Full Day Safari Blue Tour in Zanzibar: An Authentic Maritime Escape
Planning a day on the water in Zanzibar? The Full Day Safari Blue Tour promises a mix of sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing on pristine sands—all wrapped in an authentic, locally-guided experience. It’s a popular choice for visitors eager to explore Zanzibar’s stunning marine scenery while enjoying fresh seafood and traditional dhow sailing.
What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s all about the water—from leisurely Dhow rides to snorkeling amid vibrant coral reefs. Second, it offers personalized touches, such as a private seafood BBQ and the chance to relax on a sandbank. Third, the guides are noted for their friendliness and knowledge, ensuring you get the most out of your day. A potential consideration? The full-day schedule (8:30 am to around 4:30 pm) might be a bit long for those with limited time or low energy for a full day at sea.
This tour is ideal for travelers who love marine adventures, cultural authenticity, and good food, or couples celebrating a special occasion. Whether you’re a snorkeling enthusiast or just seeking a scenic day out, Safari Blue offers a memorable slice of Zanzibar’s maritime charm.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Authentic Experience: Traditional Dhow sailing with knowledgeable guides
- Beautiful Locations: Sandbanks, mangrove lagoons, and coral reefs
- Food & Beverages: Fresh seafood BBQ, tropical fruits, and drinks included
- Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, beach relaxation, and photography
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Transfers, gear, and taxes covered
- Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
An In-Depth Look at the Safari Blue Experience
The Itinerary Breakdown
Starting at 8:30 am, the tour kicks off from your hotel, with a comfortable transfer to Fumba village. This setup is convenient, letting you skip the hassle of organizing transportation. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by your private traditional dhow and crew, setting the tone for an intimate, personalized journey. The dhow departs around 9:30 am and stays out until late afternoon, returning around 4:30 pm.
Throughout the day, the cruise takes you around the Zanzibar waters, exploring several highlights. The most anticipated part? Relaxing on a sandbank—a rare chance to lounge on powder-white sand just meters from the ocean. These moments are perfect for sunbathing or snapping memorable photos of the turquoise waters.
Snorkeling & Swimming
One of the main draws is snorkeling in coral-filled waters teeming with reef fish. Guests are provided with snorkeling gear—mask, fins, and life jackets—making it accessible whether you’re an experienced swimmer or trying it for the first time. A reviewer mentioned, “My requests were handled very well and very promptly,” highlighting the attentive service during these aquatic activities.
Between snorkeling sessions, you can choose to stay on the boat, savoring fresh seasonal fruits, or dip into the water to swim. The reefs are vibrant, and everyone seems to leave with colorful tales of fish feeding and underwater sights.
More Great Tours NearbyBeach & Sandbank Relaxation
The standout feature? Beach relaxation on a sandbank. It’s a surreal experience to sit with your feet in the sand, surrounded by clear water. One traveler called this “a beautiful lagoon,” capturing the tranquil beauty of this stop. The calm waters here are perfect for a lazy afternoon, photography, or just soaking up the sunshine.
Cultural & Nature Highlights
A visit to Kwale Island adds a touch of adventure. You might enjoy a modest walking safari or explore the nature trail. Among the island’s natural wonders is a large baobab tree over 100 years old—an impressive sight and a great photo backdrop. Guides often arrange feeding the reef fish or exploring the mangrove lagoon, adding to the tour’s diversity.
The Seafood BBQ & Refreshments
The culinary highlight? A private seafood BBQ featuring lobster, calamari, octopus, tuna, and more. Coupled with tropical fruits like pineapple, watermelon, and mango, the meal is fresh and flavorful. Reviewers like Matthias appreciated the great food and the friendly staff, noting that “the food was also great,” and the dishes felt authentic. Beverages like water and soda are included, keeping you refreshed after a day in the sun.
Return & Reflection
The tour wraps up around 4:30 pm, with a return transfer to your hotel. The entire experience feels well-paced, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy each activity without feeling rushed. The all-inclusive pricing covers entry fees, taxes, fuel surcharges, snorkeling gear, and the professional guide—adding value and peace of mind.
What Travelers Love About the Safari Blue Tour
From reviews and our understanding, this tour’s biggest strengths are its guides, who are often praised for their friendliness and attentiveness. Hussein Mohamed, in particular, received compliments for handling requests promptly and maintaining a good mood throughout the day.
Guests also love the stunning scenery—the lagoons, coral reefs, sandbanks, and lush mangroves—making each photo opportunity as breathtaking as the last. The quality of the seafood BBQ and tropical fruits consistently earns high marks, making it more than just a sightseeing trip but a true culinary experience.
Practical Considerations
The tour is priced at $125 per person, which includes most activities, gear, and meals. It’s a fair value considering the full day of diverse activities and personalized service. However, it may be less suitable for travelers seeking a shorter or more relaxed half-day experience or those with mobility concerns, given the full-day schedule.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone eager to explore Zanzibar’s waters in an authentic, relaxed setting. It’s perfect if you want snorkeling, sailing, and seafood all in one package, with the added bonus of supporting local guides and businesses.
Families with children might enjoy the gentle water activities, but always check the age restrictions and water safety considerations. Solo travelers and small groups will appreciate the intimate feel and chance to meet others sharing similar interests.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Full Day Safari Blue Tour offers an engaging, well-rounded experience that combines sea adventure, cultural charm, and delicious food—all at a reasonable price. The emphasis on local guides, authentic activities, and beautiful natural settings makes it stand out as one of Zanzibar’s best water-based excursions.
If you’re after a day full of snorkeling, sailing, and relaxing on gorgeous sands, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s particularly suited for those who value personalized service, scenic beauty, and fresh seafood. While it’s a full-day commitment, the variety of activities ensures you’ll return with a camera full of memories and a satisfied appetite.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers? You can still enjoy the boat ride and relax on the sandbank, but snorkeling requires swimming gear. Life jackets are provided, making water activities safer for all.
What should I bring? Towels and swimming suits are recommended. The tour provides snorkeling gear and life jackets on request, so bring your essentials and a waterproof camera if you have one.
How long does the tour last? It starts at 8:30 am with hotel pickup and ends around 4:30 pm, covering a full, relaxed day of activities.
Are meals included? Yes, a seafood BBQ and tropical fruits are part of the package, along with water and soda.
Can I customize the experience? The tour is guided and structured, but your guide will accommodate requests like snorkeling gear or specific activities when possible.
What activities are included? Snorkeling, swimming, dhow sailing, beach relaxation, and optional nature walks.
Is the tour family-friendly? Generally yes, but check with the provider about age restrictions for water activities and ensure children are supervised.
Are there any hidden costs? Not with the all-inclusive package—everything from transfers to gear and meals is covered.
How do I book? You can reserve online, with flexible options to pay later and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
What makes this tour stand out? Its mix of sailing, snorkeling, scenic stops, and fresh seafood makes it a memorable, well-rounded day on Zanzibar’s waters.
To sum it up, the Safari Blue Tour is a fantastic way to experience Zanzibar’s oceanic beauty with the comfort of local guides and well-organized activities. It’s perfect for travelers craving a full day of marine adventure, cultural charm, and culinary delights, delivered in a friendly and authentic setting.
You can check availability for your dates here: