Articles
Half Day & Full Day Game Fishing in Zanzibar
Itinerary Summary - Standard & Budget Fishing
| Item | Detail |
| Minimum price | $285 per trip... more prices |
| Schedule (half day) | 06:30 to 11:30 (fixed time) |
| Schedule (half day) - budget | 06:30 to 09:30 (fixed time) |
| Schedule (full day) | 06:30 to 14:30 (fixed time) |
| Departure point | Nungwi, North Matemwe - Northbound (budget) Kizimkazi - Southbound (budget) |
| Key activities | Fishing |
Zanzibar is fortunate in having superb fishing almost all the year. Fishing in Zanzibar is synonymous as some of the most exhilarating and challenging deep-sea fishing is available. It gets more interesting when the North East monsoon blows, the billfish arrive in great numbers.
The Fishing Boats
We considered our clients fishing needs and therefore we have finally included different boat sizes for different fishing needs and budget. Scroll down for the prices of each fishing trip on each boat.
| The Suli Suli | The Ocean Spirit | The Baloo |
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What is the Best Season for Game Fishing in Zanzibar?
Fish Availability Map
| Fish type/month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| ➊ Striped Marlin | ||||||||||||
| ➋ Black Marlin | ||||||||||||
| ➌ Blue Marlin | ||||||||||||
| ➍ Shortbill | ||||||||||||
| ➎ Sailfish | ||||||||||||
| ➏ Broadbill | ||||||||||||
| ➐ Tuna |
(1) Striped Marlin
Chance to Catch it: November to March
Bio: It is the most prolific of the Marlin and they seasonally migrate through the natural corridor between Zanzibar and the mainland. This fish is well-known for its fighting ability and is renowned for its speed and acrobatic displays. It has a reputation for spending more time in the air than in the water just after it is hooked.
(2) Black Marlin
Chance to Catch it: August to October
Bio: A highly rated game fishing in Zanzibar, the Black Marlin has the power, size and persistence of which anglers dream! The Black Marlin in Zanzibar and East African waters are generally larger than the other Marlin and have short, heavy bodies with the fins virtually locked in position.
(3) Blue Marlin
Chance to Catch it: August to October
Bio: The Blue Marlin is the largest of the Marlin family. It is a more streamlined version of the Black Marlin. It has a long slender bill extending up to a virtual point on the top of the head where the dorsal fin slants, resulting in a huge speed take off compared to other Marlin.
(4) Shortbill Spearfish
Chance to Catch it: August to October
Bio: This elusive game fish does exist in the waters of Zanzibar on the Pemba Channel, but is infrequently encountered and rarely seen and caught. This fish is a highly migratory deep-water species feeding at or near the surface on medium-sized fish, including Dorado, Flying Fish and Pilot Fish, Squid and Crustaceans. They appear to be available all year in small numbers. The methods are the same as for other billfish.
(5) Sailfish
Chance to Catch it: All year
Bio: The Sailfish is one of the most strikingly colourful game fish of all - its outstanding feature is the long, high first dorsal which is slate or cobalt blue with a scattering of black spots. Its body is dark blue and silver and lights up with white dots and lines of electric blue.
(6) Broadbill
Chance to Catch it: All year
Bio: Broadbill is known as the 'Gladiator of the Sea' due to its reputation of being the toughest of all the billfish with a violent mood, and is considered by many to be the toughest of all billfish to catch.
(7) Tuna
Chance to Catch it: All year
Bio: From August we start to see large numbers of migrating Yellowfin Tuna fish, which are, pound for pound, one of the strongest fish that swim and can put up a challenging fight. These swift, sleek marauders of the worlds' oceans can be picked out from their close relatives by their bright yellow finlets and belly.
(8) Lesser Game Fish
Chance to Catch Them: All year
Apart from the fish mentioned above fish like Wahoo, Barracuda, Giant Trevally, Dorado and Kingfish are among the most common fish caught in these waters.
