About this Menai Bay dhow day
Menai Bay, off Zanzibar's south-west coast, is a protected conservation area with sandbanks, small islands and reefs. The full-day dhow route from Fumba is one of the island's best-known excursions, often searched for as 'Safari Blue'.
You sail on a traditional wooden dhow, snorkel, eat a seafood lunch on Kwale Island and swim in a mangrove-fringed lagoon. Dolphins are sometimes seen in the bay, but they are wild and never guaranteed.
Highlights
- Sailing by traditional dhow through a protected bay
- Sandbank stop and two snorkel sites
- Seafood and fruit lunch on Kwale Island
- Swim in a mangrove lagoon and see the old baobab
Menai Bay dhow day itinerary
Timings are a guide. This trip is timed to the tide, so we confirm exact times when you book.
- StartHotel pickup and drive to Fumba (about 40 minutes from Stone Town, longer from the coasts).
- 09:30Board the dhow and sail into Menai Bay.
- 10:30Sandbank stop with swimming and snorkelling.
- 12:00First reef snorkel.
- 13:00Seafood lunch and tropical fruit on Kwale Island.
- 14:30Mangrove lagoon swim (tide permitting) and the baobab.
- 16:00Sail back to Fumba and drive to your hotel.
Your private options
Private dhow
Your own dhow and crew for the full day.
Private dhow with lobster
Lobster added to the lunch (seasonal).
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 | Fumba | $90 |
| West coastFumba, Chukwani, Bububu, Mtoni | Fumba | Included |
| South-east coastPaje, Jambiani, Bwejuu, Michamvi, Dongwe | Fumba | $130 |
| North coastNungwi, Kendwa | Fumba | $160 |
| North-east coastMatemwe, Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani, Pongwe | Fumba | $150 |
| South tipKizimkazi, Makunduchi | Fumba | $110 |
Not sure of your area? Tell us your hotel name and we confirm the price. See all transfer prices.
What's included
- Dhow with crew and guide
- Snorkel mask and fins
- Seafood lunch, fruit, water and soft drinks
- Menai Bay conservation fee (Standard and Private)
- Pickup from hotels in the West coast area
Not included
- Transfer from other areas (see transfer prices below)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
Add-ons
- Private dhow
- Lobster on the lunch menu (seasonal, on request)
- Hotel transfer by zone
Children and groups
Popular with families. Life jackets on board. The lagoon swim depends on the tide. 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.
Menai Bay dhow day FAQs
Is this the original Safari Blue?
It follows the same Menai Bay route. Ask us which operator runs your departure.
Is there a vegetarian lunch?
Yes, on request when you book.
Will we see dolphins?
Sometimes. Our crews do not chase dolphins, so we treat any sighting as a bonus.