Snorkeling in Zanzibar: Starfish, Blue Lagoon & Jozani Forest

Swim with starfish in shallow water, then explore a mangrove forest where red colobus monkeys live.

A full-day snorkeling and beach tour in Zanzibar combining five stops: Starfish Beach for shallow-water snorkeling with starfish, Blue Lagoon Atoll's coral garden where dolphins and sea turtles appear, a seafood lunch at The Rock Restaurant, two hours at Paje Beach for swimming and relaxing, and a guided walk through Jozani Forest to spot red colobus monkeys. The tour includes private transport, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and two bottles of champagne or sparkling wine. Lunch at The Rock is pre-booked at 14:00 and can be added at checkout. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and seven other languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Zanzibar's beaches and forest

• Discover Zanzibar Starfish Beach
• Snorkel at Blue Lagoon Atoll
• Enjoy seafood lunch at The Rock Restaurant
• Relax at Paje Beach
• Visit Jozani Forest and see wildlife

The experience

The day starts at Starfish Beach, where shallow water lets you snorkel among different species of starfish without needing deep-water experience. From there, the route moves to Blue Lagoon Atoll near Michamvi Beach, a site known for its coral garden and the chance to encounter dolphins, sea turtles and starfish in the Indian Ocean. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the water clarity here is the main draw for most visitors.

Around 14:00, you break for lunch at The Rock Restaurant in Michamvi Pingwe, a landmark perched on the water with views across the lagoon. The menu centers on Swahili seafood: grilled lobster, mixed spice rice, and a seafood platter are typical orders. Two bottles of champagne or sparkling red wine come with the package, made by winemakers in Tanzania. The meal is pre-booked, so there's no wait.

After lunch, the tour moves to Paje Beach for about two hours of free time to swim, sunbathe or wade in shallow water. The beach is known for white sand and calm waves. The final stop is Jozani Forest, where a guide leads you through mangrove and mahogany areas to spot red colobus monkeys in their natural habitat and learn about the forest's marine ecology from a jetty overlooking the Indian Ocean. The whole day runs eight hours, with private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi on board.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transport from your hotel.
• snorkeling gear at both beaches.
• two bottles of champagne or sparkling red wine.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• a live guide in your choice of language.
• WiFi on board.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (25 to 55 years) · Senior (60 to 80 years) · Youth (15 to 20 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Czech, Hebrew and Polish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 42 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Africa & Beyond Tours & Travel Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this if you want snorkeling, beach time, and forest wildlife in one day with a set itinerary and included lunch. You'll move through five stops rather than customize your own route.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Czech, Arabic, Chinese, Polish and Hebrew.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 20 years); Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

What's the difference between Starfish Beach and Blue Lagoon Atoll on this tour?

Starfish Beach is shallow and calm, designed for relaxed snorkeling with starfish in clear water. Blue Lagoon Atoll is deeper with a coral garden and is where dolphins and sea turtles are more likely to appear. Both are included in the same day.

Is lunch at The Rock Restaurant included, or do I pay extra?

Lunch is optional and can be added at checkout. If you choose it, the table is reserved at 14:00 and the meal includes a Swahili seafood dish, plus two bottles of champagne or sparkling wine included with the tour.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour, so you only need to bring a swimsuit and towel.

What is Jozani Forest, and what will I see there?

Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is a protected forest known for its red colobus monkeys, which you'll see up close during a guided walk. The guide also points out tropical plants and explains the marine ecology from a jetty that overlooks the Indian Ocean.