Head out at first light from a fishing village in the south to watch dolphins in calm morning waters — responsibly, on their terms.
Kizimkazi, a fishing village on Zanzibar’s southern tip, sits beside waters regularly visited by resident Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and, less often, humpback dolphins. The area lies within the Menai Bay Conservation Area, and an early-morning boat trip gives you the best chance to see dolphins travelling, feeding and resting close to the coast, often against a backdrop of traditional fishing boats.
After an early pick-up, you board a small boat with a local captain and guide. Viewing follows responsible guidelines that we ask every crew to respect: approaching slowly from the side, never chasing or encircling the animals, limiting the number of boats and the time spent with each group, and letting the dolphins choose how close they come. We don’t encourage swimming with the dolphins, as it can disturb them. After the dolphins, there is usually a snorkelling stop on a nearby reef.
On the way back, you can visit the Kizimkazi mosque, one of the oldest Islamic buildings in East Africa, with inscriptions dating back to the early twelfth century, and combine your morning with a visit to Jozani Forest. Sightings are never guaranteed, but dolphins are seen on most mornings.
Bottlenose and sometimes humpback dolphins off Kizimkazi.
No chasing or crowding — dolphins choose the distance.
The best conditions and light early in the day.
A snorkel stop on a nearby coral reef.
One of East Africa’s oldest Islamic buildings.
Transfer to Kizimkazi (about 1–1.5 hours from most hotels).
Meet your captain and guide, and hear the responsible-viewing rules.
Head out to look for dolphins in the calm morning water.
Snorkel over a nearby reef, conditions permitting.
Return to shore and visit the historic Kizimkazi mosque.
Transfer to your hotel, or continue to Jozani Forest.
Per person in US dollars. The more travellers in your group, the lower the price per person.
Just your party, with your own guide and vehicle or boat — set your own pace and start time.
Join other travellers on a scheduled departure — a relaxed, sociable and lower-cost way to go.
One price per seat, whatever the size of your party.
Indicative per-person prices in US dollars. Private prices are for your own party with a private guide, vehicle or boat; shared prices are for a seat on a scheduled group departure. Your final price depends on your date, hotel location and group size, and is always confirmed in writing before you book.
Private prices are per adult for a party of one, two, four or six; shared prices are per seat. Larger groups are quoted on request.
Return transfers from hotels in Stone Town and the main beach areas (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Michamvi, Matemwe) are included. Remote hotels may carry a small supplement.
Menai Bay Conservation Area fees are included at current rates.
Reduced rates apply for children; ages and any minimum age are confirmed with your quote.
Our crews follow responsible-viewing guidelines. We may end an encounter early if the dolphins show signs of disturbance.
Boat trips depend on the weather, sea state and tides. If conditions are unsafe, we move your trip to another day or refund it.
Availability, pick-up time and the final price are confirmed in writing before you pay.
Pair this experience with another on the same day or during your stay — we arrange the timing and transfers.
This experience fits naturally into these itineraries — ask us to add it to your quote.
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Dolphins are seen on most mornings at Kizimkazi, but they are wild and sightings are never guaranteed.
We don’t encourage it. Watching from the boat is better for the dolphins and still very rewarding.
The sea is calmest and the dolphins most active close to shore in the early morning, with fewer boats.
Yes — Jozani is on the way back from Kizimkazi.
Tell us your date, group size and where you’re staying — our team will confirm availability, pick-up time and your final price within 24 hours.
