Snorkeling in Zanzibar: Starfish, sea turtles, caves

You swim with starfish in shallow water and sea turtles in a cave fed by underground springs.

A full-day private snorkeling tour from Zanzibar hotels takes you to five stops along the east coast: Blue Lagoon Atoll and the Coral Garden for starfish, a seafood lunch at The Rock restaurant with ocean views, Paje Beach for swimming and water sports, Kuza Cave with its turquoise freshwater pool and wildlife, and Salaam Cave near Kizimkazi for sea turtle encounters. The tour runs nine hours with an air-conditioned vehicle, snorkeling gear, bottled water and all fees included. A live guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zanzibar snorkeling and beach tour

• Snorkel with starfish at Starfish Beach
• Visit Blue Lagoon Atoll and Coral Garden
• Enjoy seafood lunch at The Rock Restaurant
• Relax and explore Paje Beach
• Explore Kuza Cave and nature preserve
• Swim with sea turtles in Salaam Cave

The experience

Kizimkazi sits at the southern tip of Zanzibar, and the snorkeling here centers on two ecosystems most visitors don't expect: starfish in shallow lagoons and sea turtles in cave systems fed by underground freshwater springs. The tour picks you up from your hotel and heads to Blue Lagoon Atoll first, where you'll snorkel the Coral Garden in water clear enough to watch different starfish species move across the sand. This part works for young kids and adults alike because the water stays shallow and calm. The operator provides all snorkeling gear, so you just step in.

After three hours at The Rock restaurant (a platform built over the water near Michamvi Pingwe), you break for a seafood lunch with views of the Indian Ocean. The afternoon splits between two cave systems. Kuza Cave is an ancient limestone cavern with a circular opening that floods the interior with natural light. The pool inside stays crystal clear and fresh, fed by underground springs. The cave sits inside a nature preserve where you might spot Red Colobus monkeys, butterflies and birds. Salaam Cave, closer to Kizimkazi, is where the sea turtles live. You swim in the same water they do, in an enclosed space that feels more intimate than open-water snorkeling.

Paje Beach sits between the two cave stops and gives you time to either rest in a beach chair, try stand-up paddleboarding or kayak, or snorkel the offshore coral reefs if you want more water time. The vehicle is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible, and the tour accommodates strollers for infants. The whole day runs nine hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Zanzibar hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• snorkeling gear for all stops.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• all entrance fees and taxes.

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.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

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 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sandies Tours & Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based on the main beaches without a car: pickup from your hotel gets you to the southern coast and back within a single day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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 is the Coral Garden like when you snorkel there?

The Coral Garden sits at Blue Lagoon Atoll in shallow, calm water where you can watch different species of starfish move across the sand in their natural environment. The water stays clear enough to see the seafloor easily, which is why it works well for children and less experienced swimmers.

What happens at Kuza Cave?

Kuza Cave is an ancient limestone cavern with a large circular opening that lets natural light flood the interior. You swim in a pool of crystal clear freshwater fed by underground springs. The cave sits inside a nature preserve where you can see Red Colobus monkeys, colorful butterflies, birds and other wildlife. There's also a restaurant and shaded area on-site if you want to rest.

Is lunch included in the price?

A three-hour seafood lunch at The Rock restaurant near Michamvi Pingwe is part of the tour itinerary, with views of the Indian Ocean. You order and pay for your meal separately at the restaurant.

What snorkeling gear do I need to bring?

All snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour, so you don't need to bring your own. Bottled water is also included throughout the day.