Snorkeling in Fumba: Dhow, Reef & Sandbank with Lunch

Dhow, coral reef, white sandbank, seafood lunch, baobab tree

Safari Blue is a full-day snorkeling tour from Fumba on Zanzibar's southwest coast, sailing a traditional wooden dhow through Menai Bay Conservation Area. You snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, swim on a white sandbank, eat a freshly grilled seafood barbecue with tropical fruits, explore Kwale Island and its ancient baobab tree, and swim in a mangrove lagoon depending on tides. Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, as are all snorkeling equipment, life jackets, soft drinks and beer, and guidance from a professional crew who speak English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Safari Blue sea adventure

• Hotel pickup at 08:00 AM
• Drive to Fumba Village
• Arrival and tour briefing
• Board traditional dhow
• Dhow cruise through Menai Bay
• Snorkeling at coral reef
• Relax on white sandbank
• Seafood BBQ lunch
• Explore Kwale Island and baobab tree
• Optional lagoon swim
• Return dhow cruise to Fumba
• Transfer back to hotel

The experience

Fumba sits on Zanzibar's quieter southwest coast, and the day starts with pickup from your hotel around 8 a.m. in a private air-conditioned vehicle. The drive takes you to Fumba Village, where you meet the Safari Blue crew, receive a safety briefing and snorkeling gear, then board a traditional wooden dhow. The boat sails into Menai Bay Conservation Area, a protected marine zone where the water stays clear and the reefs remain intact. You'll snorkel among colorful tropical fish, coral gardens and other marine life with crew guidance at your side.

By midday you reach a white sandbank where you can swim, sunbathe and photograph the ocean around you. Lunch arrives as a freshly prepared seafood barbecue: grilled fish, lobster (subject to availability), calamari, prawns, chicken, rice, local sauces and seasonal tropical fruits, with vegetarian options available on request. After eating, the dhow takes you to Kwale Island to walk its quiet grounds and stand in front of an ancient baobab tree, one of the island's iconic landmarks. Depending on the tides, you'll also get a swim in a natural mangrove lagoon with calm, clear water before the boat returns to Fumba in the late afternoon.

The full day runs seven to eight hours from pickup to drop-off. Soft drinks and beer are included on board, along with fresh tropical fruits and refreshments throughout. All snorkeling equipment, life jackets and basic safety gear come with the booking, so you arrive with nothing but your swimsuit and sunscreen.

What’s included

• Private hotel pickup and return transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• traditional wooden dhow cruise through Menai Bay Conservation Area.
• all snorkeling equipment, life jackets and safety gear.
• professional crew guidance in English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.
• fresh seafood barbecue lunch with grilled fish, lobster (subject to availability), calamari, prawns, chicken, rice and local sauces.
• seasonal tropical fruits and refreshments throughout the day.
• soft drinks and beer on board.
• Menai Bay Conservation Area entrance fee.
• visits to a white sandbank, Kwale Island and its ancient baobab tree.
• optional mangrove lagoon swim depending on tides.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (under 14)

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by suley zanz excursion

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to Fumba. The driver collects you in the morning and brings you back in the late afternoon, so the full snorkeling day works whether you're staying in Stone Town or elsewhere on the island.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 14).

What's the water like for snorkeling in Menai Bay?

Menai Bay Conservation Area keeps the water crystal-clear and protects the coral reefs and marine life. You'll snorkel over vibrant coral gardens and spot colorful tropical fish, with crew guidance in the water with you.

Does the tour include lunch, and what if I'm vegetarian?

Lunch is a freshly grilled seafood barbecue with grilled fish, lobster (subject to availability), calamari, prawns, chicken, rice, local sauces and tropical fruits. Vegetarian options are available on request when you book.

What happens at Kwale Island?

Kwale Island is a stop where you walk through peaceful surroundings and visit an ancient baobab tree, one of Zanzibar's iconic landmarks. It's a quieter moment in the day between lunch and the return cruise.

Is hotel pickup really included, or do I need to arrange my own transport?

Hotel pickup is included in a private air-conditioned vehicle around 8 a.m., and the driver brings you back to your hotel in the late afternoon. You don't arrange separate transport.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

All snorkeling equipment is provided, along with life jackets and basic safety gear. You just need to bring your swimsuit and sunscreen.