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The waters off Kizimkazi, on Zanzibar's south coast, are home to resident pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins, and a boat trip out to find them is one of the island's most popular half-day excursions. This tour combines an early-morning boat search for dolphins, with the option to snorkel alongside them where conditions allow, followed by a stop at a reef for further snorkeling before heading back to shore.
Activity level — Low to moderate A morning of boat travel and optional swimming. Basic swimming ability recommended for in-water dolphin encounters.
THE ROUTE, AT YOUR PACE
How your day unfolds
- Boat trip from Kizimkazi to find wild dolphins
- Bottlenose & humpback dolphins in the area
- Optional in-water snorkeling with dolphins
- Additional reef snorkeling stop
- Snorkeling gear provided
- Hotel pickup & drop-off included
Dolphins are most active early in the day, so this tour starts before the heat sets in.
You're picked up early from your hotel and driven south to Kizimkazi, a fishing village known for its resident dolphin pods. From the jetty, your boat heads out along the coast where your captain and crew, drawing on years of local experience, search for bottlenose and humpback dolphins. When a pod is found, and conditions allow, you'll have the chance to slip into the water and snorkel alongside them at a respectful distance.
Dolphin behavior can't be scheduled, so time in the water with them varies day to day. Once the dolphin search winds down, the boat usually stops at a nearby reef for a further snorkeling session, giving you a good look at the coral and reef fish along this stretch of coast before heading back to Kizimkazi and your drive to the hotel.
Indicative schedule from the operator; timings are confirmed for your booking.
- 6:30am
Hotel pickup An early start gives the best chance of finding active dolphins.
- 7:30am
Board the boat Depart from Kizimkazi to search the coastline for dolphin pods.
- 8:00am
Dolphin search & swim Time on the water looking for dolphins, with optional in-water snorkeling when conditions allow.
- 9:30am
Reef snorkeling A further stop at a nearby reef for snorkeling.
- 10:30am
Return & drop-off Boat back to Kizimkazi, then drive back to your hotel.
The details matter.
Included
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Boat trip from Kizimkazi
- Local boat captain & crew
- Snorkeling gear
- Reef snorkeling stop
Not included
- Meals & drinks
- Hotel accommodation
- Flights to and from Zanzibar
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Souvenirs & personal expenses
- Tips for your boat crew & driver
Your written proposal confirms the final arrangements and current price for your dates. Please discuss any specific requirements with our team.
Prices & options.
Ask our team for the current price for your dates and group.
Before you go
- Dolphin sightings and in-water encounters can't be guaranteed — these are wild animals, and your crew will always prioritize their welfare over guaranteeing a swim.
- Bring swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sunscreen; the early start means it's worth packing a light layer for the boat ride out.
- Basic swimming ability is recommended if you'd like to get in the water with the dolphins.
- A Tanzania e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel.
A few good questions.
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
No — these are wild dolphins, and while sightings are common off Kizimkazi, they can't be guaranteed on any single trip.
Can I swim with the dolphins?
When a pod is found and conditions allow, you'll have the chance to snorkel near them at a respectful distance. This depends on the dolphins' behavior on the day.
Why does the tour start so early?
Dolphins tend to be most active, and the water calmest, earlier in the morning, so an early departure gives the best chance of a good sighting.
Is there a reef stop as well?
Yes, most trips include an additional snorkeling stop at a nearby reef after the dolphin search.
Make this journey yours.
Your personal proposal confirms the final itinerary, accommodation, inclusions and price for your dates.
Enquire about this journey