The 5 Best Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Trips in Zanzibar

1.Mnemba Island: Dolphin Swim & Snorkeling with Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 591 reviews · 3.5 - 5 hours · from $21Our pick

Set out from Muyuni Beach or choose hotel pickup for a half-day boat trip near Mnemba Island. Local guides such as Khamis, Ali, Ramadan, and Marco Polo lead dolphin watching, reef snorkeling, fruit stops, and an optional Swahili or seafood lunch.

“We had an excellent time on this activity. We got to see dolphins and fish. The two men did a fantastic job keeping the energy up and providing us with information about the animals.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Private Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling at Mnemba Island reef

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 104 reviews · from $104

You’ll combine dolphin watching, Mnemba Reef snorkeling, and a sandbank swim on a private three-hour outing with The Sultan Tours. Ahmed and Msomali are praised for patient help, while transport and communication can vary. Equipment, fruit, water, and hotel transfers are included.

“Horrible experience. Driver came 1h late. We were with the dolphin not even 5 minutes. I would not recommand this trip. It’s actually worth 0 start !”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Private/Sharing: Snorkeling with Dolphins Sandbank in Mnemba

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · from $120Top rated

Set out from Kendwa at 9:00 a.m. on a traditional dhow for Mnemba’s clear water, coral reefs, colorful fish, a seafood and chicken barbecue, and a low-tide sandbank stop. The crew, including guides such as Matthias, Mbwana, Yusef, and Musa, also helps with snorkeling and dolphin encounters.

“We enjoyed our trip to Mnemba with Dream Dhow. We were picked up on time and we did the private tour, which we were glad we did. We booked directly with dream dhow through WhatsApp which was easy and efficient. The communication was good which is always iRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.5-Hour Snorkeling, Swimming with Dolphins and Sea Turtles Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 48 reviews · from $60

Spend about five hours from Nungwi exploring Mnemba Atoll with a small group of up to seven. Snorkel among reef fish, look for dolphins, picnic on fruit and soft drinks at a sandbank, then swim with sea turtles at a natural lagoon. Suleiman and his crew arrange the day.

“I wish I could split the day and rate it as separate experiences. Sea Turtles - 5 stars - amazing! This was so special. We were taken off the boat and walked a short distance to the aquarium and into the lagoon. The guy who met us was friendRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Zanzibar: Swimming with Dolphins and Snorkeling Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 17 reviews · 3 hours · from $120

Set out by private boat from Matemwe or Kizimkazi to look for dolphins in open water, then snorkel above coral reefs with fruit, snacks, and water provided. An English-speaking captain leads the 3-hour outing, with pickup available from hotels in northern Unguja.

“Such an unbelievable experience!! A true highlight of our trip to Zanzibar and a must even if you aren’t going to jump in to swim with them.”

Check availability →Read our full review