Snorkeling in Zanzibar: Maalum Cave, Paje Beach & Kae Sunset

Swim in a hidden cave pool, stroll Paje’s lively shore, then dance by Kae’s bonfire sunset.

A private snorkeling tour on Zanzibar's South Coast combines three distinct stops: Maalum Cave Natural Swimming Pool, where you snorkel and swim in a freshwater underground pool for 90 minutes with a guide; Paje Beach, where you have two hours to explore the white sand and turquoise water; and Kae Sunset Beach, where you experience the sunset, acrobatic performances, bonfire and live DJ. A private guide, snorkeling gear and towels are included. Food and drinks are available at each stop.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Maalum Cave and Beaches

• Explore Maalum Cave pool
• Swim and snorkel at Maalum Cave
• Take photos and videos
• Free time at Paje Beach
• Enjoy lunch or drinks at Paje Beach
• Experience sunset at Kae Sunset Beach
• Watch acrobatic show
• Enjoy bonfire and DJ music
• Food and drinks served on beach

What’s included

• Private transportation in a van or minibus depending on your group size.
• a private guide for the full day.
• snorkeling gear, pool towels and swim shoes at Maalum Cave.
• access to all three beaches and attractions.
• food and beverages available at Paje Beach and Kae Sunset Beach (ordered and paid separately if you choose them).

Times

• Every day 10:00 11:00 12:00

Information

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00

GroupPrivate

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

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

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

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Zanzibar Crystal Tours & Safaris

The experience

You're picked up and driven to Maalum Cave, a natural underground pool set in jungle surroundings on Zanzibar's southeast coast. The cave sits in Paje, and the name means "special" in Swahili: a fitting description for the freshwater pool itself. You have 90 minutes to explore: snorkel the clear water, swim, take photos and videos with your guide's help. Snorkeling gear, pool towels, swim shoes and a shower are provided by the cave staff.

From there, you move to Paje Beach, a powdery white-sand stretch known as Zanzibar's kitesurfing capital. You get about two hours to walk the beach, take photos, and sit at any of the beachfront restaurants or bars for a drink and lunch if you want one. The beach is yours to explore at your own pace.

The day ends at Kae Sunset Beach, a beach bar in Michamvi on the island's east side. You watch the sunset, watch an acrobatic show by a recreation team, sit by a bonfire, and dance to a live international DJ. Food and beverages are served by waiters throughout the evening. The whole experience runs about seven hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is this one for you?The tour moves between three stops with about 90 minutes at the cave, two hours at Paje Beach, and an evening at Kae, so you're walking and entering the water at each location. Bring water shoes and be comfortable getting wet. The private van means your group travels together without joining other travelers, and your guide stays with you throughout.

Traveler reviews

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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 (under 4): 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 exactly is Maalum Cave and what can you do there?

Maalum Cave is a natural underground freshwater pool surrounded by jungle, located in Paje on Zanzibar's South Coast. You snorkel in the clear water, swim, and take photos for 90 minutes with your guide. Snorkeling gear and towels are provided on-site.

Is there time to eat during the tour?

Yes. At Paje Beach you have two hours of free time and can order lunch and drinks at any of the beachfront restaurants or bars. At Kae Sunset Beach, food and beverages are served by waiters throughout the evening, so you can eat and drink whenever you want.

What happens at Kae Sunset Beach?

Kae Sunset Beach is a beach bar where you explore the shoreline, watch the sunset, see an acrobatic show performed by a recreation team, sit by a bonfire, and dance to music from a live international DJ.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling gear, pool towels, swim shoes and a shower are all provided at Maalum Cave by the staff. You just need to bring swimwear and a towel for the other beaches if you want to swim there.