The southern coast of Zanzibar, particularly Kizimkazi village, serves as the prime launch point for dolphin encounters. The best tours combine dolphin watching with additional island experiences – my favorite is the half-day option that includes snorkeling in coral reefs. For a fuller experience, the full-day tour adding Jozani Forest delivers excellent value, letting you see both bottlenose dolphins and red colobus monkeys in one trip. I’m especially impressed with the morning tours (6:30-7:00 AM departures) when dolphins are most active and waters are calmest. The Mnemba Island excursion, while pricier, offers the most intimate dolphin encounters in crystal-clear waters. Let’s look at the top-rated tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Private Dolphin Tours offer half-day experiences with dolphin watching, snorkeling, and swimming for $104.99 per person.
- Full-Day Tours, like the “Dolphin & Monkey Jungle Adventure,” provide a comprehensive experience with dolphin spotting and a visit to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.
- Comprehensive Excursions offer full-day experiences with swimming with dolphins, exploring Kuza Cave, and visiting The Rock Restaurant.
- Unique Experiences provide intimate encounters with dolphins in their natural habitats and opportunities to spot monkeys in Jozani Forest.
- Luxury Dolphin Experiences offer private, high-end tours for swimming with dolphins in Mnemba, priced from €231.11 per group.
Private Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling at Mnemba Island Reef
The private dolphin tour and snorkeling experience at Mnemba Island Reef offers travelers a chance to enjoy the vibrant marine world of Zanzibar.
This half-day tour combines dolphin watching, snorkeling, and swimming at a sandbank, all with the convenience of included transportation and equipment.
Visitors can expect to encounter diverse marine life, from angel fish to rays, in the clear waters surrounding Mnemba Island.
While reviews are mixed, with some reporting timing and safety issues during the dolphin encounters, those who enjoyed the experience highlight the friendly staff and the opportunity to swim alongside these incredible creatures.
The tour is priced at $104.99 per person and can be booked with flexibility.
Read our full review: Private Dolphin Tour and Snorkeling at Mnemba Island Reef Review
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Private Tour Jozani Forest, Dolphin Watching and Kuza Cave
This private full-day “Dolphin & Monkey Jungle Adventure” tour in Zanzibar City offers travelers a well-rounded experience exploring the area’s diverse natural attractions.
Priced from $130 per person, the tour includes private transportation, entry to Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, and a delicious lunch.
Highlights include spotting dolphins in their natural habitat and visiting the Kuza Cave.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infants are welcome.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and timely service, though some note concerns about the snorkeling equipment and boat conditions.
With free cancellation and flexible rescheduling, this tour provides an excellent way to discover Zanzibar’s wildlife and landscapes.
Read our full review: Private Tour Jozani Forest, Dolphin Watching and Kuza Cave Review
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Dolphin Tour; Kuza Cave Tour; Paje Beach; The Rock Restaurant; Jozani Forest
Zanzibar’s diverse natural wonders await adventurous travelers on this full-day excursion. The experience begins with swimming alongside dolphins in their natural habitat, followed by an exploration of the mesmerizing Kuza Cave.
Next, visitors can relax on the picturesque Paje Beach, though they should be cautious of the strong waves. The tour also includes a visit to the iconic The Rock Restaurant, known for its breathtaking scenery and generous portions.
Plus, there’s an opportunity to spot the elusive colobus monkeys in the Jozani Forest. With round-trip transfers, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included, this private tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Zanzibar’s stunning attractions.
Read our full review: Dolphin Tour; Kuza Cave Tour; Paje Beach; The Rock Restaurant; Jozani Forest Review
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Dolphin Tour, Jozani Forest, Jambiani Kuza Cave, Paje Beach &The Rock Restaurent
On this excursion, travelers can enjoy Zanzibar’s diverse natural wonders, beginning with a memorable encounter alongside dolphins in their natural habitat.
The tour then ventures into the lush Jozani Forest, home to both red and blue monkeys, though experiences may vary in terms of the depth of information provided by guides.
Next, guests descend into the unique Kuza Cave, though the steep descent can be challenging.
The journey continues to the scenic Paje Beach and the famous Rock restaurant, where reservations are recommended to avoid feeling rushed.
Read our full review: Dolphin Tour, Jozani Forest, Jambiani Kuza Cave, Paje Beach &The Rock Restaurent Review
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Zanzibar Dolphin Tour Unforgettable Experience!
Zanzibar Dolphin Tour offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an intimate encounter with the marine life of Zanzibar. This private tour allows only your group to participate, ensuring a personalized adventure.
The tour includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages, and all fees and taxes. Travelers can choose to head directly to the meeting point in Stone Town or request pickup.
The tour is operated by Serengeti Adventure, with prices starting from SEK 1,107.92 per person. The tour has received a perfect rating of 5 stars based on 1 review, which praises the day spent with the tour guides and the alternative activities arranged when dolphins weren’t sighted.
Read our full review: Zanzibar Dolphin Tour Unforgettable Experience! Review
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Dolphin Tour & Snorkeling at Mnemba Island
This private Dolphin Tour & Snorkeling experience at Mnemba Island offers travelers a chance to enjoy Zanzibar’s captivating marine life.
Priced from €231.11 per group (up to 2), the tour includes all fees and taxes, an air-conditioned vehicle, snacks, fruits, and mineral water, as well as the use of snorkeling equipment and lifejackets.
Guests can select their preferred pickup and drop-off points, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, most travelers can participate.
With an impressive 5-star rating from 7 reviews, this tour promises an unbelievable moment of swimming with dolphins in the fabulous Zanzibar sea.
Read our full review: Dolphin Tour & Snorkeling at Mnemba Island Review
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Luxury Swimming With DOLPHINS in MNEMBA and LUNCH
Dive into a luxurious experience of swimming with dolphins in the serene waters of Mnemba, Zanzibar City. This private tour provides the opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures up close, with transportation, snorkeling equipment, and even lunch included.
The tour is highly recommended, with a 100% satisfaction rate and a Badge of Excellence from 19 five-star reviews. Accessibility is prioritized, with wheelchair-friendly transportation and surfaces. However, certain health conditions may prevent participation.
Booking is easy, with a reserve now and pay later option, and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior. At just $130 per person, this luxury dolphin swimming tour is a must-do for your Zanzibar City adventure.
Read our full review: Luxury Swimming With DOLPHINS in MNEMBA and LUNCH Review
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Recap
Zanzibar offers several excellent dolphin watching tours, ranging from private tours to group excursions. These tours provide opportunities to see dolphins in their natural habitat, as well as explore other attractions like Jozani Forest, Kuza Cave, and Mnemba Island. Depending on individual preferences, visitors can choose from a variety of packages that combine dolphin watching with other activities, making for an unforgettable Zanzibar experience.