SAFARI BLUE TOUR | Ultimate Marine Adventure in Zanzibar’s Coastal Waters

While swimming enhances the experience, non-swimmers can fully enjoy Safari Blue

through multiple accommodations. Professional guides provide quality flotation vests and personal assistance for non-swimmers wanting to experience snorkeling in shallow, protected reef areas. Alternatively, non-swimmers can observe marine life from glass-bottom viewing sections on select boats or enjoy the sailing, island visits, and beach experiences. Crew members always remain in the water during snorkeling sessions to assist guests.

Menai Bay Conservation Area boasts extraordinary marine biodiversity with over 250 fish species. Common sightings include colorful parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, pufferfish, and majestic sea stars. Lucky snorkelers might spot green sea turtles, reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, or octopuses. The reef itself features brain coral, table coral, and vibrant soft corals. Bottlenose and humpback dolphins frequently accompany the boats, particularly during morning hours when they’re most active.

The legendary seafood feast features freshly caught lobster, jumbo prawns, grilled fish fillets, calamari, and octopus prepared with Zanzibari spices and grilled over mangrove charcoal. Accompaniments include coconut rice, handmade chapati bread, tropical fruit platters, and fresh vegetable salads. The meal concludes with Zanzibar’s famous “fruit tasting”—a presentation of exotic seasonal fruits like jackfruit, rambutan, mangosteen, and durian. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice, featuring grilled vegetables, tofu, and plant-based protein alternatives.

Essential items include: swimwear, cover-up for sun protection, towel, reef-safe sunscreen (crucial for coral preservation), sunglasses with strap, hat with secure fastening, waterproof camera/phone case, cash for optional purchases or crew gratuities, and a small daypack. Avoid bringing valuable jewelry or electronics sensitive to saltwater. Regular snorkelers may prefer bringing their own mask for optimal fit, though quality equipment is provided for all participants.

Safari Blue welcomes multi-generational participation, with special considerations for different age groups. Children above age 5 typically enjoy the adventure, with crew members providing additional supervision and child-sized snorkeling equipment. For seniors, the tour offers comfortable seating during sailing segments and crew assistance with boat boarding. The main limitation involves the transfer from dhows to smaller boats for certain beach landings, which requires basic mobility.

Safari Blue operates year-round with seasonal advantages. June through October offers excellent visibility (20+ meters) and calmer seas, ideal for snorkeling and dolphin spotting. November through March brings warmer waters and higher chances of encountering migratory marine species. April-May occasionally experiences brief rain showers but compensates with fewer crowds and more intimate experiences. Water temperatures remain comfortable (25-29°C/77-84°F) throughout the year, eliminating the need for wetsuits.

Traditional dhows accommodate 12-20 passengers, creating a sociable atmosphere while ensuring personal space and individualized attention from crew members. Private charters are available for families or groups seeking exclusive experiences. Even on standard tours, pass

snorkeling sites and ensure quality service during meals and activities. This moderate group size facilitates new friendships while maintaining an intimate connection with the marine environment.

Bathroom facilities are available at three points during the tour: the departure point at Fumba offers modern facilities before boarding; basic toilet facilities are available on Kwale Island during lunch; and emergency marine facilities exist aboard larger vessels. During snorkeling and beach visits, marine etiquette applies. The tour is designed with appropriate comfort breaks, but participants should use facilities whenever available as options are limited while sailing.

Safari Blue maintains a comprehensive sustainability program including: monthly beach clean-ups removing hundreds of kilograms of ocean plastic; employment of local marine biologists conducting coral restoration projects; strict no-anchor policies protecting reef structures; use of reef-safe sunscreen only; support for community education programs teaching marine conservation; and maintenance of Menai Bay protected status through stakeholder engagement. Additionally, 90% of staff come from surrounding villages, creating significant economic benefits for coastal communities.