Zanzibar dolphins, turtles & sunset dhow tour: Swim with dolphins and turtles

Three water moments in one day: turtles you touch, dolphins you chase, and a dhow at golden hour

This full-day activity in Zanzibar combines three separate water experiences: an up-close encounter with green sea turtles in waist-deep pools at Baraka Aquarium, a motorized boat search for bottle-nosed and humpback dolphins departing from Matemwe fishing village on the island's southern point, and an evening traditional sailing dhow cruise from Nungwi. A guide leads each stop, and the day includes lunch, snorkeling gear and hotel pickup.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin tour, aquarium visit, sunset cruise

• Arrive at Matemwe fishing village
• Take motorized boat to search dolphins
• Swim close to dolphins if lucky
• Visit Baraka Aquarium to see sea turtles
• Swim with and touch green sea turtles
• Learn about turtle life cycles and habitat
• Enjoy sunset cruise on traditional dhow
• Savour chilled fruit drink while watching villages
• Watch fiery golden sunset over ocean

The experience

You start at Baraka Aquarium, where you wade into waist-deep water to swim alongside green sea turtles and learn their life cycles from an instructor. The aquarium's fees support turtle welfare and local education. From there, a motorized boat takes you to Matemwe fishing village on Zanzibar's southern coast, home to schools of bottle-nosed and humpback dolphins. The morning timing keeps crowds small (large groups of tourists disturb the dolphins), so your chances of a close sighting improve. If conditions align, you may swim near them.

The day ends with a traditional sailing dhow in Nungwi, timed for sunset. You watch the sun drop beyond the horizon while the sky shifts through shades of pink, purple, blue and orange. A glass of chilled fruit water comes with the view, and you see the island's villages from the ocean's perspective. The whole trip runs eight hours and includes private transportation, bottled water, lunch, snorkeling equipment and all fees.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• bottled water and a chilled fruit drink during the sunset cruise.
• lunch.
• snorkeling equipment for the dolphin and turtle encounters.
• all entry fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (27 to 61 years) · Senior (62 and older) · Youth (11 to 26 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by kijo Viaggio

Is this one for you?The morning dolphin search and the full eight-hour span mean an early start and a full day on the water, so book this if you're comfortable with an active itinerary and multiple boat rides. Families with children from age one are welcome, and the turtle pool is waist-deep, so water confidence matters for that stop.

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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 26 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

Can I really swim with the dolphins at Matemwe?

Dolphins at Matemwe can often be sighted on a short boat trip from the village, and if conditions are right, you may swim quite close to them, though sightings depend on where the schools are that day. The morning departure helps, since fewer tourists means less disturbance to the dolphins.

What happens at Baraka Aquarium?

Baraka Aquarium lets you wade into waist-deep water to swim with and touch green sea turtles while a knowledgeable instructor explains their life cycles and habitat. All fees you pay there go toward turtle welfare and local environmental education.

Is the sunset cruise on a motorized boat or a sailing boat?

The sunset cruise in Nungwi uses a traditional sailing dhow, not a motorized vessel, so you experience the island from the water under sail as the sun sets.

Does the price include food and drinks?

Lunch is included in the full-day price, along with bottled water and a glass of chilled fruit water during the sunset cruise. Alcoholic beverages are not included.