Tanzania · DOLPHIN WATCHING

15 Dolphin Trips in Zanzibar, From Cheapest Day Out to Big Week

56 tours  ·  from $15

The good dolphin trips go months ahead in the dry season and the rest fill up behind them. Below: the 15 to lock in early and how they differ.

From Kendwa: Mnemba Boat Trip and Dolphin Snorkel Adventure - Looking for dolphins without turning the sea into a race
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

From Kendwa: Mnemba Boat Trip and Dolphin Snorkel Adventure

1.From Kendwa: Mnemba Boat Trip and Dolphin Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,043 reviews · 4 hours · from $50Our pick

Join Captbarnabatours at Mama Mia Restaurant for a four-hour boat trip from Kendwa or Nungwi. Guides such as Hassan, Hamis, Ludo, and Abra search for dolphins without chasing them, then lead you around Mnemba’s reef before a fruit stop at the disappearing sandbank. Snorkeling gear, drinks, conservation fees, and hotel-beach drop-off are included.

“It was an awesome experience. The guide was great and let us enjoy to swim with dolphins a few times. We could see lots of dolphins and swim together. Snorkeling was good. The guide served lots of fresh fruits on the tine beautiful beach. Meeting up at mama Mia restaurant was a little difficult to find, but the staffs were wearing the uniform shirts with company name so I could feel relieved .”

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Mnemba Island: Dolphin Swim & Snorkeling with Optional Lunch - Getting to Muyuni Beach and onto the boat
Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Mnemba Island: Dolphin Swim & Snorkeling with Optional Lunch

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

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

Set out from Muyuni Beach, near Matemwe, for a half-day boat trip around Mnemba Island. You can watch or swim near wild dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish and turtles, then enjoy fruit and drinks. Guides such as Khamis, Ali, Ramadan, and Marco Polo are praised for keeping swimmers safe and helping with photos. Lunch and hotel pickup cost extra.

“We saw lots of dolphins but I didn’t like that the sandbank was full of people exploiting baby monkeys that were stolen from their mums for money. If you go please don’t pay these people for photos it only encourages more of this to happen.”

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Mnemba Island snorkeling and Swimming with Dolphin - Snorkeling at the Mnemba Marine Conservation Area
Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Mnemba Island snorkeling and Swimming with Dolphin

3.Mnemba Island snorkeling and Swimming with Dolphin

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 412 reviews · from $55

Leave Mama Mia Beach or Zanzibar’s northern beaches for a small-group boat trip to dolphin waters, Mnemba’s coral gardens, and a sandbank that appears with the tide. Guides such as Hassan, Ludo, and Captain Barnaba focus on support and wildlife care. Pickup is offered, with snorkeling gear provided.

“Collected from the hotel on time. Collected a couple of other clients on the way to the first stop. Great scenery. Great snorkelling. Then followed the dolphins and was able to jump in and view them swimming with our snorkelling gear. Really well organised and friendly team. Thank you. 100% recommend.”

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Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour - Looking for dolphins in open water
Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour

4.Mnemba Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 352 reviews · 4.5 - 6 hours · from $40

From Nungwi or Muyuni, you’ll boat toward Mnemba Atoll to look for bottlenose and humpback dolphins, snorkel with a guide, and stop at shallow water or a sandbank for fresh fruit. Rasheed is a frequently praised guide, though sea conditions, crowds, and dolphin behavior can shape the day.

“Had a brilliant day , didn’t see much of the Dolphins but that’s nature , the snorkelling and the rest of the day was fantastic, highly recommended”

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Dolphin tour, Jozani Forest, Jambiani Kuza Cave, Paje Beach &The Rock restaurent - Starting on the water near Matemwe and Mnemba
Cave Swimming, Dolphin Watching, Jozani Forest Tours, The Rock Restaurant Tours, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Dolphin tour, Jozani Forest, Jambiani Kuza Cave, Paje Beach &The Rock restaurent

5.Dolphin tour, Jozani Forest, Jambiani Kuza Cave, Paje Beach &The Rock restaurent

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 164 reviews · from $130

Spend about nine hours exploring Zanzibar by private vehicle and boat. Look for dolphins near Matemwe, meet red colobus monkeys at Jozani, swim at Kuza Cave, relax at Paje Beach, and visit The Rock restaurant. Guides such as Amina, Ibrahim, Hassan, and Ain have earned praise for friendly service, though dolphin-watching and long drives require realistic expectations.

“Jiga boy & Salomon made my trip perfect. On the dark side, I tryed to contact the office several times and did not get respose from them. I was ready at 7:00am with a big uncertainty about the activity to really happen.”

