Safari Blue Zanzibar with Kantara Safaris

A Full-Day Dhow Adventure Through Menai Bay

Safari Blue is one of Zanzibar’s classic ocean days, and for good reason. It blends sailing, snorkeling, island scenery, and relaxed coastal food into one beautifully paced experience on a traditional wooden dhow. The trip begins in Fumba, a fishing village about half an hour from Stone Town, and heads into Menai Bay, a protected conservation area known for its sandbanks, small islands, and rich marine life. The atmosphere is easy from the start, with the ocean breeze, the rhythm of the sail, and that feeling that the day is going to unfold slowly and beautifully.

After arriving in Fumba, you’ll receive a short briefing and a safety demonstration before boarding the dhow. Once you set off, the boat cruises across the bay in search of dolphins, which are often seen in these waters. Sightings depend on nature, of course, but Menai Bay is well known for dolphin encounters, and the journey itself, sailing across open water with islands scattered in the distance, already feels like a highlight.

Later in the morning, the dhow drops anchor near a sandbank, where the team sets up shade and prepares you for snorkeling. Equipment is provided, and the experience is made accessible even for beginners, with buoyancy aids available and guides on hand to teach and assist. For confident swimmers, guides can lead you to the most interesting points on the reef, turning the snorkeling into something more than just floating, it becomes an exploration of coral, fish, and underwater detail that makes Menai Bay so special.

Between water activities, the day stays well cared for. Fresh coconuts and local snacks are served, drinks stay chilled, and the pace remains relaxed. From there, the experience continues toward Kwale Island, where lunch is prepared in a shaded “desert island” setting beneath large trees. The meal is served as a traditional Zanzibari-style buffet, seafood-focused and generous, with grilled options, rice, and freshly made sauces. After lunch, the fruit tasting is part of the fun, with a wide variety of tropical fruits that feels like Zanzibar on a plate.

The afternoon includes more gentle adventure, often with a visit to a mangrove lagoon for a swim when tides allow, and a chance to try sailing in a local outrigger canoe, known as an ngalawa, with guidance from the crew. There’s also time for small island moments that make the day feel complete, including a short walk on Kwale and a chance to soak in the atmosphere away from crowds.

As the day winds down, the dhow returns toward Fumba under sail, often with sundowners served on the way back. By the time you arrive, usually around late afternoon, Safari Blue feels like the kind of day that leaves you sun-warmed, salt-air happy, and quietly amazed at how much beauty fits into one excursion.

With Kantara Safaris, Safari Blue can be arranged seamlessly as part of your Zanzibar itinerary, whether you’re staying in Stone Town, at a beach resort, or combining Zanzibar with a Tanzania safari. We help with timing, transfers, and planning so the day feels effortless from start to finish.

If you’d like to include Safari Blue in your Zanzibar stay, contact Kantara Safaris and let’s plan an ocean day that feels classic, relaxed, and unforgettable.