Where to swim with dolphins in Zanzibar?

Swim with dolphins and the dream of any child that lives in us. It's a exceptional experience that can be achieved in several heavenly places around the world. 

Among these places, theone of the most exceptional is probably the archipelago of Zanzibar. 

Zanzibar is an archipelago of islands in Tanzania located in the Indian Ocean. Tanzania is an East African country located between Kenya and Mozambique.

This archipelago of Zanzibar is globally recognized for its paradisiacal white sand beaches and also its magnificent seabed. 

Having a perfect location, Zanzibar attracts a very large and diverse fauna. We therefore find in particular many dolphins which adopted the coasts of Zanzibar. 

When to swim with dolphins in Zanzibar?

In Zanzibar it is possible to swim with dolphins all year round. However, the best period to be able to observe dolphins in Zanzibar remains the dry season, to know :

• from january to february
• June to October

However, I went on an excursion to swim with the dolphins May and I was lucky enough to be able to see several of them and swim with them. 

So don't worry, if you ever go to Zanzibar outside the best times to swim with dolphins, you will still have the chance to see these magnificent cetaceans in their natural environment.

 

 

 

Where to swim with dolphins in Zanzibar?

In Zanzibar, there are several places to swim with dolphins, however, there is a particularly famous place to be (almost) sure to see dolphins. 

• Menai bay is a beautiful place. The water is calm for swimming with the dolphins.

• Nungwi and Matemwe, two villages in the north of the island where you can swim with dolphins.

• Retired, a small village at the southern tip of the island of Zanzibar. Of many dolphins live in the caves on the south coast of the island. These dolphins have developed special habits that allow them to know where and when to see them. So when you want to go swimming with dolphins in Zanzibar, your tour operator will bring you to Kizimkazi as it is themost famous place to observe them. 

How long is a Zanzibar Dolphin Swim Tour?

When you choose to opt for an excursion to go swimming with the dolphins, your tour operator will tell you that in order tooptimize your chances observe dolphins, you will have to get there early in the morning. 

In fact, as a general rule, you must arrive in Kizimkazi around 8 am-8:30am.

For what reasons ? Well, quite simply because dolphins come out of their cave early in the morning so to go fishing. After 10 a.m. in the morning, the dolphins return in their caves in the south of the island where they live, in order to avoid the heat of the day. 

The excursion will last approximately in the morning, namely a few hours (approximately 3 hours). You will be from back to Kizimkazi at the end of the morning, around 11 hours.

 

How is an excursion to go swimming with dolphins?

Once you arrive in the small village of Kizimkazi which is bordered by baobabs and coconut palms with its turquoise waters, you board a small boat, allowing to accommodate between 2 and 8 people.

During my excursion there were two of us with local friends and we flew weighed anchor around 8:30 am.

Once at sea, the " captain »Of the boat is heading towards famous places to see dolphins, while remaining attentive to its radio with which all captains exchange information on the location of dolphins.

You can get lucky and spot dolphins after just a few minutes on board the boat, however, don't be surprised if you have to wait a little longer to be able to spot the first dolphins.

When the captain spotted dolphins, it sails quickly in the direction of the dolphins. 

Once at their level, you have the possibility to dive with them with mask, snorkel and fins. 

Little advice, think about it check the diving equipment that we lend you before going out to sea. It was while jumping into the water with the dolphins that I realized that my snorkel was pierced, so it was impossible for me to use it during this whole experience… What a shame about it moments like this!

Since dolphins can move quickly, it is certain that you will not be able to follow them while swimming. 

The boats therefore collect you as many times as you want and allow you to dive several times with the dolphins you see.

Be aware that this is a very nice experience but the The conditions in which these excursions are carried out are not always the most respectful for the dolphins. 

Indeed, some tour operators do not think about the well-being and respect of these magnificent cetaceans. 

Some boats do not shut off their engine when approaching dolphins and some dolphins may be injured. The engines of the boats are not cut even though the tourists are in the water with the dolphins only a few meters away. 

Moreover, the Sudden acceleration of boats can scare dolphins and do not respect their peace and safety. 

This is one of the reasons why it is very important to choose the tour operator with which you will make this exceptional excursion. 

 

What is the price to swim with dolphins in Zanzibar?

 

Le price an excursion to swim with dolphins in Kizimkazi various in consideration of the chosen tour operator.

Cependant, le average price for a simple excursion from Kizimkazi is US $ 30 to US $ 45.

The tour operator can also offer you a price including transport from your hotel to the village of Kizimkazi. For this, you can count between US $ 60 and US $ 70, depending on the agency.

As explained above, I advise you to think carefully and check the reviews of the tour operator you want to go on the excursion with. Indeed it is better to choose a tourism agency that will respect the dolphins' natural environment as well as possible, although it will cost you a little more.