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.
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.
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:
- 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.
- Consider sharing a boat to spread the cost of this activity among more people.
- Tip the boat captain to say “Thanks” for a great experience.
- Pack sunscreen – it will be chilly when you leave, but probably bright and sunny and hot as the day progresses.
- Wear layers, early morning on the ocean can be very cool.,
- Pack your camera and valuables in a waterproof drybag.
- 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!
- Unless you are a strong swimmer, wear a life jacket.
- 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.
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.
Do you remember who you went with/what company? Did you book there, or pre-book?
I booked through my hotel! The departure is very early in the morning, so it’s a good idea to plan the day before and arrange for an early taxi (5:30 am for us) to depart from Stonetown or Jambiani/Paje (depending on where you are staying.
You want to go to Kizamkazi for the best dolphin-viewing experience.