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Matemwe: Mnemba Island Dolphin & Snorkeling Boat Trip - Meeting at Matemwe and getting onto the boat
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Matemwe: Mnemba Island Dolphin & Snorkeling Boat Trip

6.Mnemba Island Dolphin & Snorkeling Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 152 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $35

From Matemwe, join a shared boat trip to Mnemba Island for dolphin watching, swimming, a sandbar stop, and snorkeling over coral and tropical fish. Guides such as Lava Lava, Abdul, Nasor, and Lil Nasr are praised for friendly service and help with photos. Expect a 4 to 5 hour outing, $35 plus a $10 island fee, and possible choppy seas.

“i loved the bright blue seas and the beautifull corals. got the opportunity to swim with dolphins and my guide called lavalava, was amazing and made sure i had a perfect experience”

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Private Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling at Mnemba Island reef - A calm finish at the Mnemba sandbank
Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Private Tours, Private Tours in Zanzibar, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Private Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling at Mnemba Island reef

7.Private Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling at Mnemba Island reef

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

This three-hour private trip from Zanzibar combines dolphin spotting, snorkeling at Mnemba Island Reef, and a calm sandbank swim. Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, boat transport, equipment, water, and fruit are included. Guides such as Ahmed and Msomali are praised for patience and personal attention, though timing and communication can vary.

“Excellent experience. Traveled with my mom who has some difficulty swimming. Ahmed and his staff were happy to help her snorkel and ensured we both enjoyed the beautiful underwater sea-life!”

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Mnemba dolphin & snorkel: from matemwe, pwani, kwingwa, Uroa - The morning pickup from Matemwe, Pwani, Kiwengwa, or Uroa
Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Mnemba dolphin & snorkel: from matemwe, pwani, kwingwa, Uroa

8.Mnemba dolphin & snorkel: from matemwe, pwani, kwingwa, Uroa

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 74 reviews · 4 hours · from $52

From Matemwe, Pwani, Kiwengwa, or Uroa, you’ll ride by van and boat to Mnemba’s waters for dolphin watching, snorkeling, and a possible sandbank stop at low tide. Guides such as Juma, Fau, Isaac, and Bakari help with swimming and photos. The group is limited to eight, with fruit and water included.

“Pick up time was exactly as mentioned. We had small group which was great! Our guide Isaac at the beginning explained what we gonna do. So first we went to see dolphins we got lucky to swim next to them 🐬 . Then we went snorkel🐠🪸 where we got fresh Zanzibar fruit 🥥🍍🍌🍉. Our guide told us story about the island. After that we were invited for seafood lunch which was yummy 😋 I do recommend 💯! 😉”

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Private/Sharing: Snorkeling with Dolphins Sandbank in Mnemba - Looking for dolphins on the route to Mnemba
Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Nakupenda Sandbank Tours, Private Tours, Private Tours in Zanzibar, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Private/Sharing: Snorkeling with Dolphins Sandbank in Mnemba

9.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 to snorkel near Mnemba, watch for dolphins, enjoy a seafood and chicken BBQ, and stop at a low-tide sandbank. Crew members may include Matthias, Mbwana, Yusef, or Musa. Water, soft drinks, fruit, gear, and fees are included. The boat returns at sunset.

“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”

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FROM NUNGWI; MNEMBA SNORKELING AND DOLPHIN TOUR - Leaving Nungwi by boat
Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

FROM NUNGWI; MNEMBA SNORKELING AND DOLPHIN TOUR

10.From Nungwi; Mnemba Snorkeling AND Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 49 reviews · 6 minutes - 6 hours · from $45

From Nungwi, you’ll take a boat toward Mnemba for reef snorkeling, a chance to see dolphins in the wild, fresh fruit, and time on a shallow-water sandbank. English, French, Italian, and German guides are available. Hotel pickup is optional, and private groups can be arranged.

“It was nice, didn't get to see the dolphins much, so many boats trying to catch the sight at least, it was a nice experience overall”

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5-Hour Snorkeling, Swimming with Dolphins and Sea Turtles Aquarium - The dolphin search needs realistic expectations
Dolphin Watching, Sea Turtle Swimming, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 48 reviews · from $60

Spend about five hours from Nungwi exploring Mnemba Atoll, snorkeling among reef fish, searching for dolphins, relaxing on a sandbank, and swimming with sea turtles at a natural lagoon. Suleiman and his small team may help arrange transport, while loaner gear, fruit, snacks, and soft drinks are included. Dolphin sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

“Swimming with the sea turtles one of the turtles bit him butt and he laughed and has not stopped talking about it.”

