Safari Blue Zanzibar: The Complete Guide to the Best Marine Excursion
Safari Blue Zanzibar is the most popular and complete marine excursion you can do from the island. This full day tour takes you exploring the atolls and mangroves of the Menai Bay Marine Reserve, sailing traditional dhows, snorkeling pristine reefs, eating fresh seafood on a deserted island and swimming in crystal clear lagoons. Unlike short tours to Prison Island or Nakupenda, Safari Blue is an 8-hour adventure that combines nature, culture, gastronomy and relaxation. In this guide I tell you all about Blue Safari Zanzibar: what exactly is included, real prices, how to book, best time to go and why this experience is worth every dollar.
What is Safari Blue and why is it so special?
Safari Blue Zanzibar is a full day tour that departs from Fumba, a fishing village on the southwest coast of Zanzibar, and explores the Menai Bay Marine Reserve. The name "Safari Blue" comes from the deep blue color of the water in this area, which contrasts with the lighter blue of other parts of the island.
What makes Safari Blue unique:
Traditional dhow sailingYou travel in authentic Swahili sailing dhows (although they have auxiliary engines), not in modern speedboats. It is a cultural as well as a tourist experience.
Menai Bay Conservation AreaThis 470 km² protected marine reserve has some of the best preserved reefs in Zanzibar, with fishing banned in certain areas.
Complete experienceIt's not just snorkeling or just beach. You combine multiple activities in one day: sailing, snorkeling, lagoon swimming, BBQ lunch, mangrove exploration, dolphin search.
Small-medium groups: Generally 15-25 people per dhow, more intimate than mass tours but with a good social atmosphere.
All inclusivePractically everything is covered in the price, with no extra cost surprises.
Typical Safari Blue Zanzibar Itinerary
The tour follows a fairly standard structure among operators:
7:30-8:30 - Pick up and transfer to Fumba
You are picked up at your hotel (Stone Town, northern or eastern beaches) and taken to Fumba by minibus. The drive from Stone Town takes 30-40 minutes, from Nungwi/Kendwa 1-1.5 hours.
9:00 - Set sail in traditional dhow on Safari Blue zanzibar
You board the dhow at Fumba beach. The crew (captain and 2-3 assistants) welcomes you and explains the itinerary. The initial navigation lasts 40-50 minutes to the atolls.
10:00 - First snorkeling session at Safari Blue Zanzibar
Stop at the first coral reef. You are given snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, optional life jacket) and spend 45-60 minutes exploring the reef.
What you will seeHard and soft corals, clown fish, parrot fish, angelfish, occasional octopus, starfish, sea urchins (be careful), turtles if you are lucky.
Visibility is usually good (10-20 meters) and depth varies from 2-8 meters, perfect for all levels.
11:30 - Natural Lagoon (Natural Lagoon)
The magic moment of Safari Blue. You arrive at a crystal clear lagoon surrounded by mangroves where you can:
- Swimming in water only 1-2 meters deep
- Relaxed floating
- Exploring the lagoon by swimming
- Taking spectacular photos
The water here is incredibly clear and warm, and the feeling of being in this natural pool is unique.
12:30 - Second snorkel session (optional)
Some tours include a second snorkel stop at another reef, others go straight to lunch. It depends on the operator and sea conditions.
13:30 - BBQ lunch on desert island
The gastronomic highlight. The crew takes you to a small island (usually Kwale Island) where they have set up tables under palm trees and prepared a BBQ feast.
Typical Blue Safari Zanzibar Menu:
- Fresh grilled lobster (the star dish)
- Squid
- Octopus
- Fish (snapper, tuna or barracuda)
- Chicken for those who do not eat seafood
- Pilau rice with spices
- Salads
- Tropical fruits: watermelon, pineapple, mango, banana, papaya
- Water, soft drinks, Swahili tea
You have 1.5-2 hours to have a leisurely lunch, relax on the beach, explore the island, take a nap under the palm trees.
15:30 - Mangrove exploration
On the way back, the dhow navigates through narrow channels between mangroves. The captain explains the ecological importance of these ecosystems and you can see fiddler crabs, mudskippers and birds.
16:00 - Dolphin search (optional) at Safari Blue Zanzibar
Depending on the return route and conditions, some tours pass through areas where dolphins are present. Important: This is NOT a guaranteed dolphin sighting or dedicated dolphin tour. If you are lucky you may see them from the boat, but it is not the focus.
16:30-17:00 - Return to Fumba
Sailing back enjoying the sea breeze and views. Often includes Swahili songs from the crew.
17:30-18:30 - Transfer to hotel
They take you back to your accommodation, arriving at sunset.
Safari Blue Zanzibar prices
Standard price per adult: 60-80 USD
Price per child (5-12 years): 35-45 USD
Children under 5 years old: Generally free of charge
What is included in the price of Safari Blue Zanzibar
✅ Pick up and drop off to/from your hotel
✅ Transportation by traditional dhow
✅ All snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
✅ Life jackets
✅ Guides and crew
✅ Full BBQ lunch with lobster
✅ Unlimited tropical fruits
✅ Water and soft drinks throughout the day.
✅ Swahili tea/coffee.
✅ Entrance to the marine reserve
What is NOT included the Safari Blue Zanzibar
❌ Gratuities for crew (10-15 USD suggested).
❌ Alcoholic beverages (beer available for purchase: 3-5 USD).
❌ Souvenirs/souvenirs.
❌ Professional photos (some operators sell them).
Where to book Safari Blue
Option 1 - Through your hotelMost convenient, but you pay commission (5-10 USD extra).
Option 2 - Operators in Stone Town:
Sama Tours
Eco+Culture Tours
Safari Blue Official (the original operator)
Option 3 - OnlineGetYourGuide, Viator (10-15 USD more expensive but with flexible cancellation and verified reviews).
