Zanzibar Dolphin Day Tours Kizimkazi Boat Trip

The 1 Day Zanzibar Dolphin tour in Kizimkazi (a fishing village on the southern coast of Zanzibar) has a high success rate (approximately 95%) in spotting wild bottlenose and humpback dolphins.

Note: Early Morning is Best: Dolphins are most active early in the morning and when the tide is lower.

Our full-day dolphin tour in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, begins with an early-morning boat trip (around 0600 Hours–0700 Hours) to swim with or watch bottlenose and humpback dolphins in their natural habitat.

The itinerary usually includes snorkeling at nearby coral reefs, exploring the historic 12th-century Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque, enjoying a fresh seafood lunch, and relaxing on pristine beaches, often combined with a visit to Jozani Forest or a sandbank picnic.

Wildlife: You can expect to see Bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. While sightings are high (estimated at 80–90%), they are wild animals and not guaranteed. 

Activities: Tours often combine dolphin watching with snorkeling at coral reefs, such as Pungume Island, and may also include a visit to Salaam Cave to swim with sea turtles.

Typical Full-Day Itinerary (Kizimkazi & Surroundings)

0600 Hours – 0700 Hours: Hotel Pickup & Arrival – Pickup from Stone Town or North/East Coast hotels. Arrival at Kizimkazi fishing village.
0730 Hours – 1000 Hours: Dolphin Spotting & Swimming – Board a motorized boat for a guided trip to search for dolphins (humpback and bottlenose). Best time for high activity, with opportunities to swim with them in their natural habitat
Note: Ethical operators avoid chasing dolphins
1000 Hours – 1130 Hours: Snorkeling & Marine Life – Snorkeling in the shallow waters and coral reefs near Kizimkazi to observe tropical fish
1130 Hours  – 1300 Hours: Cultural Site Visit – Visit the historic 12th-century Kizimkazi Dimbani Mosque
1300 Hours – 1430 Hours: Lunch & Relaxation – Enjoy a traditional Swahili lunch or fresh seafood on the beach
1430 Hours – 1630 Hours: Optional Activities (Extended Full Day)

Option 1: Visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to see Red Colobus monkeys
Option 2: Visit Kuza Cave in Jambiani for a swim
Option 3: Relax at a local beach resort in Kizimkazi

1700 Hours: Return Transfer

Guest Information

Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons (June–October and December–March) offer the clearest water and highest sighting rates
What to Bring: Swimwear and towels; sunscreen and a hat (essential); a waterproof camera or waterproof phone bag; and waterproof sandals or reef shoes
Cultural Bonus: Kizimkazi is home to a 12th-century mosque, the oldest evidence of Islam in East Africa; many tours offer a brief stop here
Ethical Considerations: Ensure your operator follows “no-chase” policies. Avoid boats that crowd or drive directly through pods, as this stresses the animals
 Safety & Comfort: Traditional wooden dhows or fiberglass motorboats are used. Be aware that the open sea can be rough with significant waves; life jackets should be requested if not immediately provided

Zanzibar Dolphin Day Tours Kizimkazi Boat Trip is purely a dolphin exploration excursion. The spotting location in Zanzibar is Kizimkazi village on the Southern coast of Zanzibar Island, where you can see both bottlenose and humpback dolphins.

Kizimkazi village is located about 50 km from Stone Town and 20 km from the east coast of Zanzibar.

0600 Hours: We pick you up from your hotel/ residence and drive you to Kizimkazi Fishing Village. The drive takes about one hour from Stone Town to Kizimkazi, located on Zanzibar’s South coast.

Kizimkazi is home to large numbers of bottlenose and spinner dolphins, beautiful coral reefs, and tropical fish.

0700 Hours: On arrival, we get a short briefing on safety and about the dos and don’ts when interacting with the dolphins. Then, you board a traditional ocean-going dhow and set sail on the Indian Ocean in search of dolphins.

Our traditional sailing dhows are between 8 and 10 meters in length, finished to the highest standards, and covered by public liability and marine insurance. The dhows are fitted with outboard engines, marine VHF radios, inflatable life jackets, sunshades, boarding ladders, waterproof bags, and a first-aid kit.

The shallow coastal waters around Kizimkazi are a favorite home base for dolphins that come here for the abundant food supply, to care for their calves, socialize, and rest.  We are lucky enough to see dolphins on at least 85% of our trips.

Dolphin tours are best done in the early morning hours. As soon as the sun warms up the water, dolphins dive down to the ocean floor to escape the warm water. The best time to see dolphins is between 0500 Hours and 0700 Hours.

You can get as close as 10 to 20 meters away from the dolphins. In the past, some guests have been lucky enough to swim and snorkel with them. Swimming with dolphins is one of those magical ‘must-do’ life experiences, and doing it in the azure seas of Zanzibar’s south coast adds to the allure.

However, the dolphins aren’t tame, and can be shy and elusive. Although visitors see dolphins on most outings, there are no guarantees.

1000 Hours: Whether you’re fortunate enough to see dolphins or not, you can enjoy two hours of sailing and taking in the sights of the ocean. There’s superb snorkeling in the pristine coral reef and swimming in the clear, warm water of the Indian Ocean.

1200 Hours: You’ll return to the beach for lunch, where you can swim in the shallower waters. Kizimkazi is also the site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both cultural and historical reasons.

Zanzibar Dolphin Day Tours Kizimkazi Boat Trip Rates Include:

✓ Lunch
✓ Snorkeling equipment
✓ Professional English-speaking guides
✓ All entry fees, service charges, and taxes
✓ Boat ride exploration and spotting dolphins in Kizimkazi
✓ Pick up from your hotel in Zanzibar Stone Town and drop-off to your hotel

Notes

* Guests should wear waterproof sandals for boarding the dhow, sunscreen, a towel, and a spare T-shirt for snorkeling
* Guests should wear their swimming costumes
* We provide lunch to guests on full-day trips only at the beach restaurant
* The dolphin trip can be combined with the Jozani Forest Tour, as the forest is on the way to Kizimkazi; we can visit the forest on our way back from the dolphin tour to Stone Town

Zanzibar Dolphin Day Tours Kizimkazi Boat Trip Rates Do Not Include:

* Drinks
* Tips or gratuity
* Travelers Insurance
* Communication charges
* Minimum of 1 person required
* Visas, international airfares, and airport taxes; meals
* Sightseeing not included in the package; optional activities
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)

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Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com