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From Nungwi : Mnemba Boat Trip and Dolphin Snorkel Adventure - The dolphin stop: exciting, but not fully predictable
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

From Nungwi : Mnemba Boat Trip and Dolphin Snorkel Adventure

12.From Nungwi : Mnemba Boat Trip and Dolphin Snorkel Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 39 reviews · 4 hours · from $50

Meet at Kulinarium or near Riu Jambo for a four-hour boat trip from Nungwi or Kendwa. You will look for dolphins, snorkel above Mnemba’s coral reefs, and visit a sandbank if the tide allows. English-speaking guides provide gear, fruit, soft drinks, life jackets, and conservation fees.

“Buona escursione, buon itinerario, mare stupendo, guida ottima! Da migliorare l'organizzazione al punto pick-up dato che abbiamo aspettato 25 minuti prima che si presentasse qualcuno, oltre ad un ulteriore ritardo causato da altri ospiti. A parte questo l'escursione è andata bene!”

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Zanzibar: Mnemba Island&Dolphin Swim With Optional Lunch - Leaving Zanzibar’s beach for Mnemba waters
Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar: Mnemba Island&Dolphin Swim With Optional Lunch

13.Mnemba Island&Dolphin Swim With Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 39 reviews · 3.5 - 6 hours · from $18

Sail from Nungwi or Muyuni to dolphin waters and Mnemba Atoll for guided snorkeling, fruit on the beach, and an optional lunch. Guides speak English, German, French, Italian, or Swahili. Ask for a private boat if you want a calmer trip and more respectful dolphin viewing.

“L’ esperienza é ridicola: 30 barche che danno la caccia ad un gruppo di delfini. Probabilmente nutriti per nuotare il quella pezzo di mare. Chaos, Smog, benzina, urla, … 100 persone su una striscia di sabbia. É stata una pessima esperienza e dovrebbero far pagarevdi più e limitare i turisti della peggior specie. Grassoni unti di creme solare che camminina sopra i coralli ormai morti proprio per questo tipo di turismo massificato. Lo Staff della barca bravi e gentili ma la tipologia di tour é ridicola. Non la consiglio a nessuno. Se mi fossi documentato meglio non sarei mai andato in un casino del genere. Non si può mandare 30…”

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Snorkeling and swimming with dolphins in mnemba island - Starting the morning at Muyuni Beach or Nungwi
Dolphin Watching, Mnemba Island Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Snorkeling and swimming with dolphins in mnemba island

14.Snorkeling and swimming with dolphins in mnemba island

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 38 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $80

Set out from Muyuni Beach or Nungwi for Mnemba Atoll, where you search for wild dolphins, snorkel from the boat, and stop for fresh fruit and water. Equipment and an English, French, or German-speaking guide are included. Hotel pickup is optional, and private groups can be arranged.

“Amazing day overall, highly recommend. From the beginning we had a great driver, good music, good vibes. Our boat captain and his brothers were excellent, very knowledgeable and made us feel safe. The positive energy from the team was infectious. What a life they live swimming with Dolphins everyday. We saw multiple dolphin pods, got a bit of rain, got a bit of sunshine and we’ll be heading back with some iconic pictures and videos.”

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Dolphin Tour, Jozani Forest Tour, Kuza Cave Tour, Paje Beach,The Rock Restaurant - Kuza Cave adds a swim and a slice of Swahili culture
Cave Swimming, Dolphin Watching, Jozani Forest Tours, The Rock Restaurant Tours, Tour Reviews, Zanzibar Tours

Dolphin Tour, Jozani Forest Tour, Kuza Cave Tour, Paje Beach,The Rock Restaurant

15.Dolphin Tour, Jozani Forest Tour, Kuza Cave Tour, Paje Beach,The Rock Restaurant

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 37 reviews · from $128

Spend about 10 hours exploring Zanzibar by private vehicle and boat. Snorkel near Mnemba Island, look for red colobus monkeys at Jozani, swim in Kuza Cave, relax at Paje Beach, and finish with a seafood meal at The Rock Restaurant. Guides such as Abdul, Abdullah, Rashid, and Taimur are praised for friendly service and flexible timing.

“We were picked up on time by our driver Ali and guide Rashid. Rashid was absolutely tremendous. He was friendly, knowledgeable and provided a great experience. We were never rushed and got to see and do everything this tour promiRead more”

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New in Dolphin Watching

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