Swimming with Dolphins in Zanzibar

Posted on by ree pashley 5 Comments

Zanzibar offers some spectacular ocean and beach activities, such as diving, snorkeling, kite surfing and swimming with dolphins.

At first, I had reservations about swimming with dolphins in Kizamkazi, Zanzibar. I had an image of murky water and barriers keeping dolphins in an enclosure. My first thoughts were that these majestic animals were not free and that the practices to keep them were not environmentally friendly.

Well, I am happy to share that I was wrong!

Just as a Tanzanian safari brings travelers into national parks to view wildlife in their natural habitat with an appropriate distance, swimming with dolphins in Zanzibar allows visitors to see wild dolphins without disturbing them.

The dolphins are not harmed, touched or inhibited in any way. Boats simply visit the area where they are known to pass on a regular basis, and some adventurous swimmers jump in the water to see them under the waves. It is an awesome experience, but in no way interferes with these great animals.

Dolphins in the ocean

My Experience

My travel partner and I woke before dawn and took a taxi from Stonetown to the beach of Kizamkazi, on the southern part of the island. We arrived at the quiet beach still half-asleep and met the captain of our boat. He was prepared with fuel in the motor, bottles of water, and somewhat-worn life jackets in case we needed them.
The full-snorkel gear (flippers, mask, and snorkel) was an additional cost, as some tourists travel with their own diving items. Everything was reasonably priced and highly recommended in order to enjoy this experience to the fullest.

We set off into the cool ocean straight away, hoping to spot some dolphins. As soon as the sun rose in the sky the temperature lifted and the waters appeared that gorgeous turquoise that is the trademark of the Indian Ocean. I knew it was going to be a great day.

Within 30/40 minutes – much sooner than I expected – dolphins appeared near our boat, lovely grey fins standing out against the shining waves.

Our captain explained there are regulations about how close to get to the dolphins (much like my experience whale watching in British Colombia, Canada), and situations when the boat’s motor should be cut. However, not all boats obey these rules and there have been little to no consequences to offenders.

The boat paused in a nice area where the captain said usually was a good location to see many dolphins, and he turned off the boat’s motor. As we bobbled on the waves, I could see a large school of dolphins swimming not far off.
I pulled on my mask and jumped into the water. As I swam under the surface, I saw the school of dolphin swim right towards me!

I was grateful for the mask to view everything underwater clearly, as a group of at least fifteen dolphins swam my way. One dolphin stared straight in my eyes and confidently swam right in front of me. It was so close that I could have extended my hand and touched its smooth fin. I resisted the urge and savored the adrenaline rush of being so close to these beautiful animals, in the wild.

We saw hundreds of dolphins that morning, free and happy in the water. They naturally pass along this route, so Kizamkazi is the ideal place to view them.
And get this: my travel partner (the one who didn’t enjoy swimming and did not jump in the water at all) even enjoyed the day! She said it was amazing seeing so many dolphins from the boat.

Dolphins underwater

I highly recommend swimming with dolphins

Swimming with dolphins in Kizamkazi, Zanzibar was one of my all-time favorite travel experiences. It took my trip to Zanzibar to the next level and created memories I will cherish forever.
I highly recommend joining a dolphin tour, even if you opt to remain in the boat and watch the dolphins from afar – you will not regret it!

Tips:

  1. Plan your dolphin tour in advance because you should depart in the early morning. This means you should also prepare transport unless you are staying in the area.
  2. Consider sharing a boat to spread the cost of this activity among more people.
  3. Tip the boat captain to say “Thanks” for a great experience.
  4. Pack sunscreen – it will be chilly when you leave, but probably bright and sunny and hot as the day progresses.
  5. Wear layers, early morning on the ocean can be very cool.,
  6. Pack your camera and valuables in a waterproof drybag.
  7. Go for the full snorkel kit: mask, snorkel and flippers. I found it much more fun to swim in the deeper waters with flippers on. If you have your own mask and snorkel – bring it along!
  8. Unless you are a strong swimmer, wear a life jacket.
  9. Placing a deposit on a tour can speed things along, such as allow the boat captain to fuel up before your arrival. Make sure to use reputable services or contacts when making a deposit.
Dolphins under water

More About Zanzibar

Read more about what to do, where to stay and my experiences visiting Zanzibar:

Zanzibar : My first trip
Zanzibar : Prison Island
Zanzibar : Why to Fly to Zanzibar
Zanzibar: Uzuri Hotel
Zanzibar: Mizingani Seafront Hotel.

