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Safari Blue Zanzibar: Traditional Dhow Sailing & Snorkeling
Introduction
A full day on a traditional wooden dhow through Menai Bay Conservation Area. Snorkel pristine waters. Watch dolphins play. Feast on grilled seafood on a white sandbank. Swim in a secret mangrove lagoon at sunset. This is the complete Zanzibar experience - all in one day.
Forget speedboats and crowded group tours. Safari Blue is a day on the water the way it should be: a traditional wooden dhow, a small group, and the kind of marine ecosystem that made people fall in love with Zanzibar in the first place.
You'll start in crystal-clear snorkeling waters where dolphins hunt and parrotfish crunch coral. By midday, you're barefoot on a sandbank eating fresh seafood grilled by locals who've been doing this for decades. By sunset, you're floating in a hidden mangrove lagoon so quiet you can hear frigate birds circle overhead. This isn't a tour. It's a day in paradise.
Watch dolphins at play in Menai Bay
Snorkel pristine coral gardens (all gear provided)
Feast on Swahili seafood BBQ on a sandbank
Climb a 200-year-old baobab tree on Kwale Island
Swim in a secret hidden mangrove lagoon
Optional cocktails at our Sand Bar (your choice
Included in price
Your own traditional wooden dhow (no other guests)
Create a custom itinerary - snorkel longer, explore at your pace
Private "fine dining" setup on a remote sandbank or island
Swahili seafood barbecue with gastronomic fruit tasting
Private guided snorkeling with quality equipment
Full day drinks and snacks included
Sunset sail home under traditional canvas
Perfect for: Honeymoons, proposals, birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration worth doing right. We've hosted countless special moments on our dhows.
Frequently asked questions
Is all snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Masks, fins, snorkels, and life jackets are all provided. Quality gear suitable for all experience levels. You don't need to swim well - you can float and snorkel with a vest.
How long is the full day?
A complete day on the water from morning departure to sunset return. You experience snorkeling, dolphin watching, sandbank lunch, baobab tree visit, mangrove lagoon swimming, and sailing home as the sky changes color.
Can kids join?
Yes. Children ages 5 –15 get the child rate ($52). Younger kids can join private charters with parental supervision. All safety equipment provided. Life jackets available.
What about lunch? Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Fresh Swahili seafood barbecue is the specialty. Exotic tropical fruits. Drinks included all day. If you're vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies, let us know when booking and we'll arrange alternatives.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphin watching is part of the experience. Dolphins are active in Menai Bay. Your guide knows where and when to position the boat for the best chance. No guarantee, but odds are excellent.
Is transport from my hotel included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged for an extra fee based on your location. This covers the seamless door-to-door experience. Nungwi and Stone Town are standard routes.
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