Moshi, Tanzania
+255 742 596 234
generoustours@gmail.com
Overview
At a Glance
- Duration: Full day, approximately 7–8 hours
- Route: Hotel → Kizimkazi departure point → Menai Bay sailing → sandbank stop → return
- Tour Style: Traditional dhow sailing, shared group or private charter
- Main Activities: Sailing through Menai Bay, snorkeling, sandbank stop, seafood lunch
- Best Suited For: Travelers wanting a full day on the water combining sailing, snorkeling and a beach-style lunch
The Zanzibar Blue Safari Sailing Excursion is a full-day trip aboard a traditional dhow through Menai Bay, departing from the Kizimkazi area and combining a sandbank stop, snorkeling, and a seafood lunch cooked and served on the sandbank or boat.
After hotel pickup, guests are driven to the departure point in southern Zanzibar and board the dhow for a sail through Menai Bay Conservation Area, with stops for snorkeling over nearby reef patches and time on an exposed sandbank depending on the tide.
This tour suits travelers who want a complete day on the water combining several activities in one outing, rather than booking separate snorkeling and sailing trips, and who are comfortable with a longer day than the shorter sunset cruise option
Highlights
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Sailing through Menai Bay Conservation Area, a protected marine zone on Zanzibar's southwest coast.
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A sandbank stop, when tide conditions allow, offering a distinct setting from the island's main beaches.
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Multiple snorkeling opportunities over reef patches within the bay, depending on visibility and conditions.
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A seafood lunch prepared and served on the sandbank or boat, using catch typical of the local area.
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Menai Bay's location near Kizimkazi, an area occasionally associated with dolphin sightings, though not the primary focus of this excursion.
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A full-day format combining sailing, snorkeling and dining rather than a single-activity outing.
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Traditional dhow sailing rather than a motorized speedboat, giving a slower-paced, more scenic crossing.
Route Snapshot
Hotel Pickup → Kizimkazi Departure Point → Menai Bay Sailing → Sandbank Stop → Snorkeling Stop → Return to Departure Point → Hotel Drop-off
The excursion departs from the Kizimkazi area in southern Zanzibar, sailing through Menai Bay with stops for snorkeling and a sandbank visit before returning to the same departure point in the late afternoon.
What is the daily itinerary?
- Day 1: Menai Bay Blue Safari Sailing Excursion
What happens each day of the tour?
Day 1
Menai Bay Blue Safari Sailing Excursion
Meals: L,Start: Zanzibar HotelFinish: Zanzibar HotelTransfer Time: 45 min – 1.5h depending on hotel locationActivities: Dhow Sailing, Snorkeling, Sandbank Visit
Guests are collected from their hotel in the morning and driven to the departure point near Kizimkazi in southern Zanzibar. The dhow sets sail into Menai Bay Conservation Area, with the crew making the first stop at a nearby reef patch for snorkeling.
Depending on tide conditions, the boat continues to a sandbank, where guests can walk on the exposed sand and relax before the crew prepares a seafood lunch, often grilled or cooked fresh on-site using local ingredients.
The afternoon includes a further snorkeling stop or additional sailing time before the return journey to the departure point, with guests transferred back to their hotel by late afternoon.
What accommodation is included?
Basic Camping
Sharing style
Guests join a small shared group of up to twelve travelers aboard the same dhow, offering a lower per-person cost for the standard Menai Bay route
Budget Choice
Private Blue Safari Charter
Private Blue Safari Charter
The dhow is booked exclusively for your own party, allowing more flexibility in timing and the choice of snorkeling and sandbank stops
Mid-Range
Private Charter with Extended Sandbank Time
Private Charter with Extended Sandbank Time
The private charter option combined with additional time at the sandbank, suited to couples or small groups wanting a slower-paced day on the water.
Optional Upgrade
What is included and excluded?
What's Included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off within the standard tour zone
Traditional dhow with experienced sailing crew
Menai Bay Conservation Area entry fee
Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
Seafood lunch prepared on the sandbank or boat
Bottled drinking water during the tour
All applicable government taxes
What\'s Not Included?
Tips for the crew and driver
Alcoholic beverages
Underwater camera rental
Travel insurance
Hotel accommodation
Transport from hotels significantly outside the standard pickup zone
Why Book with Generous African Tours?
KPAP & Local Experts
Our guides have 10+ years of tracking experience, knowing exactly where the wildlife migrates and how to escape the crowds.
Custom 4x4 Vehicles
Travel in safety with custom-modified Toyota Land Cruisers featuring charging ports, large windows, and a pop-up roof.
Tailored Hospitality
We handpick clean, high-service safari lodges and luxury camps, ensuring delicious meals and excellent comfort after game drives.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania Safari
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry months of January-March and June-October, when the weather is stable with less rain.
Jan
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Dry Season
Clear
Clear
Feb
🌤
Dry Season
Clear
Clear
Mar
🌧
Short Rains
Wet
Wet
Apr
🌧
Long Rains
Wet
Wet
May
🌧
Long Rains
Wet
Wet
Jun
⭐
Peak Dry
Excellent
Excellent
Jul
⭐
Peak Dry
Excellent
Excellent
Aug
⭐
Peak Dry
Excellent
Excellent
Sep
⭐
Peak Dry
Excellent
Excellent
Oct
🌤
Dry End
Good
Good
Nov
🌧
Short Rains
Quiet
Quiet
Dec
⭐
Good Season
Festive
Festive
Peak season
Good season
Low / rainy season
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How much does the Zanzibar Blue Safari Sailing Excursion cost?
Pricing ranges from approximately $90 to $140 per person, depending on group size and whether a private dhow charter is booked.
FAQ
How long does the excursion take?
The full trip typically runs seven to eight hours, including hotel transfers, sailing, snorkeling, the sandbank stop, and lunch.
FAQ
Will we definitely see dolphins?
No sightings can be guaranteed. Kizimkazi is an area occasionally associated with dolphin activity, but this excursion is focused on sailing, snorkeling and the sandbank rather than dedicated dolphin viewing.
FAQ
Is the sandbank stop guaranteed?
The sandbank stop depends on tide conditions on the day, and the crew will adjust the route accordingly if the sandbank is not sufficiently exposed at the scheduled time.
FAQ
What is included in the tour price?
The price includes hotel transfers, the dhow sail, conservation area fees, snorkeling gear, and a seafood lunch prepared on the sandbank or boat.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Basic swimming ability is recommended for the snorkeling portions, though guests who prefer not to snorkel can remain on the boat or sandbank during those stops.
FAQ
What should I pack for this trip?
Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a light towel, since much of the day is spent on or near the water.
FAQ
Can dietary requirements be accommodated for the seafood lunch?
Most operators can accommodate common dietary requirements with advance notice at the time of booking, though this should be confirmed before the trip.
FAQ
Is this a group or private tour?
Both options are available. The standard price applies to a shared group sailing, with a private dhow charter available as an upgrade.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book?
Booking a day or two in advance is usually sufficient for the shared sailing, though private charters during peak season are best arranged a few days ahead.
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