Fly to Zanzibar

Posted on by ree pashley 5 Comments

Why you should fly to Zanzibar

There are several daily flights from Arusha or Kilimanjaro region to Zanzibar. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Dar es Salaam. From personal experience, I highly recommend flying.
Sure, take the ferry if you want to visit Dar es Salaam or travel further south throughout Tanzania. It’s about a 3-hr long ferry ride, and departures are on a regular schedule found here.

If you’re strapped for time, definitely fly. It’s approximately a 45-minute flight, it is direct and you get to experience an aerial view of mainland Tanzania, as well as see Stonetown and the Indian Ocean from above, which are breathtaking.

Bus travel / ferry vs flying

Even if you’re on a budget, I still suggest you fly.
Why?
Because taking a bus from Arusha to Dar typically takes 12 hours. Yes, 12. I don’t care how long it is estimated to take or what Google Maps says, you will spend most of the day on the bus.
There will be stops for lunch and bathroom breaks, which will eat up your time. No matter what the buses advertise (wifi/airconditioning) I have never found these amenities to be functioning and the bus gets very hot in the afternoon. Sometimes there is a movie (it has almost always been a poorly dubbed action movie and twice it was Rambo) and I think I would have preferred no movie at all if given the choice.

Passengers arrive at the bus station far from the ferry terminal, almost always after the last ferry has already departed. Even if it hasn’t, it would take a miracle for you to navigate traffic and purchase your ferry ticket in time.
Guaranteed, you will need to spend the night in Dar es Salaam. You will also have to get a taxi or other transport from the bus terminal to your accommodations. Chances are, you don’t have your ferry tickets in advance and will need to get to the office early to get your tickets, pick up snacks, and board the ferry.

Also, you will need to buy water (lots of water!), your lunch and dinner on the road. All in all, you spend a day and a half in travel to reach Zanzibar.

When you add it all up (bus ticket, food, water, accommodations, transportation, ferry ticket) it often reaches a price similar to the plane fare. And if you put a price value on your time – then there is no question! It’s better to fly than spend a day a half on an uncomfortable bus, eating road-side food and sitting in Dar es Salaam traffic.
Flying takes 2.5 hours accounting for transportation to the airport, waiting for your flight to board, actual flight time, and getting from the airport to Stonetown. Add a bit more time if your hotel is outside of town or in the North or East of the island.

The overnight ferry? It is an option. I wouldn’t do it, everyone I know who has taken it would NOT recommend. If you want a first-hand account, check out this post.

My Advice

If you’re visiting Tanzania definitely visit Zanzibar! You won’t be disappointed. There are museums and historical sites, a great local music scene, incredible food, and wonderful beaches. There are loads of activities and new experiences such as wildlife viewing, fishing, snorkeling, diving, and kite surfing. You can take a painting class, join a spice tour, or learn how to cook local Zanzibar dishes.
Unless you’re planning to visit Dar es Salaam and surrounding areas, or you are keen to sit on a hot bus for 12 hours, book a direct flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar. You’ll save time and possibly even money.

If you need help planning your trip to Zanzibar or booking a flight, please contact me for help.

You can also book tickets from
Air Tanzania
Fast Jet
Precision Airways
Tropical Air
Auric Air
Flight Link

Some of these flights should be paid in-person or with local Tanzanian shillings. Again, if you need help to book in advance (during high season you will!) please fill out the form below.