Zanzibar, Tanzania
Kwale Island is a protected marine destination off the southwestern coast of Zanzibar. It is the primary stop for Safari Blue boat tours.
4.3 from 44 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare group trips, private boats, and hotel transfers.
Most bookedEscape the city crowds for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on a beautiful Sandbank and the tropical Blue Lagoon, Enjoy a fun and relaxing day out on a shared...
Best valueThis is the best tour in Zanzibar and three in one activities and can see many attractive stuff : from any of your hotel to the North Zanzibar, Kizimkazi, where we start...
Small groupEscape reality, embrace fantasy" We crafted this unforgettable adventure in Zanzibar, This is Safari Blue, one of the island’s top full-day excursions. This journey...
Explore
Explore the marine reserve, sandbanks, and inland features.
4 spotsMarine & SandbankMarine areas for snorkeling, sailing, and relaxing on sandbanks.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
4 spotsInland Kwale IslandExplore the island's famous fallen baobab and seafood BBQ area.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsMangrove LagoonA natural saltwater pool fringed by dense mangrove roots.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The sandbanks near Kwale Island fully emerge only during low tide.
Tides dictate the daily schedule.
Plan your visit
The standard full-day tour runs from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The boat ride takes 30 to 45 minutes each way.
Visit during the dry seasons from June to October or January to February. These months offer calm seas and ideal visibility.
Take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer to Fumba village. From there, you will board a traditional wooden dhow.
Tours cost between $60 and $110 per person. This usually covers equipment, lunch, and the marine park fee.
Kwale Island measures 0.9 kilometers long and 0.6 kilometers wide. It sits within the 470-square-kilometer Menai Bay Conservation Area. This marine reserve was established in 1997 to protect local reefs and wildlife.
Visitors arrive on traditional wooden dhows from Fumba village. These tours, commonly called Safari Blue, center around snorkeling, swimming, and dining. The area features extensive coral reefs with visibility ranging from 10 to 20 meters.
Inland, you will find a massive fallen baobab tree estimated to be 200 to 500 years old. Groups gather under shade trees for a Swahili seafood barbecue. Read our guide on Inland Kwale Island to see what to expect onshore.
We detail which tours include hotel transfers and marine park fees.
We separate shared group dhows from private charters.
We highlight tours providing the traditional seafood feast or vegetarian alternatives.
From Viator
44 reviews of the blue lagoon boat tour on Viator
Great experience, it was all very organised and people are very friendly and welcoming and definitely worth the price.
It is a once in a live time experience, one I am sure I will not forget. From pick up to drop off the music created a good vibe and the food was great. Thank you Mister P
We recently experienced the Full-Day Private Tour Safari Blue in Fumba with lunch in Zanzibar, organized by Minazi Tour and Safari. The trip was fantastic, offering stunning views and excellent service. The lunch was delightful, and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment.
Minzani Tours exceeded all expectations! Their professionalism, personalized service, and expert guidance made our trip unforgettable. From seamless logistics to hidden gems, they ensured every moment was memorable. Highly recommend Minzani Tours for a truly immersive and stress-free travel experience.
We enjoyed our trip very much! We had an amazing driver to/from the boat, snorkeling, nice buffet lunch, and (my favorite) sailed back to shore with the wind.
Excellent day out on the Dhow….. The Full Moon. Our host Hassan was very good, taking us to the sandbank and then the island. Some great snorkelling on the reef was a bonus. All equipment was provided, as was the mouthwatering fruit and a great lunch. The other crew were really nice as well. A really lovely day out. Well worth it. Nice one Hassan 🇹🇿👍
Travel tips
Tour PricesA breakdown of Safari Blue tour costs, inclusions, and park fees.Read 
Transport & TravelLearn how to get to Kwale Island from Stone Town via Fumba village.Read 
Best timeIdeal months and tides for the Safari Blue tour.Read Kids on TourSafety and planning tips for families taking the Safari Blue tour.Read 
Packing GuideEssential items to pack for your Safari Blue day trip.Read 
Group vs PrivateCompare shared and private Safari Blue tours to Kwale Island.Read It is a popular full-day boat excursion in the Menai Bay Conservation Area. The tour includes sailing on a traditional dhow, snorkeling, visiting a sandbank, and eating a seafood barbecue on Kwale Island.
You must take a traditional dhow boat from Fumba village. The boat ride takes 30 to 45 minutes. Fumba itself is a 45-minute taxi ride from Stone Town. Read more in our Transport & Travel guide.
Prices typically range from $60 to $110 per person. This usually includes boat transport, snorkeling gear, lunch, and a marine park fee.
Yes, if you enjoy marine activities and seafood. It offers clear snorkeling, unique sandbanks, and an ancient fallen baobab tree. It is one of the most popular day trips in Zanzibar.
Dolphins are frequently spotted in Menai Bay. However, sightings are not guaranteed. Conservation rules require maintaining a respectful distance and not chasing them.
The dhow ride takes between 30 and 45 minutes each way. The exact time depends on the wind and sea conditions on the day of your tour.
Secure your spot on a Safari Blue excursion today.
