Dolphin tour Mnemba Island with Spice Farm and lunch

Dolphins at dawn, coral underwater, spices on the farm

An eight-hour private tour from Matemwe fishing village combines dolphin spotting and snorkeling at Mnemba Island with a visit to an organic spice farm and lunch. Start before sunrise when dolphins are most active, snorkel among coral reefs, then learn how Zanzibar produces nutmeg, black pepper and other spices at a working farm. Private transportation, snorkeling equipment and lunch are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin spotting and spice farm visit

• Start early at Matemwe fishing village
• Spot dolphins and snorkel coral
• Visit organic spice farm
• Taste and learn about spices
• Enjoy local lunch

The experience

Eight hours is the full day, and the timing matters: you leave Matemwe fishing village in the morning when dolphins are easiest to spot. The village itself is one of Zanzibar's oldest settlements, and the boat ride out to Mnemba Island puts you on the water while the light is still low. Once you're there, you snorkel among the coral reefs (the equipment is provided), and watch for dolphins moving through the shallows. The water work is the heart of the morning.

After the island, you head to a working organic spice farm where you see, smell and taste the freshest spices Zanzibar produces: nutmeg, black pepper and more. This is why the island earned its nickname as the Spice Island, and the farm walk shows you how it actually happens. Lunch is local food, eaten on the farm or nearby, and it is included in the price.

Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language, and the whole day runs as a private tour. Just you, your group and the driver. Transportation from your hotel or meeting point is included, as is all the snorkeling gear. The day ends back in Matemwe by early afternoon.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel or meeting point.
• snorkeling equipment.
• lunch with local food.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (25 to 74 years) · Senior (75 and older) · Youth (11 to 24 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by KHAMIS TAXI DRIVER ZANZIBAR

Is this one for you?The early morning departure is what puts you on the water when dolphins are feeding, so plan to leave your hotel before dawn. If you prefer a later start or want to avoid snorkeling, look for an afternoon spice farm tour instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 24 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What time does the dolphin tour leave Matemwe in the morning?

The tour departs early in the morning from Matemwe fishing village, timed to catch dolphins when they are most active in the shallows around Mnemba Island.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the tour price, so you only need to bring swimwear and a towel.

What will I see and do at the spice farm?

At the organic spice farm, you see how Zanzibar grows and harvests nutmeg, black pepper and other spices. You can smell and taste the freshest varieties produced on the island, and lunch is served there or nearby.

Is the tour private or shared with other travelers?

The tour is private, so you travel with your own group and guide in a dedicated vehicle for the full eight hours.