About this Kizimkazi dolphin trip
Kizimkazi is a fishing village on Zanzibar's southern tip, inside the Menai Bay Conservation Area. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and humpback dolphins are regularly seen offshore, and dolphin trips have become the village's main source of tourism income.
Popularity brings a problem: many boats crowding the same pod. Our trips go early, our crews keep their distance and never chase, and we put the dolphins' behaviour ahead of getting a photo. Sightings are likely but cannot be guaranteed.
Highlights
- Early start, when the sea is usually calmest
- Crew briefed on responsible dolphin watching
- Reef snorkel stop
- Optional visit to Kizimkazi's historic mosque
Kizimkazi dolphin trip itinerary
Timings are a guide.
- StartEarly pickup. Kizimkazi is about an hour from Stone Town and closer from the south-east coast.
- 07:30Briefing on the beach about how we approach dolphins.
- 07:45Boat out to look for dolphins. We watch from the boat and move away if a pod changes direction or dives.
- 09:00Snorkel stop on a nearby reef.
- 10:00Back to the beach. Optional visit to the Dimbani mosque in Kizimkazi.
- EndDrive back to your hotel.
Your private options
Private boat
Your own boat from Kizimkazi.
With breakfast
Breakfast on the beach after the boat.
With Salaam Cave
Add the turtle swim nearby.
All our Zanzibar activities are private: only your group takes part. Upgrades are quoted on request.
Transfer from your hotel
The tour price above does not depend on where you stay. Getting to the start is priced separately, per vehicle for up to 6 guests, return. If you stay near the start, pickup is included.
| Your hotel area | Trip starts at | Return transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Town & airportStone Town, Shangani, Mbweni, airport area | Kizimkazi | $130 |
| West coastFumba, Chukwani, Bububu, Mtoni | Kizimkazi | $110 |
| South-east coastPaje, Jambiani, Bwejuu, Michamvi, Dongwe | Kizimkazi | $80 |
| North coastNungwi, Kendwa | Kizimkazi | $170 |
| North-east coastMatemwe, Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani, Pongwe | Kizimkazi | $150 |
| South tipKizimkazi, Makunduchi | Kizimkazi | Included |
Not sure of your area? Tell us your hotel name and we confirm the price. See all transfer prices.
What's included
- Boat with crew and guide
- Snorkel gear
- Bottled water
- Menai Bay conservation fee
- Pickup from hotels in the South tip area
Not included
- Transfer from other areas (see transfer prices below)
- Breakfast unless chosen
- Tips
Add-ons
- Breakfast on the beach
- Combine with the Menai Bay dhow day on a separate day
Children and groups
Suitable for children; life jackets provided. Group rates are available for six or more travellers.
Booking and cancellation
Send us your date, number of travellers and hotel. We confirm availability and the full price in USD before you pay. Changes and cancellations follow our booking terms. If weather or sea conditions make a trip unsafe, we reschedule or refund it.
Kizimkazi dolphin trip FAQs
Can we swim with the dolphins?
We watch from the boat. We do not drop guests into the water on top of a pod, because it stresses the animals. Snorkelling happens at a reef stop.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No. Dolphins are wild. Most early-morning trips find them, but some days they move away.
Why so early?
The sea is usually calmer and fewer boats are out.