Snorkeling in Fumba: Dhow Safari to Menai Bay & Blue Lagoon

Snorkel coral reefs two meters from the sandbar, then explore three islands in a single day

A full-day snorkeling tour from Zanzibar departs Fumba fishing village by private taxi, then joins a group on a traditional wooden dhow to three destinations around Kwale Island and Menai Bay. You'll swim and snorkel at a sandbar reserve, lunch on fresh seafood at Kwale Island, visit a historic baobab tree, and finish with 30 minutes in the Blue Lagoon's natural pool. The tour runs 8 to 9 hours with a live guide, snorkeling equipment, and all fees included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari Blue Tour and Blue Lagoon Visit

• Depart from Fumba fishing village
• Join group on Local Wooden Dhow
• Swim and sunbathe at Sand Bank
• Enjoy tropical fruits
• Snorkel at Menai Bay coral reefs
• Visit Kwale Island
• Have seafood lunch and BBQ
• Shop in local boutiques
• Visit historical Baobab tree
• Swim at Natural Swimming Pool (Blue Lagoon)
• Return by Latin sail if wind permits

The experience

The day starts with private taxi pickup to Fumba beach, where you board a local wooden dhow with other travelers. The boat heads first to a sandbar in clear water where you'll spend about an hour swimming, sunbathing, and eating tropical fruit prepared by the staff. Just two meters away lies Menai Bay's reserved snorkeling area, home to different fish species and coral reefs: the spot where bottlenose dolphins sometimes appear if you're lucky.

From there the dhow takes you to Kwale Island for a four-hour stop. Lunch is fresh seafood and BBQ cooked on site. You'll have time to visit the historical baobab tree, browse local boutiques run by Swahili women from Fumba village, and if you're interested, try traditional Zanzibar drum beating. The final stop is the Blue Lagoon's natural swimming pool, where you get about 30 minutes to swim before the return journey by dhow (sailing by Latin sail if the wind permits).

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and two additional languages. The tour is wheelchair accessible throughout, and children from age one are welcome. All transportation, lunch, guide service, snorkeling gear and taxes are included in the price.

What’s included

• Private transportation to Fumba beach.
• lunch with fresh seafood and BBQ.
• snorkeling equipment.
• live guide in multiple languages.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 30

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

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Zanzibar Crystal Tours & Safaris

Is this one for you?The tour runs 8 to 9 hours with a full boat of travelers, so you're part of a group from the moment you board the dhow. Choose this if you enjoy meeting other visitors and don't mind a packed schedule across three stops.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of fish and coral will I see when snorkeling at Menai Bay?

Menai Bay is a reserved snorkeling area home to different species of fish and plenty of coral reefs. Bottlenose dolphins are sometimes spotted in the area, though sightings are not guaranteed.

How long do I spend snorkeling, and how deep is the water?

The snorkeling happens just two meters away from the sandbar where you swim, so the water is shallow and accessible. You'll have about an hour at Menai Bay to snorkel and swim before moving to the next stop.

What happens at Kwale Island during the four-hour stop?

Kwale Island is where you eat fresh seafood and BBQ lunch, visit the historical baobab tree, and have time to shop in local boutiques. Some travelers also try traditional Zanzibar drum beating during this part of the day.

Is the Blue Lagoon swimming time included, or is that a separate activity?

The Blue Lagoon is the final stop on the tour, and you get about 30 minutes to swim in the natural pool before heading back to Fumba. It's part of the full-day itinerary with no extra charge.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear, or does the tour provide it?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the tour price. You don't need to bring your own.