Zanzibar’s best-loved day at sea — sailing, snorkelling, sandbanks, a mangrove lagoon and a seafood feast under the trees.
Safari Blue is a full day on the water in the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a protected marine area off Zanzibar’s south-west coast. From the fishing village of Fumba, you set sail in a traditional wooden dhow, cruising past mangrove-fringed islands and over turquoise channels. Depending on the season and the day, you may spot dolphins from the boat, and you stop to snorkel over coral reefs alive with colourful fish.
At midday the dhow anchors at a sandbank and then at Kwale island, where the crew serves a generous seafood feast — typically grilled fish, lobster or calamari in season, rice, salads and plenty of tropical fruit. After lunch, you can swim in a natural lagoon among the mangroves, visit a giant baobab tree, often said to be several hundred years old, and, on many trips, try sailing the dhow yourself. The return to Fumba under sail in the late afternoon is the perfect, slow ending.
The day is relaxed and suitable for most travellers, including families and non-swimmers. We offer it as a shared trip on a scheduled dhow or as a private charter for your own party. Menai Bay entry fees are included, and the exact route depends on the tide, wind and sea conditions.
Cruise Menai Bay under sail, as fishermen have for centuries.
Reefs with colourful fish in a protected marine area.
Grilled seafood, rice and tropical fruit on Kwale island.
Swim in a natural lagoon among the mangroves.
Visit an ancient baobab on Kwale island.
Transfer to Fumba on the south-west coast (up to 1.5 hours from the north and east).
Board your dhow and sail into the Menai Bay Conservation Area, watching for dolphins.
Snorkel over a coral reef with masks, fins and life jackets provided.
Swim and relax on a white sandbank with fresh fruit.
A generous lunch under the trees, followed by the mangrove lagoon and the baobab.
Return under sail and transfer to your hotel, arriving in the evening.
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.
Vegetarian and other meals can be arranged in place of seafood if you tell us when booking.
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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Usually grilled fish and seafood such as calamari or lobster in season, rice, salads and tropical fruit. Vegetarian options are available.
Yes — life jackets are provided, and the lagoon and sandbank are shallow.
Often, but not always. They are wild animals, and the crew keeps a respectful distance.
Yes — choose the private option for your own boat and crew.
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.
