Snorkeling in Zanzibar: Dolphins, Jozani Forest & Kuza Cave

Matemwe fishing village at dawn, watching for dolphins while you snorkel the coral.

Snorkel among coral reefs and spot dolphins at Matemwe fishing village in the early morning, then move through Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park to see red colobus monkeys found nowhere else on earth. The day also takes in Kuza Cave, a center of Swahili history with local artifacts, Paje Beach, and lunch at Rock Restaurant set in the Indian Ocean. A guide, transport and snorkeling gear are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphins, forest, cave, beach, lunch

• Spot dolphins at Matemwe village
• See red colobus monkeys in Jozani forest
• Explore Kuza cave cultural center
• Relax at Paje beach
• Enjoy seafood lunch at Rock restaurant

The experience

Start before sunrise at Matemwe fishing village, one of Zanzibar's oldest settlements, where the water is calmest and dolphins most likely to appear. You'll snorkel among the coral with provided equipment while the guide watches for movement in the shallows. The village itself sits on the northeast coast and has been a working harbor for centuries, so the boats and nets you see are part of the daily rhythm, not a setup for visitors.

After the water, the route moves to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park to walk among mangrove and mahogany forest. The red colobus monkeys live only in Zanzibar (you won't find them anywhere else), and the park also holds blue monkeys, elephant shrews and bushbabies. The guide explains what you're seeing as you move through the canopy, and the forest floor stays relatively open for walking.

Kuza Cave comes next, a site that functioned as a center of Swahili culture and now holds local artifacts and a timeline of the region's history carved into the walls and displayed inside. From there, the day ends at Paje Beach on the southeast shore, where the sand is pale and the waves gentle, followed by lunch at Rock Restaurant: a structure built out into the Indian Ocean itself, so the water surrounds you on three sides while you eat. The seafood is the main draw. The view is the setting.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins and snorkel).
• and a live guide who speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.

Information

Lasts 8h, runs every day at 07:00, from US$ 150 per person, with live guides in 5 languages, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate1 group tour ›

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and ItalianOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 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 guide speaks five languages, so if your group shares one of them, you'll follow the commentary without translation delays. The full day runs eight hours with multiple stops, which suits travelers who want to see several sides of Zanzibar in one outing rather than focus deeply on a single site.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★Exceptional7 verified traveler reviews

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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 snorkeling start at Matemwe fishing village?

The experience begins early in the morning, when dolphins are most active and the water is calmest for snorkeling among the coral.

Are the red colobus monkeys in Jozani forest found anywhere else in the world?

No. The red colobus monkeys in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park are found only in Zanzibar, making them unique to the island.

What is Kuza Cave and what will I see there?

Kuza Cave is a cultural center of Swahili history. Inside you'll find local artifacts and a timeline showing the region's historical development carved into the cave walls and displayed throughout the space.

Is lunch included in this snorkeling day?

Lunch at Rock Restaurant is included. The restaurant sits in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and the menu focuses on seafood.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Snorkeling gear is included with the tour, so you don't need to bring your own or rent it separately.