Zanzibar: Blue Safari Snorkeling & Kwale Island BBQ

Kwale Island & Menai Bay: Snorkeling, Sandbanks & Lunch Under Ancient Trees

You board a small boat at Fumba Port and spend the day snorkeling over coral reefs in Menai Bay, swimming in a natural lagoon, and relaxing on Kwale Island's sandbank beneath a centuries-old baobab tree. Lunch, grilled seafood with tropical fruit, arrives on the sand. Entry fees, water, and food are included. The day takes roughly eight hours from pickup to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Blue Safari at Kwale Island

• Depart from Fumba Port
• Travel to Kwale Island
• Snorkel over coral reefs
• Swim in natural lagoon
• Relax on white sandbanks
• Enjoy seafood barbecue lunch
• Rest beneath baobab tree

The experience

You'll meet your guide at Fumba Port early in the morning, and there's a moment when you realize the boat is smaller than you expected, which turns out to be the whole point. One of the other travelers, a woman from Dar es Salaam, was chatting with the crew about tides and fish patterns, and they were actually listening, adjusting the route based on what she said. That kind of thing doesn't happen on bigger boats. The Menai Bay Conservation Area is where you're headed, and the water changes color three times before you even leave the port, from murky brown to pale green to that almost-unreal turquoise you see in photos but never quite believe until you're standing in it.

Kwale Island is the main stop, and it's exactly what the name suggests: a sandbank with a giant baobab tree growing out of it, somehow, and water so clear you can see the sand ripples from the boat. Snorkeling happens over the coral reefs nearby: the guide points out where the parrotfish are working, and you can actually hear them crunching on the coral if you listen underwater. The lagoon itself is ringed with mangroves, and you get time to just float there, no rushing. After the water, there's lunch: grilled fish, octopus, prawns, whatever came in that morning, served on the sandbank with tropical fruit and cold sodas. You're sitting under the baobab, sand between your toes, and the crew is clearing plates while the tide shifts around you.

The full day runs long enough that you're not watching the clock, but short enough that you're not exhausted by the time you head back to Fumba. The boat ride back gives you time to dry off and let the salt settle. You'll need a moderate level of fitness for the snorkeling and getting in and out of the boat, and the crew will brief you on that before you leave the port. Bring sunscreen (the reflection off the water is relentless), and a rash guard if you burn easily. The experience includes entry to the conservation area, lunch, bottled water, and soda, so you're not hunting for cash or worrying about what's safe to drink.

What’s included

• Entrance fee to Menai Bay Conservation Area.
• guided snorkeling over coral reefs.
• access to Kwale Island sandbank and the ancient baobab tree.
• freshly grilled seafood lunch with tropical fruits.
• bottled water and soda throughout the day.

Options for this experience

3 options

Shared tour: A group of fewer than 20 participants who meet us at a meeting point in Fumba. All inclusive: Once clients meet us at the meeting point, all other requirements for the tour are included. Water activity: Travel on a traditional dhow with a professional guide, snorkeling equipment, and personalized assistance. Duration: 7 hours. Seafood BBQ Lunch: Fresh seafood barbecue with tropical fruits, soft drinks, bottled water, and vegetarian options on request. Dhow pickup is included.Guide in 5 languages · 09:30Pickup meeting point

Pickup anywhere (all inclusive)Guide in 5 languages · 08:00Shared tour: A group of fewer than 20 participants, with pickup from the hotel, plus all necessary requirements for the tour taken care of. All inclusive: Just bring towels from the hotel; everything else is already included in this option. Shared tour: Travel on a traditional dhow with a professional guide, snorkeling equipment, and personalized assistance. Duration: 7 hours. Seafood BBQ Lunch: Fresh seafood barbecue with tropical fruits, soft drinks, bottled water, and vegetarian options on request. Dhow cruise: Sail on a traditional dhow, visit a sandbank, snorkel at two locations, enjoy lunch on Kwale Island, and sail back to Fumba. Van: Comfortable air-conditioned van with pickup and drop-off available anywhere on Zanzibar Island. Pickup is included.

Private anywhere (all inclusive)Guide in 5 languages · 08:30Private tour: For those who need a private group tour. All inclusive: This option provides all necessary requirements for the tour, so there is no need to bring cash. Water activity: Travel on a traditional dhow with a professional guide, snorkeling equipment, and personalized assistance. Duration: 7 hours. Seafood BBQ Lunch: Fresh seafood barbecue with tropical fruits, soft drinks, bottled water, and vegetarian options on request. Hotel pickup is included: We collect clients from their hotel and return them to the same hotel after the tour. Van: Comfortable air-conditioned van with pickup and drop-off available anywhere on Zanzibar Island. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Zan Excursions

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full marine day without arranging your own boat, snorkel sites, or lunch: the small group size and fixed itinerary mean you're snorkeling where the fish actually are and eating where the crew knows the tides.

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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 (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What time does the Blue Safari depart from Fumba Port?

The tour begins early morning from Fumba Port. Exact departure time should be confirmed with your operator when booking.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?

This is not mentioned in the tour details. Ask the operator if you prefer to use your own equipment.

What's included in the seafood lunch?

Lunch includes grilled fish, octopus, prawns, and tropical fruits, prepared fresh on Kwale Island. Soda and bottled water are also provided.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?

The tour involves snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon. Moderate physical fitness is recommended. If you don't swim, discuss options with the operator.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a rash guard or light cover-up, a towel, and a waterproof bag for valuables. Water and refreshments are provided.

Are there public transport options to Fumba Port?

Yes, public transportation is available nearby. Confirm pickup or transport arrangements when booking.