Where to Go: the 5 Best Dolphin and Snorkeling Trips in Zanzibar

1.Mnemba Island: Dolphin Swim & Snorkeling with Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 591 reviews · 3.5 - 5 hours · from $21Our pick

Set out from Muyuni Beach with a local captain and guide for dolphin watching near Mnemba Island, reef snorkeling, fruit, and time by the sandbank. Guides such as Khamis, Ramadan, Ali, and Marco Polo have earned praise for helping nervous swimmers and filming underwater moments. Hotel pickup is available, and lunch can be added.

“We saw lots of dolphins above and below the water which was truly exciting to see. The warning of the feeling that you’re out hunting due to the nature of spotting dolphins and pods is true and I’m glad I knew before booking.”

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2.Private Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling at Mnemba Island reef

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 104 reviews · from $104

This three-hour private outing combines dolphin watching northeast of Zanzibar, snorkeling at Mnemba Island Reef, and a calm sandbank swim. Ahmed and Msomali are names linked with especially attentive service, though your crew may differ. Hotel pickup, a vehicle, boat transport, equipment, water, and fruit are included. Bring a towel and sunscreen.

“Great morning, got to see the dolphins and also sand bar and some Colorful fish. Pick up from our resort was great- AC van. We have 4 kids and loved it”

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3.Private/Sharing: Snorkeling with Dolphins Sandbank in Mnemba

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · from $120Top rated

Set out from Kendwa at 9:00 a.m. on a traditional dhow for dolphin spotting, guided snorkeling near Mnemba Island, a seafood and chicken barbecue, and a low-tide sandbank stop. Water, soft drinks, juice, and equipment are included. The private boat suits families and couples who want space, with crew such as Matthias, Mbwana, Yusef, and Musa helping on the water.

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4.5-Hour Snorkeling, Swimming with Dolphins and Sea Turtles Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 48 reviews · from $60

Spend about five hours from Nungwi exploring Mnemba Atoll, snorkeling among reef fish, looking for dolphins, enjoying fruit and soft drinks on a sandbank, and swimming with sea turtles at Mnarani Aquarium. Suleiman and his crew may help arrange transport, but confirm pickup details before booking.

“Wonderful and memorable experience. Suleman and his crew were friendly, knowledgeable and we felt safe at all times.”

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5.Swimming with Dolphins and Snorkeling Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 17 reviews · 3 hours · from $120

Set out from Matemwe or Kizimkazi in a private boat with a captain who knows local dolphin areas. You will watch for dolphins in open water, snorkel above coral reefs, and enjoy fruit, snacks, and water before returning to shore. Hotel pickup is included from northern Unguja hotels.

“Die Tour war an für gut und interessant. Da es sich um eine Touristenattraktion handelt, ist der Andrang besonders groß, sodass alle 20-30 Boote gleichzeitig auf die Delfine stürmen, sobald diese sich an der Wasseroberfläche zeigen. Es wird das Gefühl einer Treibjagd erweckt. Sollte man dennoch Interesse an der Tour haben, würden wir empfehlen diese vor Ort im Hotel zu buchen, da es über Get your Guide doppelt so teuer ist. Dies gilt auf für alle anderen Aktivitäten. Die Prisonislandtour war sogar fast 3-mal so teuer im Vergleich zur vor Ort Buchung. Wir würden Get your Guide nicht nochmal verwenden.”

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