Full day Shared Tour Safari blue at Menai beach

Planning a trip to Zanzibar and looking for an experience that combines stunning scenery, colorful marine life, and a relaxed vibe? This full-day Safari Blue tour offers all that and more. While not a private excursion, it provides an authentic, fun-filled day on the water that’s perfect for those who love nature, good food, and a touch of adventure.

What we love about this tour: First, the chance to relax on a pristine sandbank with crystal-clear shallow waters. Second, the vibrant snorkeling sites where you can see tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. Third, the sunset dolphin cruise adds a magical, unforgettable touch. That said, a potential consideration is the shared boat aspect, which might mean less privacy and a busier vibe for some travelers. Overall, if you’re after an immersive, scenic experience with great value, this trip suits adventurous travelers and nature lovers alike.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery and peaceful sandbanks perfect for sunbathing or swimming.
• Excellent snorkeling sites near Pungume Island with colorful marine life.
• Authentic local seafood lunch including Zanzibar grilled lobsters and fresh crab.
• Flexible and well-organized group experience with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Potential for dolphin sightings during the sunset cruise.
• Shared boat may mean a busier, less private atmosphere but still enjoyable.

Introduction: A Scenic Day out on Zanzibar’s Waters

This Safari Blue tour promises an all-day cruise through some of Zanzibar’s most picturesque waters, combining relaxation, snorkeling, and a taste of local cuisine. From reviews and descriptions, it’s clear that the highlight for most is the chance to lounge on a powdery sandbank with endless views of the Indian Ocean, a spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the tranquility of the sea.

We love that this experience is designed to give travelers a taste of multiple aspects of island life — from vibrant coral reefs to ancient Baobab trees, and even the chance to spot dolphins at sunset. It’s a balanced mix of adventure and leisure, perfect for those who want to see the coast from a different perspective.

However, it’s worth noting that this is a shared tour, which can sometimes mean a busier boat with other visitors. If privacy or exclusivity is a priority, this might not be the best fit, but for most, the camaraderie and lively atmosphere add to the charm.

Lastly, the tour is priced at $85 per person, which offers good value considering the included activities, lunch, and transportation. Perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive day without breaking the bank.

Exploring the Itinerary

Stop 1: Kwale Island and the Sandbank

The journey begins early at 8:00 am with hotel pickup. As you set sail, you’ll be greeted by the peaceful sounds of the Indian Ocean. The first stop is Kwale Island, famous for its large, powdery sandbank. Here, you can choose to swim in shallow waters or simply lounge under the sun while gazing at the endless horizon. The scenery is stunning — a true postcard moment.

One of the special features here is the ancient Baobab tree, which, despite falling centuries ago, still stands tall with its branches stretching towards the sky. Visitors have mentioned how extraordinary it is, giving the stop an almost mystical feel. You’ll also have the chance to explore the beach, observe coral formations, and watch hermit crabs scurry about.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

Next, the tour moves to snorkeling at two sites near Pungume Island. According to reviews, the snorkeling spots are vibrant, where you will likely see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, making it easy for first-timers or those who haven’t snorkeled in a while to participate comfortably.

An anecdotal insight from a reviewer notes that the coral formations and the abundance of marine life make for a truly refreshing aquatic experience. The shallow waters are ideal for sunbathing or practicing your snorkel skills, and the clear water visibility adds to the excitement.

The Seafood Lunch

Among the tour’s highlights is the seafood lunch. Expect Zanzibar specialties such as grilled lobsters, crabs, squids, and octopus. The fresh seafood, cooked on-site, offers a genuine taste of the local cuisine, which many travelers find delicious and satisfying. In fact, some reviews mention that the lunch is a significant part of the appeal, giving a real sense of local flavors.

Relaxing on the Beach and Exploring Kwale Island

After lunch, there’s ample free time to relax on Kwale Island’s beach or climb the ancient Baobab tree. You might also enjoy wandering along the beach or discovering hidden coral formations and observing hermit crabs in their natural habitat.

Sunset Dolphin Cruise

The day ends with a sunset cruise, where there’s a good chance of spotting dolphins. This part of the trip adds a magical, cinematic quality to the experience. Many travelers find this cruise to be relaxing and beautiful, especially with the warm hues of sunset painting the sky.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses air-conditioned vehicles for pickup and drop-off, ensuring comfort after a day of sun and saltwater. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the group size strikes a good balance — enough to foster camaraderie but still intimate enough to enjoy the scenery and activities without feeling crowded.

Practical Considerations

• The tour lasts about 7 hours, making it an all-day affair but not overly exhausting.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, with most being able to participate.
• Sunscreen is not included, so bring your own to protect your skin during prolonged sun exposure.
• The tour offers mobile tickets and pickup from your hotel, simplifying logistics.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

A reviewer named Claudine_R shared that the sandbank and waters of Kwale Island were “well-filled days,” praising the 3000-year-old Baobab as extraordinary. The only downside mentioned was that the shared boat made the experience slightly less private, which might bother travelers seeking exclusivity.

Another perspective points out that the scenery and marine life are the main attractions, emphasizing the beautiful views and the chances to swim or snorkel in pristine waters.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price of $85 per person, this experience offers a generous mix of activities, scenic beauty, and local cuisine, all wrapped in a well-organized package. The inclusion of hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, lunch, and a sunset cruise adds significant value, especially given how much variety is packed into the day.

The main value lies in the diversity — relaxing on sandbanks, exploring coral reefs, enjoying fresh seafood, and witnessing a sunset with dolphins. For travelers who want to combine adventure with relaxation and enjoy authentic natural beauty, this tour is a solid choice.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This Safari Blue experience is ideal for adventurous travelers, marine life enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed, scenic day on Zanzibar’s waters. It’s suited for couples, families, or small groups wanting a fun, engaging way to explore the coast without the need for private arrangements.

If you’re after a private, exclusive experience, you might want to look elsewhere, but if you’re happy sharing the boat and enjoying a lively, authentic day, this tour is a great pick.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Safari Blue tour offers a beautiful snapshot of Zanzibar’s natural beauty. From tranquil sandbanks and vibrant coral reefs to delicious seafood and a chance to see dolphins at sunset, it’s a well-rounded, value-packed adventure. The group setting and shared boat might not appeal to everyone, but most travelers find the experience engaging and genuinely memorable.

The combination of relaxing scenery, engaging marine activities, and local flavor makes it a compelling choice for those wanting to get the most out of their coastal time in Zanzibar. Whether you’re snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the views, this experience delivers an authentic taste of the island’s natural charm.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, from 8 am to late afternoon, making it a full but manageable day trip.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation, snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, and entry fees at the sites.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate; specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, but children comfortable with water activities should be fine.

Should I bring my own sunscreen?
Yes, sunscreen isn’t included, so it’s wise to bring your own to protect against sun exposure.

Can I see dolphins on this tour?
There’s a good chance to see dolphins during the sunset cruise, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included and available for use during the snorkeling stops.

How busy are the boat and group?
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the group size remains relatively intimate, but it is a shared boat, so expect some fellow travelers onboard.

What kind of food is served?
You’ll enjoy Zanzibar specialty seafood, including grilled lobsters, crabs, squids, and octopus, all fresh and flavorful.

This Safari Blue tour on Zanzibar blends scenic beauty, marine adventure, and local flavors into an unforgettable day — perfect for those eager to explore the coast’s most captivating spots.