb boat ladders and walk on uneven surfaces)
Pregnancy: Not recommended after first trimester due to boat movement
Dietary Requirements
We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and seafood-free diets with advance notice (mention when booking).
Safari Blue vs Other Zanzibar Boat Tours
Not sure which tour to choose? Here's how Safari Blue compares:
| Feature | Safari Blue | Mnemba Snorkeling | Prison Island | Nakupenda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $95-105 | $55-65 | $60-80 | $100-120 |
| Duration | Full day | Half Day (4 Hours) | Half Day | Full Day |
| Lunch Included | Seafood | Fruit only | None | Seafood |
| Snorkeling quality | Excellent (coral gardens) | World-class (marine reserve) | Basic | Good |
| Cultural Experience | Traditional dhow, local crew | Modern speedboat | Historical tour | Party Atmosphere |
| Group Size | Max 6 guests | 8-12 guests | Varies | 10+ guests |
| Best For | All-in-one adventure, romance | Serious snorkelers | History buffs, tortoise lovers | Groups, social vibe |
Our recommendation: If you have only one day for a boat tour, choose Safari Blue for the complete Zanzibar experience. If you're a dedicated snorkeler, add Mnemba as a second trip.
Real Guest Experiences
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The highlight of our honeymoon"
"We've snorkeled in Thailand, the Maldives, and Caribbean, but Zanzibar Safari Blue surprised us. The small group meant personalized attention, our guide found an octopus just for us! The sandbank lunch was postcard-perfect. Worth every dollar."
— Sarah & Tom, Australia (November 2024)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Local price, luxury experience"
"Booked directly through WAZ after beach vendors quoted $140. Got the same tour for $95 and it felt more authentic. Small group size made all the difference. Highly recommend."
— Priya & Raj, UK (December 2024)
Why Safari Blue Is Worth It
At $95-$105, Safari Blue isn't the cheapest Zanzibar activity, and that's intentional. Here's what you're really paying for:
Conservation That Matters
Your tour fee directly funds Menai Bay Conservation Area, protecting 470 square kilometers of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. We use only reef-safe practices, limit group sizes to prevent overcrowding, and educate guests on marine protection.
Fair Wages for Local Crew
Your captain, guide, and cook are Zanzibar natives earning fair wages (rare in tourism). Many have been with us for 5+ years, bringing expertise you won't find on bargain tours.
Safety Standards
Our dhows undergo annual inspections, carry emergency equipment, and maintain full insurance. Cheaper operators often cut these corners.
The Intangibles
There's a magic in sailing on a traditional dhow that speedboats can't replicate. The creaking wood, billowing canvas, and gentle pace connect you to centuries of Swahili seafaring tradition. You're not just sightseeing, you're experiencing a living cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Safari Blue Zanzibar?
Approximately 10 hours total: 8:00 AM hotel pickup, return around 6:00 PM. The boat portion is about 7-8 hours, with time split between sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and island exploration.
Is Safari Blue Zanzibar worth the price?
Absolutely. At $95-$105, you get world-class snorkeling, a seafood BBQ, sailing experience, and multiple island stops, less than you'd pay for each activity separately. The small group size (max 6 guests) and traditional dhow experience make it Zanzibar's best-value boat tour.
Can I do Safari Blue if I can't swim?
Yes. Life jackets and flotation devices are provided. Snorkeling is optional, you can enjoy the dhow sailing, sandbank, and island visits without entering deep water. Many non-swimmers participate and love it.
What's the difference between Safari Blue and Mnemba snorkeling?
Safari Blue is a cultural full-day adventure combining snorkeling, traditional dhow sailing, seafood lunch, and island exploration. It's about the complete experience.
Mnemba is a focused half-day snorkeling trip to Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve, considered Zanzibar's best snorkeling site. It's for serious snorkelers who want maximum underwater time.
If you have time for both, they complement each other perfectly.
When is the best time for Safari Blue?
June-October (dry season): Calmest seas, best visibility, and reliable weather. Slight premium pricing during July-August.
November-March (high season): Warm and popular, book 1-2 weeks ahead.
April-May (green season): Lower prices, fewer crowds, occasional rain showers (tours still run unless unsafe).
Do you see dolphins on Safari Blue?
Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings aren't guaranteed. However, Menai Bay is home to Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, and we spot them on approximately 40% of tours—usually during the sail to/from Fumba. We never chase or disturb them.
What if the weather is bad?
Your safety is non-negotiable. If conditions are unsafe (high winds, storms, rough seas), we'll contact you by 6:30 AM to reschedule at no charge. You can also move your booking to any available date within your stay.
Zanzibar weather is generally predictable, and cancellations are rare (less than 5% of scheduled tours).
Is lunch included? What about dietary restrictions?
Yes, a full seafood lunch is included: grilled fish, calamari, prawns, coconut rice, tropical fruits, and beverages. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free diets with advance notice, just mention it when you book.
How do I book Safari Blue with WeAreZanzibar?
Scroll down to our booking form, select your preferred date (plus alternate dates), and submit. We'll confirm availability within 2-4 hours via WhatsApp or email. Payment methods and final details will be provided after confirmation.
Combine Safari Blue with Other Zanzibar Adventures
Make the most of your Zanzibar vacation—these tours pair perfectly with Safari Blue:
Mnemba Snorkeling: $55-$65
Half-day trip to Zanzibar's premier snorkeling site. Vibrant coral walls, tropical fish, and possible turtle encounters.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MNEMBA →
Prison Island & Tortoises: $60-$80
Visit giant Aldabra tortoises (some over 100 years old), explore historical ruins, and snorkel in clear waters.
EXPLORE PRISON ISLAND TOUR →
Stone Town Walking Tour
UNESCO World Heritage site, spice markets, Sultan's palace, and narrow coral-stone alleys full of history.
DISCOVER STONE TOWN →
Multi-Day Packages
Combine 3+ tours and save 10-15%. Popular combo: Safari Blue + Mnemba + Prison Island + Stone Town + Spice Tour.
VIEW ALL ZANZIBAR TOURS →
Ready to Set Sail? Book Your Safari Blue Adventure
Standard Tour: $95-$105 per person
Everything included: dhow cruise, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, hotel transfers, marine park fees
Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Instant confirmation via WhatsApp
Local prices, no tourist markup
Licensed & insured
Limited availability: Only 6 spots per day. High season (June-August, December-January) books out 3 days in advance.
