The Safari Blue day is the most popular sea excursion in Zanzibar, and for good reason. Wooden sailing dhows leave from Fumba, on the south-west tip of the island, and spend the day in the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a protected stretch of reefs, islets and mangroves. The classic day combines a sandbank that appears at low tide in the middle of the turquoise bay, snorkelling over coral with reef fish, a swim in a sheltered lagoon fringed by mangroves, a visit to a huge old baobab tree, and a grilled seafood lunch on an island beach, with fresh fruit and coconut afterwards. Dolphins are sometimes seen on the crossing. This page links to a full-day Blue Lagoon and sandbank boat tour on Viator, sold as a Safari Blue day, which runs about eight hours with lunch and is rated 4.3 by more than forty travellers. Several operators run near-identical days, so check the stops and inclusions on the booking page before you go.
How it works: tours usually start with a hotel pickup or a meeting at Fumba, then a morning sail by dhow or speedboat to the sandbank and the snorkelling reef. Lunch is a long, relaxed affair on an island beach, typically with grilled fish, lobster or prawns, octopus, rice and salads, followed by fresh tropical fruit. Afternoons include the mangrove lagoon swim and, on many trips, a short walk to see a giant baobab, before the sail back. The Viator tour lasts about eight hours and is priced per person from a mid-range level.
About the name: Safari Blue began as one company’s trip and has become a generic name for the Menai Bay sandbank day, so many operators now sell it. Read what is included: lunch, snorkel gear, drinks, transfers and the conservation fee vary.
Making the most of it: the sandbank shrinks as the tide rises, so the day follows the tide timetable. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a towel and a dry bag, and wear water shoes for the coral and sea urchins. Stone Town is the closest base, about forty minutes from Fumba by road.
What to expect
The experience
A day sailing Menai Bay with a sandbank stop, reef snorkelling, a mangrove lagoon swim and a seafood lunch on an island beach.
Best time
The dry seasons from June to October and December to February, when the bay is calm and the light is brightest.
How long
About eight hours including transfers.
Tips
Wear water shoes, bring a dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen, and check exactly what your operator includes before you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the archetypal Zanzibar sea day of turquoise water, white sand and grilled lobster.
- Families
- One of the best family days on the island, with shallow water at the sandbank and the lagoon and a long beach lunch.
- Couples
- Lazy, sunny and photogenic, with time to swim and lie on the sand between sails.
- Pair with
- A quiet day in Stone Town afterwards, or the spice farm tour the next morning.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What is Safari Blue in Zanzibar?+
Safari Blue is a full-day sea trip in the Menai Bay Conservation Area, usually by dhow from Fumba. It combines a sandbank, snorkelling, a lagoon swim and a seafood lunch on an island.
Where does the Safari Blue trip leave from?+
Most trips leave from Fumba on the south-west coast, about forty minutes by road from Stone Town. Many include hotel pickup.
Is lunch included?+
Lunch is usually included and is the highlight for many, with grilled seafood and fruit on the beach. Check your booking for the exact menu and drinks.
Is Safari Blue suitable for non-swimmers?+
Yes, the sandbank and lagoon are shallow and life jackets are normally provided. Non-swimmers can enjoy the sail and lunch without snorkelling.
Will I see dolphins on Safari Blue?+
Dolphins are sometimes seen in Menai Bay but are not guaranteed. For the best dolphin chances, many people book a separate dolphin trip.
