DOLPHIN TOUR

One of the most popular excursions in Zanzibar is the Dolphin tour, to observe these famous pods of dolphins, and, if you're physically fit, to swim with them. Hundreds of dolphins live in Kizimkazi Bay all year round. Early in the morning, you can watch them from the shore in tightly packed squads. The boats go far out to sea to find them, and drop you in their path. You then have to jump in quickly with mask and snorkel and swim in choppy waters, until they disappear into the depths. If you don't make too many sudden movements, they won't deviate. It's a magical moment. Some dolphins will interact with you, uttering their crystalline calls, and can be in a playful mood. The earlier you arrive, the more dynamic and playful they are, especially around 7-8 am. From a certain hour onwards, they're on the lookout for food and move further offshore, so the chance of encountering them is much rarer. In July and August, humpback whales can also be seen in this deep-water bay, unprotected by the coral reef that surrounds the island!

Warning. This activity is not suitable for very young children, people who can't swim well (except to observe them) or those who are afraid of boats - they rock in the open sea! The activity is also controversial. It raises questions about the methods used by local fishermen. Stalking dolphins, the continuous noise of engines, hordes of boats surrounding them, forcing them to deviate their trajectory. There are no ecological warnings, no marine ranger supervision... That's if the tourists don't jump on their backs! They had once become scarce in Kizimkazi Bay due to overcrowding... but have returned since tourists have concentrated in Mnemba to swim with them. In fact, we strongly advise against this activity there, as the dolphins are even more harassed than at Kizimkazi, by around 30 boats from Nungwi, Muyuni and Kigomani. They are a little calmer towards Kizimkazi, where the waters are very rough, at the extreme southern end of the island and therefore not very accessible to the crowds from the north, because it's far away... In June, the sea is too tossed about by the wind. High season is July-August and February. Try to ensure that your boat respects the tranquility of the groups of dolphins being tracked. Can be combined with Pungume (high-quality snorkeling and sandbar grilling).