Snorkeling in Zanzibar City: Dolphins, Caves & The Rock

Swim with dolphins and explore underwater caves in one morning

This snorkeling tour from Zanzibar City combines three water experiences: dolphin swimming in the open sea, exploration of Salaam Cave and Kuza Cave with sea turtles, and a stop at The Rock Restaurant for photos and optional lunch. An English-speaking guide leads the 4–5 hour outing, which includes hotel pickup, all marine conservation fees, and refreshments.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore cave and visit The Rock Restaurant

• Pick up at hotel with guide
• Swim with playful dolphins and snorkel
• Swim at Kuza cave natural pool
• Explore cave and swim with sea turtles
• Take pictures at The Rock Restaurant
• Ask about lunch availability at restaurant

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel and heads northeast or south of Zanzibar City to find dolphins. You'll enter the water to swim alongside them, then move into snorkeling mode at the same site: no separate boat ride between activities. The guide handles the logistics while you're in the water. Soda and mineral water come along to drink afterward.

From there, the route turns south toward Jambiani and Kuza Cave, a natural pool inside a limestone formation where you'll snorkel again and swim with sea turtles. The cave stays cool year-round because of its depth and the water circulation through it. After the caves, you'll head to The Rock Restaurant, a landmark built on a tidal rock formation, where you can take photos and ask about lunch if the restaurant has availability (reservations are recommended online before the tour).

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• English-speaking guide.
• snorkeling access to Salaam Cave and Kuza Cave.
• dolphin swimming in open water.
• all marine conservation fees.
• soda and mineral water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day13 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (8 to 60 years) · Child (under 8)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

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

Operated by Zanzibar marab

Is this one for you?The tour moves between three water sites in 4 to 5 hours, so you'll spend most of the time in or entering the water rather than traveling. Choose this if you want to snorkel multiple locations and swim with dolphins in the same outing, and you're comfortable with repeated water entry and time in caves.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 8).

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.

Can I really swim with dolphins on this snorkeling tour?

Yes, the tour includes time in the water with dolphins in their natural habitat near Zanzibar City, though sightings depend on where the dolphins are that day. You'll snorkel in the same area after the dolphin encounter.

What is Kuza Cave like underwater?

Kuza Cave is a natural pool inside a cave system with different rock formations and consistently cool water. You'll snorkel there and may see sea turtles. The cave's depth and water flow keep it refreshing even during warm months.

Is lunch included at The Rock Restaurant?

Lunch is not included, but the tour stops there and you can order if the restaurant has space. The operator recommends making a reservation online before your tour so the restaurant knows to expect you.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs 4 to 5 hours from hotel pickup to return, with time split between dolphin swimming, cave snorkeling, and the stop at The Rock Restaurant.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, all marine conservation area entrance fees, soda and mineral water are included. You'll need to arrange lunch separately if you want to eat at The Rock.