Private Zanzibar Fishing, Snorkeling & Sandbank Adventure

4.9

18 reviews

Fully private Zanzibar adventure: catch-and-release fishing, snorkel, spot dolphins, relax on sandbanks, enjoy Swahili seafood BBQ, and experience life like a local.

Full description

Your ocean adventure begins early in the morning, when we pick you up from your hotel and head toward Muyuni Beach, a quiet stretch of coastline in northeast Zanzibar. As the sun rises over the Indian Ocean, you’ll meet your local skipper and guide and step aboard a traditional handcrafted wooden dhow, prepared exclusively for your group. This experience is fully private, designed for two adults or a family of up to two adults and two children, ensuring a relaxed and personal atmosphere.

Departing around 6:00 AM, the boat heads south of Mnemba Island, an area known for its rich marine life and crystal-clear waters. Fishing equipment and snorkeling gear are included, and your guide will teach you catch-and-release fishing techniques, showing you how to fish like a local, explaining the habits of the fish, and sharing fascinating insights into Zanzibar’s marine ecosystem. All fishing is done sustainably — fish are carefully handled and returned to the ocean, ensuring a respectful interaction with marine life.

As you cruise, your guide searches for the best spots, while you may encounter dolphins along the way. If a pod appears and you wish, the captain can slow the boat for a respectful swim alongside these playful creatures. The tour is flexible, so you can also stop at nearby coral reefs to snorkel among colorful fish and stunning coral formations, or visit one of the sandbanks near Mnemba Island that appear at low tide. These pristine, temporary islands are perfect for swimming, relaxing, or simply taking in the endless shades of blue surrounding you.

For guests opting for the half-day tour, the boat returns to Muyuni Beach around 11:30 AM, with hotel drop-off included if selected. The full-day experience continues into the early afternoon, featuring a freshly prepared Swahili seafood BBQ, including grilled octopus, chicken, rice, chapati, and sambusek, served on board while soaking in the serene ocean surroundings. Freshly cut local tropical fruits and soft drinks are available throughout the trip.

By approximately 3:00 PM, you’ll return to shore, with hotel drop-off included if selected. From fishing like a local with hands-on guidance and swimming with dolphins, to snorkeling vibrant coral reefs and relaxing on secluded sandbanks, this tour delivers a fully private Zanzibar ocean adventure. Experience the local lifestyle, marine wonders, and delicious Swahili cuisine, all at your own pace.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard for a day full of Zanzibar’s magic, marine life, and unforgettable ocean adventures.

From: 130$

Available spots: 4

Adults *
Youths
Infants
0.00
Note: The price shown is for the full-day trip. For half-day options, please contact us directly.
Total: 0 $

About this activity

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Live tour guide

English

Duration

5,5 hours or 9 hours (without transfer)

Private group available

Please contact us for a private tour option

Pickup optional

Please wait at your hotel reception or lobby 5–10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Your driver will meet you there and call your name, then your adventure will begin with a comfortable, air-conditioned van ride. Note: The exact pickup time will be confirmed one day before the activity.

Highlights
  • Fully private boat with personal skipper and guide
  • Catch-and-release fishing with hands-on local techniques
  • Snorkel vibrant reefs and swim with dolphins
  • Relax on pristine sandbanks and enjoy Swahili BBQ
  • Fully flexible — schedule tailored to your preferences
  • Includes
    Hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected)
    Private boat for your group
    Local skipper and fishing guide
    Fishing equipment and bait
    Snorkeling gear
    Dolphin watching experience (if conditions allow)
    Swimming and snorkeling stops upon request
    Visit to sandbanks near Mnemba Island upon request (tide permitting)
    Fresh fruit and soft drinks
    Swahili seafood BBQ (full-day tour only)
    Safety equipment including life vests
    Tips for the skipper or guide (optional)
    Transport to/from Muyuni Beach if hotel pickup is not selected
    Not suitable for
  • Children under 4 years
  • People with back problems
  • Wheelchair users
  • Non-swimmers
  • People prone to seasickness
  • Important information

    What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Not allowed

  • Smoking in the vehicle
  • Littering
  • Touching marine life
  • Know before you go

  • This is a private tour for 2 adults or a family of up to 2 adults and 2 children.
  • The tour schedule is flexible and can be tailored to your own ideas and preferences, depending on weather and tide conditions.
  • Guests with limited mobility should inform us in advance so we can provide recommendations on whether this tour is suitable for them.
  • Children must be supervised at all times; life vests are provided.
  • Meet us here
    If you haven’t chosen the hotel pick-up, please meet us at this location 10 minutes before your activity starts. You’ll meet our Ocean Blue team directly at Muyuni Beach. Look for the large Ocean Blue flag and our crew wearing Ocean Blue T-shirts — you can’t miss them! For easier navigation, here are the GPS coordinates you can use on Google Maps: 5°48’32.9″S 39°21’33.0″E
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