Safari Blue Dhow Trip in Menai Bay
Sail Menai Bay by traditional dhow for sandbank swims, coral snorkeling, a seafood lunch on Kwale Island and a dip in a mangrove lagoon.
- Duration
- 1 day
- Route
- Stone Town – Fumba – Menai Bay sandbank and reef – Kwale Island – Fumba – Stone Town
- Start / end
- Starts and ends at your hotel in Stone Town (pick-up from other parts of Zanzibar on request)
- Best time
- Trips run year-round; seas are usually calmest from about June to October and December to February, and departures depend on weather and tides.
- Trip style
- Shared dhow excursion with a crew and guide; private return transfers from your hotel.
Tour overview
The Safari Blue is one of Zanzibar's classic days out. From the fishing village of Fumba on the island's southwest coast, you sail into Menai Bay Conservation Area on a traditional wooden dhow, hopping between sandbanks, coral reefs and quiet islands in some of the clearest water around Zanzibar.
The day mixes swimming and snorkeling with plenty of time to relax. Snorkel over colorful reefs, stretch out on a sandbank that appears at low tide, and enjoy a generous seafood lunch on Kwale Island, followed by a swim in a natural lagoon among mangroves and a visit to an enormous baobab tree. Dolphins are often seen in the bay.
It suits couples, families and groups of friends looking for a laid-back but full day on the water.
Highlights
- Traditional dhow sailing in Menai Bay Conservation Area
- Swim and relax on a tidal sandbank
- Snorkeling over coral reefs, equipment provided
- Seafood lunch with tropical fruit on Kwale Island
- Swim in the Kwale mangrove lagoon
- Visit a giant baobab tree; dolphins often seen
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Sailing Menai Bay from Fumba
Your driver collects you from your Stone Town hotel at about 8:00 am for the drive of around 45 minutes to Fumba. After a briefing, board the dhow and sail into Menai Bay, keeping watch for dolphins. Your first stop is a sandbank for swimming and sunbathing, then snorkeling over a nearby coral reef rich with tropical fish. Around midday, land on Kwale Island for a seafood lunch of grilled fish, calamari and lobster when available, with rice, salads and fresh fruit. Afterward, swim in the Kwale lagoon among the mangroves and visit the giant baobab tree. Sail back to Fumba in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel, arriving about 5:30 pm.
What is included
- Return transfers from your Stone Town hotel
- Traditional dhow trip with crew and guide
- Menai Bay Conservation Area fees
- Snorkeling mask, snorkel and fins
- Seafood lunch on Kwale Island
- Fresh tropical fruit
- Bottled drinking water and soft drinks on board
Not included
- Transfers from north or east coast hotels (available at extra cost)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips for crew and guide
- Towels
- Underwater camera
- Travel insurance
Good to know
- Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a hat; there is little shade on sandbanks.
- The exact order of stops depends on the tides on the day.
- Vegetarian lunch can be arranged with advance notice.
- Life jackets are available on board for non-swimmers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. Snorkeling is done in calm, often shallow water, and life jackets are available. Non-swimmers can enjoy the sandbank, the island and the boat.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphins are often spotted in Menai Bay, but they are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Your crew will keep a lookout throughout the day.
Can you pick us up from Nungwi or Paje?
Yes. Pick-up is possible from most hotels on the island, with longer transfer times and an earlier start from the north and east coasts.
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