Zanzibar’s Iconic Marine Day Trip
The Magic of Safari Blue in Menai Bay
Safari Blue is universally acclaimed as the premier full-day sea excursion on Zanzibar island. Departing from the peaceful fishing shores of Fumba Beach in the southwest peninsula, this voyage takes you into the heart of the Menai Bay Conservation Area — Zanzibar’s largest marine protected sanctuary, renowned for its pristine uninhabited sandbanks, coral atolls, and resident dolphin populations.
Step aboard a beautifully handcrafted traditional wooden sailing dhow, equipped with comfortable seating, shade canopy, and certified safety gear. Feel the warm Indian Ocean breeze as your experienced Swahili crew hoists the sails and guides you through sparkling translucent waters.
The Safari Blue Promise: Sail, snorkel crystal coral gardens, swim in a natural mangrove lagoon, climb a 200-year-old fallen giant baobab, and feast on a freshly grilled seafood banquet featuring slipper lobster, tender calamari, tuna, and tropical fruit tasting.
While the boat sailing and island barbecue are shared with fellow adventurous international travelers at Fumba, Zanzibar Africom Tours provides exclusive private roundtrip vehicle transfers directly from your resort door to Fumba Beach and back, guaranteeing comfort and no waiting around. (Private boat charter upgrades are also available upon request!)
Unmatched Marine Highlights
What Makes Safari Blue Unforgettable
Every hour of this 7-hour nautical expedition reveals a distinct aspect of Zanzibar’s ocean wonderland:
Step off the dhow onto an isolated sandbank that emerges only at low tide. Relax under shade canopies, swim in warm crystalline waters, and sip fresh coconut water and local island snacks.
Swim alongside clouds of colorful reef fish, clownfish, starfish, and live coral formations. Our experienced snorkel guides assist swimmers of all experience levels with masks, fins, and life jackets.
Navigate into a secret emerald mangrove channel inside Kwale Island. At high tide, this enclosed forest forms a tranquil, warm natural pool perfect for a soothing float in the shade.
Climb the colossal fallen hollow trunk of an ancient baobab tree surviving on Kwale Island. Stand atop its massive branches for breathtaking panoramic photographs over the island and ocean.
Savor a hot grilled buffet on Kwale Island featuring grilled slipper lobster, fresh calamari, yellowfin fish, coconut rice, and savory Swahili sauces, accompanied by ice-cold drinks.
After lunch, our crew prepares an exotic fruit tasting presentation, slicing fresh mangoes, pineapples, sweet bananas, passion fruits, custard apples, and rare seasonal fruits you have never tasted.
Menai Bay is home to resident pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Keep your cameras ready as dolphins frequently leap and play alongside the dhow in their natural ocean home.
Weather and wind permitting, the crew hoists the majestic white lateen sail on the return journey back to Fumba, letting the dhow glide silently across the golden afternoon ocean.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Your Day on the Ocean: Step-by-Step
A seamless, stress-free full-day adventure designed for pure relaxation and wonder:
1
Private Resort Pickup & Drive to Fumba
Your dedicated Africom driver picks you up from your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy a picturesque drive through coconut plantations to the historic launch point at Fumba Beach.
2
Boarding the Traditional Dhow (09:00 AM)
Receive a warm welcome and safety briefing from the Safari Blue team, get fitted for sanitized snorkel masks and fins, and board the sturdy handcrafted wooden dhow as we set sail into Menai Bay.
3
Pristine Sandbank Arrival & Reef Snorkeling
Drop anchor at an isolated, powdery-white sandbank surrounded by translucent aquamarine waters. Dive in for guided snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical sea life.
4
Fresh Coconut & Tropical Refreshments
Relax under shade tents on the sandbank while the crew opens chilled fresh coconuts (madafu) and serves sweet Zanzibari pastries and cold mineral water.
5
Desert Island Seafood BBQ Feast (Kwale Island)
Sail over to Kwale Island to dine at the rustic island restaurant. Indulge in grilled slipper lobster, calamari, yellowfin fish, rice, sauces, and our famous multi-course tropical fruit tasting.
6
Hidden Mangrove Lagoon & Giant Baobab Tree
Explore Kwale Island’s interior: float in the calm, emerald waters of the mangrove lagoon (the natural swimming pool) and climb the 200-year-old fallen giant baobab tree.
7
Hoisted Lateen Sail Cruise Back to Fumba (16:00)
Relax on the dhow's sun deck as the crew hoists the large triangular sail for a serene, gentle glide back across the sparkling waters to Fumba beach.
8
Private Chauffeur Return to Hotel
Your private Africom minivan and driver are ready at Fumba shore to transport you comfortably back to your beach resort in time for evening dinner.
Real Moments from Safari Blue
Experience the Magic Through Our Guests' Eyes
Browse authentic photographs taken during recent Safari Blue excursions in Menai Bay:
The Vanishing Sandbank
Sailing into powdery white sand and crystal clear turquoise sea in the Menai Bay Marine Reserve.
Grilled Lobster & Seafood Feast
Our mouth-watering Kwale Island buffet with freshly grilled slipper lobster, calamari, fish, and Swahili sauces.
Pristine Coral Reef Snorkeling
High-visibility coral gardens teeming with sergeant majors, clownfish, and marine life with gear provided.
Hidden Mangrove Lagoon
Swimming into the protected mangrove forest at high tide — Kwale Island's peaceful natural swimming pool.
Transparent Value
What’s Included & Excluded
All boat fees, national marine conservation levies, delicious food, and private hotel transfers are covered:
✓
What’s Included
✓
Private round-trip hotel transfers anywhere in Zanzibar
✓
Full-day sailing trip on traditional handcrafted dhow
✓
Sumptuous mixed seafood BBQ lunch with grilled lobster
✓
Snorkeling gear (sanitized masks, snorkels, fins, life jackets)
✓
Guided multi-course tropical fruit tasting experience
✓
Fresh coconut water (madafu), soft drinks & chilled bottled water
✓
Menai Bay Marine Conservation area entry & permit fees
✓
Experienced multilingual captain and professional guides
✕
What’s Excluded
✕
Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase on Kwale island)
✕
Personal souvenir purchases at local island artisan stalls
✕
Optional gratuities/tips for dhow crew and guides
Flexible Travel Options
Shared Boat vs. Private Dhow Charter
We offer two ways to experience Safari Blue:
Standard Shared Boat
Join other travelers on the spacious dhow from Fumba with a lively social vibe, while still enjoying private hotel transfers dedicated exclusively to your group.
$70 / person
Exclusive Private Charter ★
Your own private traditional dhow, dedicated boat captain, private crew, and tailored schedule. Perfect for honeymoons, families, and private celebrations.
From $350 total boat charter
