Zanzibar| Safari Blue Experience

When it comes to exploring Zanzibar’s oceanic beauty, the Safari Blue Experience promises a day full of snorkeling, seafood, and dolphin sightings. While we haven’t personally joined this tour, extensive reviews and detailed itineraries point to a truly memorable aquatic adventure. It’s a perfect pick for travelers who crave authentic, active, and scenic experiences on the water.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines a mix of traditional sailing, immersive snorkeling, and a delicious seafood feast—all set in the protected Menai Bay. The chance to watch dolphins play in their natural habitat adds an exciting touch, making it a well-rounded day out. The potential drawback? Since it’s a full-day tour, it requires a good level of comfort with boat travel and outdoor activities.

This experience is ideal for those who love marine environments, enjoy being on the water, and want an authentic taste of Zanzibar’s rich coastal landscape. If you’re after a relaxing beach day, this might not be the best fit, but for active travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty, it’s hard to beat.

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Key Points

Stunning Marine Views: The tour offers up-close encounters with vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Authentic Sailing: Traditional boats add cultural charm and a memorable sailing experience.
Fresh Seafood Feast: A seafood BBQ featuring octopus, lobsters, squids, and prawns provides a delicious highlight.
Wildlife Watching: Dolphin sightings are a highlight for many, with some guests mentioning they watched them at play.
All-Inclusive Comfort: Equipment, lunch, transport, and government fees are covered, making planning easier.
Flexible Booking: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Analyzing the Experience: What to Expect

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Starting Point: Fumba, a Gateway to Marine Adventure

Your day begins with a quick 20-minute drive from Stone Town to Fumba. This small village acts as the departure hub for the Safari Blue trip. It’s a peaceful setting that hints at the escapade ahead. The group typically leaves in the morning, with the first glimpse of the sea setting an anticipatory tone.

Traditional Sailing: A Cultural Highlight

The tour includes a scenic cruise aboard a traditional sailing boat. This isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s part of the experience. The craftsmanship and simple elegance of these vessels add a layer of authenticity. Guests often comment on how peaceful and scenic the journey is, especially with the wind in your hair and the horizon stretching endlessly.

Snorkeling at Menai Bay’s Coral Reefs

One of the trip’s main attractions is snorkeling around Menai Bay’s coral reefs. The conservation area, protected since 1998, provides vibrant underwater scenery filled with tropical fish and colorful corals. You’ll be supplied with snorkeling gear, but it’s worth noting that some reviews highlight the value of bringing your own mask or fins if you’re particular about fit.

Expect to spend a good chunk of time exploring the underwater world. Reviewers mention the reefs are teeming with life, and many enjoyed discovering the tropical marine environment up close. Some even describe this as the highlight of their day, with one guest saying, “the reefs are stunning, and the fish are so vibrant.”

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Kwale Island: Secluded Beach and Delicious Seafood

The tour’s centerpiece is a stop at Kwale Island, a private island where a seafood BBQ lunch is served. The meal includes grilled octopus, lobsters, squids, and prawns—freshly prepared on the spot. This is a real treat, with some reviews emphasizing the quality of the seafood as outstanding. Guests often mention the relaxed, casual setting amid mangroves and the chance for a swim or a walk in the natural surroundings.

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Mangrove Walks and Lagoon Swims

After lunch, the adventure continues with optional activities like exploring mangrove forests or swimming in the lagoon. Depending on the tide, you might get the chance to walk on the mangrove roots or enjoy a peaceful swim. This provides a break from boat time, allowing you to stretch and connect with nature.

Dolphin Watching: An Exciting Finale

The tour often concludes with dolphin sightings, a crowd favorite. Several reviews specifically mention watching dolphins at play, which adds a magical touch to the day. The chance to see these intelligent creatures in their natural environment is a highlight for many travelers.

What’s Included and Practicalities

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. You’ll also receive snorkeling equipment, an English-speaking guide, and water bottles to stay hydrated. The lunch, featuring freshly grilled seafood, is part of the experience, and all government fees are covered to avoid surprises.

Booking is flexible with the “Reserve & Pay Later” option, allowing travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, providing peace of mind.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses a sailing boat suitable for small to medium groups. Since reviews don’t specify exact numbers, expect a comfortably sized group that allows for intimate interaction and individual enjoyment without feeling crowded.

Duration and Timing

This is a full-day tour. Starting early from Fumba, you’ll likely be back in the late afternoon, giving you ample time to unwind or explore nearby areas afterward.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $130 per person, the Safari Blue Experience packs in a lot. You’re paying for transportation, guided snorkeling, a seafood feast, dolphin sightings, and all fees—an all-inclusive day that promises both adventure and relaxation.

The quality of the seafood and the authentic sailing experience make it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a genuine taste of Zanzibar’s marine culture. Plus, the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat is a rare bonus that adds significant value.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience suits active travelers who enjoy being on the water and exploring marine environments. It’s ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends looking for a combination of adventure and authentic local flavor. If you prefer relaxing on the beach all day, this may not be your best option. But if you’re eager for snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and a seafood feast, Safari Blue delivers.

Final Thoughts

The Safari Blue Experience offers an engaging, scenic, and culturally rich day out. From snorkeling vibrant reefs and relaxing on a private island to watching dolphins and savoring fresh seafood, it’s a well-rounded ocean adventure. The simplicity and authenticity of the traditional boats and the natural beauty of Menai Bay make it stand apart from more commercialized tours.

While it’s a full-day commitment, most travelers find the value justifies the price, especially given the inclusive nature of transport, meals, and activities. It’s best suited for those who want to connect with Zanzibar’s marine life and enjoy a taste of local seafood amid stunning scenery.

If you’re seeking an authentic, active, and visually spectacular experience, this tour could be a highlight of your Zanzibar trip.

FAQ

How do I get to Fumba for the tour?
It’s about a 20-minute drive from Stone Town, typically arranged as part of the tour with hotel pickup included.

What should I bring?
Bring your snorkeling gear if you prefer a specific mask or fins, and consider sun protection like hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as most of the day is spent outdoors.

Is the seafood BBQ on the island fresh?
Yes, the seafood is freshly grilled on the spot, which is frequently praised for its quality and flavor.

What’s the best time of day for the tour?
Most tours start in the morning, allowing ample time for snorkeling, lunch, and dolphin watching, usually ending in the late afternoon.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for last-minute plans.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the activities like snorkeling and swimming are generally suitable for children, provided they are comfortable in the water.

How large are the tour groups?
The group size isn’t specified, but the use of traditional boats suggests a more intimate experience, likely with a manageable number of guests.

Are there any hidden costs?
All government fees are included, and the price covers everything listed, with no mention of extra charges.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, with the “reserve & pay later” option, you can secure your spot and decide closer to your travel date.

In sum, whether you’re a marine enthusiast or simply after a day of stunning scenery and fresh seafood, the Safari Blue Experience ticks many boxes. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural charm, and wildlife sightings offers a memorable taste of Zanzibar’s coastal splendor.