Prices for Game Fishing in Zanzibar
Half Day Trips (5hrs)
| Fishing Boats | Suli Suli (max. 4) |
Ocean Spirit (max. 5) |
Baloo (max. 5) |
| Price | $485 | $635 | $785 |
| Dafu coconut and fruits | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Beer and fruits | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Fishing technique | Angling | Angling | Angling |
| Price Inclusions | |||
| Boat, skipper, crew | |||
| Bait and tackle | |||
| Equipment |
Full Day Trips (8hrs)
| Fishing Boats | Suli Suli (max. 4) |
Ocean Spirit (max. 5) |
Baloo (max. 5) |
| Prices | $685 | $885 | $985 |
| Dafu coconut and fruits | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Beer and fruits | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Fishing technique | Angling | Angling | Angling |
| Price Inclusions | |||
| Boat, skipper, crew | |||
| Bait and tackle | |||
| Equipment | |||
| Lunch |
Budget Trips (3hrs)
| Fishing Route | Northbound (max. 4) |
Southbound (max. 4) |
| Prices | $300 | $285 |
| Dafu coconut and fruits | $5 | $5 |
| Beer and fruits | $10 | $10 |
| Fishing technique | Angling | Angling |
| Price Inclusions | ||
| Boat, skipper, crew | ||
| Bait and tackle | ||
| Equipment |
Game Fishing Deposit Special
| 🎁 High-tier early booker Booking more than 6mons prior: deposit 40% of the total first. The rest to be paid 30 days before the trip. |
| 🎁 Mid-tier early booker Booking 3-6mons prior: deposit 50% of the total first. The rest to be paid 30 days before the trip. |
| 🎁 Low-tier early booker Booking less than 3mons prior: deposit 100% of the total. |
Halfday & Fullday Snorkeling in Zanzibar
Itinerary Summary - Snorkeling at Mnemba
| Item | Detail |
| Minimum price | $20 per person... more prices |
| Schedule (half day) | 07:30 to 10:30 (fixed time) |
| Schedule (full day) | 07:30 to 15:30 (fixed time) |
| Starting point | Matemwe, North East |
| Termination point | Matemwe, North East |
| Key activities | Sightseeing, snorkeling |
| Main attractions | Mnemba Island (private island), corals, marine lives |
| Memo | Bring your swimwear and towels. |
The experience of snorkeling in Zanzibar is regarded among the best in the world. Our sites will thrill you and give you an unforgettable experience.
Why Mnemba Island?
A single small island located about 3km off the Northeast coast. It is surrounded by an oval reef seven by four kilometres in extent. These reefs have been declared a Marine Conservation area. Mnemba Island and its reef are sometimes called Mnemba Atoll which is incorrect because an atoll is an island that encircles a lagoon, which is not the case for Mnemba Island. Mnemba has pproximately 600 species of coral reef fish.
Common Marine Animals Found in Zanzibar Waters
Some of the most common species you should expect to see while snorkeling in Zanzibar are butterflyfish, parrotfish, clownfish, boxfish, lionfish, angelfish, stingrays, turtles, dolphins, lobsters, squids, crabs, nudibranches, starfish cucumbers, sponges, shrimps, sea urchin and the list goes on.
A Chance of Whales Spotting
The Humpback Whale
The deep water around Zanzibar attracts some of the real giants of the Indian Ocean and sometimes we see the amazing Humpback Whale very close to the beaches, roaming from the Mafia Island betweeen July and November.
The Whale Shark
We do get frequent visits from the friendly whale shark that sometimes allows snorkelers to come very close. Despite its name and size it is harmless. Refer to our scuba diving packages for a deeper look.
Average Sea Temperatures in Zanzibar
| Scale | Temperature (°C) | |
| Month | Min | Max |
| January | 27.5 | 29.8 |
| February | 27.7 | 29.6 |
| March | 28.4 | 30.2 |
| April 🥵 | 27.6 | 30.8 |
| May | 27.5 | 29.2 |
| June | 25.8 | 28.1 |
| July | 25.3 | 26.8 |
| August 🥶 | 24.7 | 26.5 |
| September | 25.0 | 26.8 |
| October | 25.2 | 28.1 |
| November | 26.4 | 29.5 |
| December | 27.1 | 30.2 |
Prices for Snorkeling in Zanzibar
| Site | Mnemba Island | |
| Package | Half day | Full day |
| Adult | $25 | $65 |
| Child (5-10) | $20 | $60 |
| Baby | - | - |
| Group from 5 | $20 | $60 |
| Wetsuit | $10 | $10 |
| Dafu coconut and fruits | $5 | $5 |
| Price Inclusions | ||
| Entry: Menay Bay conservation | ||
| Life jacket, mask, flippers | ||
| Boat, skipper, crew | ||
| Lunch | - | |
Pick-up and drop off would be calculated for you separately depending on your location.
