2-day snorkeling, Jozani Forest & Stone Town, Zanzibar

Coral reefs and forest monkeys in one 2-day loop

A 2-day guided tour from Zanzibar City combining snorkeling in the Indian Ocean, a walk through Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park to see red colobus monkeys found nowhere else, and a second day exploring Stone Town's slave markets and heritage sites, Prison Island's giant tortoises, and a working spice farm where you taste cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon fresh from the plant. Private transport, snorkeling gear and a live guide in your choice of five languages are included. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Dolphin Tour and Jozani Forest

• Spot dolphins early morning
• Snorkel among coral reef
• Visit Jozani Forest National Park
• See red colobus monkeys and wildlife
• Walk on mangrove conservation bridge

Day 2: Stone Town and Spice Tour

• Explore Stone Town heritage sites
• Visit House of Wonder and Palace Museums
• See Slave Market and chambers
• Shop at Darajani Historical Market
• Boat transfer to Prison Island
• See giant tortoises and wildlife
• Tour organic spice farm
• Taste and buy spices and fruits

The experience

Day one starts before dawn in Matemwe fishing village, where the guide takes you out by boat to look for dolphins in their natural habitat: no guarantee, but the morning is when they're most active. You'll snorkel among coral reefs and schools of colorful fish in the same water, then head inland to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. The forest is dense groundwater woodland where a raised bridge lets you walk through without disturbing the ground. Red colobus monkeys live here and nowhere else on earth, along with blue monkeys, elephant shrews and bushbabies.

Day two is built around Stone Town, a World Heritage site and the old Swahili capital. You'll visit the House of Wonder, the Palace Museums, the Anglican Church, and descend into the slave chambers at Mkunazini Slave Market, the largest in East Africa, before browsing Darajani Historical Market for local goods. A motorized boat then takes you to Prison Island, where giant tortoises that have lived for a century roam the grounds and you can photograph peacocks and gazelle up close. The day ends at an organic spice farm where a guide walks you through how cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper grow. You touch, smell and taste them straight from the plants, plus fresh tropical fruits, and watch a coconut tree climber harvest young coconuts for you to try.

Private transportation collects you both days and covers all fees and taxes. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one of two other languages, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

What’s included

• Private transportation both days.
• snorkeling equipment.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or two additional languages.
• all entry fees and taxes.
• spice farm tasting with fresh cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and tropical fruits.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 08:00

AgesAdult (25 to 74 years) · Senior (75 and older) · Youth (11 to 24 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Happy Tours & Safaris Ltd

Is this one for you?Pickup is included both days, so you don't need a car or arrange transport between your hotel and the starting points. The private vehicle means your group travels together without waiting for other bookings to fill.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 24 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What's the best time of day to spot dolphins on the first morning?

Early morning is when dolphins are most active in the waters around Matemwe fishing village. The boat departs before dawn, though sightings are never guaranteed since you're in their natural habitat.

Are the red colobus monkeys easy to see in Jozani Forest?

Red colobus monkeys live in the dense groundwater forest at Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and are found nowhere else. A raised bridge built by the conservation authority lets you walk through the forest and observe them without disturbing the ground.

What exactly happens on the spice farm tour?

The spice farm guide shows you how cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper are grown and used in cooking and medicine. You can touch, smell and taste the spices directly from the plants (vanilla, cardamom and others) plus fresh tropical fruits, and a coconut tree climber will harvest young coconuts for you to try.

Is snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour. You'll use it on day one when you enter the water to see the coral reefs and fish.

Does the tour include meals or just the activities?

The tour includes private transportation, all fees and taxes, snorkeling equipment, and a live guide. The spice farm visit includes tasting fresh spices and fruits, though meals are not listed as part of the package.