Zanzibar dolphin tour with snorkeling and beach: 8 hours

Dolphins show up in the morning lagoon, and you're in the water with snorkeling gear before they leave.

An eight-hour dolphin tour in northern Zanzibar starts at Matemwe fishing village and moves through a natural lagoon where sea turtles gather. You snorkel among coral reefs, spot dolphins from the boat, and visit Baraka Aquarium to see turtles released back to the ocean. The day ends with lunch and time at Nungwi and Kendwa beaches, each with different appeal: Nungwi offers nightlife and traditional dhow boat building. Kendwa provides calm water and sunset views.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin tour and beach visits

• Spot dolphins early morning
• Visit natural lagoon with sea turtles
• Explore Nungwi beach
• Relax at Kendwa beach

The experience

The tour begins early because morning is when dolphins are most active in the lagoon. You start from Matemwe fishing village, one of Zanzibar's oldest settlements, and head into the northern waters where a natural lagoon holds sea turtles year-round. The boat moves through this area while you watch for dolphins. When conditions allow, you get in the water with snorkeling equipment to explore the coral below.

Baraka Aquarium is a stop built around turtle rescue: fishermen catch turtles in their nets, and the aquarium buys them to release back into the ocean. You see this happen during the visit. After snorkeling and the aquarium, lunch is served on the boat or at a beach stop. The rest of the afternoon splits between Nungwi beach, known for white sand and water sports, and Kendwa beach, where the water stays calm even at high tide and the sunset is the main event.

Private transportation is included throughout, and all snorkeling gear comes with you. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or one additional language depending on your booking. Children from age one are welcome, though infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the day.
• all snorkeling equipment.
• lunch.
• entry to Baraka Aquarium and all associated fees and taxes.

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 6 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?Book this if you're swimming and snorkeling are priorities: Kendwa's calm, tide-free waters suit confident swimmers, while Nungwi's lively village atmosphere appeals to those wanting evening activity after beach time.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★Exceptional3 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 the dolphin tour start from Matemwe?

The tour begins early in the morning, as that is when dolphins are most active in the lagoon. Your guide will confirm the exact pickup time when you book.

Do I get to snorkel on this tour, or just watch from the boat?

You snorkel among the coral reefs with provided equipment. The boat moves through the lagoon where you can enter the water to explore, though dolphin sightings happen from the boat itself.

What is Baraka Aquarium and why do we stop there?

Baraka Aquarium rescues sea turtles caught by local fishermen and releases them back into the ocean. The stop lets you see this release happen and learn about turtle conservation in Zanzibar's waters.

Which beach is better for swimming, Nungwi or Kendwa?

Kendwa beach has calm water with no tidal effect, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Nungwi is livelier, with water sports and nightlife, and is better if you want to see traditional dhow boat building and local culture.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Lunch is included in the tour price. The meal is served on the boat or at a beach stop. Your guide can tell you more about the menu options when you book.