Option 4 - In Fumba directlyYou can arrive on your own and book on the spot, but you risk not getting a place that day.
Recommendation: Book 2-3 days in advance in high season, 1 day in advance in low season.
Best time for Safari Blue Zanzibar
Ideal season (October-March) for Safari Blue Zanzibar:
Calmer sea
Best visibility for snorkeling (15-25 meters)
Less wind
Pleasant temperatures
Windy season (June-September) for Safari Blue Zanzibar:
Stronger southeasterly winds
Sea can be choppy (some get seasick)
Visibility remains good
Fewer tourists, sometimes better prices
Rainy season (April-May) for Safari Blue Zanzibar:
Occasional but generally brief showers
Tours may be cancelled if the sea is too rough
Lower prices
Best day of the weekTuesday-Thursday (less crowded). Avoid Saturdays and Sundays (more crowded).
What to bring to Safari Blue
Essential
- reef-safe sunscreen: The sun is intense all day long.
- Towel: For after snorkeling and swimming
- Swimsuit worn under light clothing
- Sunglasses and hat/cap
- Change of clothes: You will get wet repeatedly.
- Cash: For tips and beer if you like
Recommended
- Waterproof camera or waterproof case for cell phone
- Rash guard or surf shirt: extra sun protection
- Dizziness medication if you are prone to dizziness
- Waterproof bag to protect belongings
- Water sandals: Useful for walking on coral/rocks.
Drop it off at the hotel
- Unnecessary valuables
- Too much baggage
- Expensive jewelry
Safari Blue vs other excursions in Zanzibar
Safari Blue vs Prison Island/NakupendaSafari Blue is full day (8 hours) with more variety of activities. Prison Island/Nakupenda are half day (4 hours), shorter, less complete but more economical.
Safari Blue vs Mnemba AtollMnemba has better snorkeling/diving but it is just that. Safari Blue is a more complete experience with lunch, lagoon, culture.
Safari Blue vs. tours from the northMost tours depart from Fumba (southwest). You can do "Safari Blue style tours" from Nungwi/Kendwa but they are different routes, generally less authentic.
Safari Blue vs. scuba divingSafari Blue is snorkeling, not diving. If you are a certified diver, consider diving tours instead (Mnemba, Pemba).
Important tips for Blue Safari Zanzibar
Managing motion sickness
The dhow ride can be bumpy, especially in windy conditions:
- Sit in the center of the boat (it moves less).
- Look at the horizon, not at the nearby water
- Take sea sickness medication 30 min before sailing.
- Eat something light beforehand (empty stomach worsens motion sickness).
Safe snorkeling
- Do not touch the coral (you can cut yourself and damage the ecosystem).
- Stay away from sea urchins
- Wear a vest if you are not a strong swimmer.
- Ask the guide about currents before entering
Respect for the environment
- Use biodegradable sunscreen
- Do not feed fish
- Do not collect shells or coral
- Take your garbage back
Tips
It is customary to tip the crew. Suggested:
- Captain: 5-7 USD
- Helpers/cooks: USD 3-5 each
- Total: 10-15 USD
Collect the group's money and deliver it in an envelope to the captain at the end for distribution.
Safari Blue Zanzibar Restrictions and Considerations
Not recommended for:
Children under 3-4 years old (very long day)
People with severe mobility problems (getting on/off the dhow requires agility).
Those who suffer severe dizziness without medication
Pregnant women (especially last trimester)
Apt with precautions:
Non-swimmers (life jackets available, but many activities are water-based)
Elderly people (consult mobility requirements)
Small children (bring entertainment for long parts)
Frequently Asked Questions about Safari Blue Zanzibar
What exactly does the Safari Blue Tour include?
The Blue Zanzibar Safari includes ALL the essentials: pick up from your hotel, transportation by traditional dhow all day (8 hours), full snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, fins, BCD), two snorkeling sessions on Menai Bay reefs, swimming in natural lagoon, BBQ lunch with fresh lobster + squid + octopus + fish + rice + salads, unlimited tropical fruits, water and soft drinks all day, mangrove exploration, experienced guides and entrance to the marine reserve. The only things NOT included are gratuities (10-15 USD suggested) and alcoholic beverages (beer available 3-5 USD). It is genuinely all-inclusive with no extra cost surprises, making it excellent value for money.
What is the difference between Safari Blue and other marine tours in Zanzibar?
Blue Safari Zanzibar is the most complete and longest marine tour of the island. While Prison Island or Nakupenda are half day (4 hours) focused on one main activity, Blue Safari Zanzibar is full day (8 hours) combining snorkeling, lagoon swimming, mangrove exploration, gourmet lunch and cultural navigation in traditional dhow. Depart from Fumba to Menai Bay (southwest coast), an area with better protected reefs than the north. BBQ lunch with fresh lobster is superior to other tours. According to Lonely PlanetSafari Blue is "the best full day excursion in Zanzibar" for its balance of activities, quality and authenticity.
Is Safari Blue suitable for non-swimmers or people with small children?
Safari Blue can work for non-swimmers with precautions: life jackets are provided and snorkeling is optional (you can stay on the boat). The natural lagoon is only 1-2 meters deep, perfect for non-swimmers. However, much of the tour is aquatic, so you will miss out on experiences if you don't go in the water. For young children (5-10 years old) it is generally good - they love the adventure, the lunch and the lagoon. Under 5 can be challenged by the long day (8 hours), although they go for free. Many families enjoy it but consider the age/temperament of your children. Not recommended for infants/toddlers. The Tanzania Tourism Board recommends Safari Blue for families with children as young as 5 years old.