Snorkeling in Zanzibar: Blue Lagoon, Starfish Point & Sea Turtles

Starfish, sea turtles, coral reefs and a cave: one full day in the water

A full-day private snorkeling excursion from Zanzibar takes you to five stops: Blue Lagoon Atoll to observe tropical fish and corals with a guide, Starfish Point for a shallow-water encounter with starfish, Kuza Cave to swim in fresh water and see Swahili artifacts, Paje Beach for paddleboarding or kayaking, and Salaam Cave off Kizimkazi Beach to swim alongside sea turtles. Lunch at The Rock Restaurant is available as an optional add-on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Zanzibar's beaches and caves

• Snorkel at Blue Lagoon Atoll
• Visit Zanzibar Starfish Point
• Lunch at The Rock Restaurant
• Relax and enjoy Paje Beach
• Explore Kuza Cave Culture Centre
• Swim with sea turtles at Salaam Cave

The experience

The day starts with a boat trip to Blue Lagoon Atoll, where you put on snorkel gear and head into water that holds tropical fish, sea turtles and colorful corals. Your guide moves with you, answering questions about what you're seeing. From there you travel to Starfish Point: a shallow, calm atoll where you can wade among the starfish and photograph them up close in clear warm water.

Mid-morning brings a break at The Rock Restaurant on Michamvi Pingwe, where you can order seafood (grilled lobster, Swahili platters, mixed spice rice) if you want lunch. The afternoon splits between Paje Beach and two cave sites. At Paje, you lounge in a beach chair or hammock strung between palm trees, or try stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking if you're in the mood. Kuza Cave, a cultural center, lets you swim in shallow fresh water while learning about Swahili history from local artifacts and timelines. The day ends at Salaam Cave off Kizimkazi Beach, where you swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Transport is private, air-conditioned and includes WiFi and bottled water. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language. The full itinerary runs nine hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Your day includes private air-conditioned transport with WiFi on board.
• snorkel gear.
• a live guide in your choice of language.
• bottled water throughout.
• all fees and taxes.
• and pickup from your Zanzibar location.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (25 to 60 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (15 to 20 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sandies Tours & Travel

Is this one for you?This is a private excursion, so your guide and boat are yours alone: the pace and stops adjust to your group's interests and energy. If you want to linger at Starfish Point or spend more time paddleboarding at Paje, you can. If someone needs a longer break or wants to skip a cave, that flexibility is built in. The nine-hour span fits a full day without rushing, and the mix of snorkeling, wildlife, cultural stops and beach time means there's something for different comfort levels in the water.

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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 (15 to 20 years); Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

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 will I actually see when I snorkel at Blue Lagoon Atoll?

Blue Lagoon Atoll holds tropical fish, sea turtles and colorful corals. Your guide accompanies you in the water and can identify species and explain what you're observing as you move through the reef.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included, but The Rock Restaurant at Michamvi Pingwe is a scheduled stop where you can order seafood dishes like grilled lobster and Swahili platters if you choose. It's an optional add-on supplement.

What is Kuza Cave and why is it on this itinerary?

Kuza Cave is a cultural center where you swim in shallow fresh water while viewing local artifacts and learning about Swahili history through timelines and exhibits. It's a different kind of water experience from the ocean snorkeling, and it connects you to the island's heritage.

Will I definitely see sea turtles at Salaam Cave?

Salaam Cave off Kizimkazi Beach is known for sea turtles, and swimming with them is part of the planned itinerary. Your guide will take you to the site where they are typically found, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.