Snorkeling Deposit Special
| 🎁 High-tier early booker Booking more than 6mons prior: deposit 40% of the total first. The rest to be paid 30 days before the trip. |
| 🎁 Mid-tier early booker Booking 3-6mons prior: deposit 50% of the total first. The rest to be paid 30 days before the trip. |
| 🎁 Low-tier early booker Booking less than 3mons prior: deposit 100% of the total. |
Slave Trade Tour in Zanzibar
Itinerary Summary - Slave Route Unvailed
| Item | Detail |
| Minimum price | $40 per person... more prices |
| Schedule | 09:00 to 12:00 (time flexible) |
| 13:30 to 16:30 (time flexible) | |
| Starting point | Kelele Square, Stone Town |
| Termination point | Mangapwani, West |
| Key activities | Sightseeing |
| Main attractions | The Central Market, Dr. David Lingstone's house, Maruhubi ruins, Mangapwani chamber and caves |
| Memo | Not for faint-hearted |
Slaves monuments.
This is a guided excursion that will take you back to the 16th century when Zanzibar was a commercial empire. The Slave Trade Tour in Zanzibar will help you trace our history back to the colonial times where slavery began.
What the Trip Includes
Visit Zanzibar Central Market
The tour starts from Kelele Square, walk along the alleys of Stone Town to the house of former trader Tippu Tip. Then proceed to biggest market at Mkunazini where slaves were cruelty whipped before being auctioned.
Zanzibar Central Market.
Visit Dr. David Livingstone's House
Visit the house of the good slaves friend Dr. David Livingstone who campaigned for the abolition of slavery which marked its end in 1873.
Visit Maruhubi ruins
Visit Maruhubi Ruins where 99 necked enslaved women were entertaining the Arab Sultan of Zanzibar (1870-1888) in the luxurious palace.
Maruhubi ruins.
Visit Mangapwani chamber and caves
The last stop is at Mangapwani chamber where slaves were kept waiting for monsoon winded boats to fetch them and to be exiled.
Mangapwani slaves cave.
Prices for Slave Trade Tour
| Categories | Basic | Premium | Plus |
| Adult | $45 | $60 | $70 |
| Child (5-10) | $40 | $55 | $55 |
| Baby | - | - | - |
| Group from 5 | $40 | $55 | $65 |
| Dafu coconut and fruits | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Price Inclusions | |||
| Entry: Maruhubi ruins | |||
| Entry: Mangapwani caves | |||
| Entry: Mangapwani chamber | |||
| Entry: Slave market | |||
| Transfer 4km: City to Maruhubi | |||
| Transfer 20km: Maruhubi to Mangapwani | |||
| Tour guide (English) | - | ||
| Bottle of water | |||
| Alcohol (adults only) | - | - | |
| Lunch | - |
Pick-up and drop off would be calculated for you separately depending on your location.
Slave Trade Deposit Special
| 🎁 High-tier early booker Booking more than 6mons prior: deposit 40% of the total first. The rest to be paid 30 days before the trip. |
| 🎁 Mid-tier early booker Booking 3-6mons prior: deposit 50% of the total first. The rest to be paid 30 days before the trip. |
| 🎁 Low-tier early booker Booking less than 3mons prior: deposit 100% of the total. |
Dolphin Tour in Zanzibar
Itinerary Summary - Swimming with Dolphins
| Attribute | Itinerary |
| Minimum price | $20 per person... more prices |
| -- Southbound (Kizimkazi) | |
| Schedule | 07:00 to 10:00 (fixed time) |
| Starting point | Kizimkazi, South |
| Termination point | Kizimkazi, South |
| -- Northbound (Mnemba Island) | |
| Schedule | 07:30 to 10:30 (fixed time) |
| Starting point | Matemwe, North East |
| Termination point | Matemwe, North East |
| -- More Info: | |
| Key activities | Sightseeing, snorkeling |
| Main attractions | Humpback Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins |
| Memo | The dolphins are not in captivity, its imperative to stick with the time to catch up with their routine |
Bottlenose Dolphin.
This is a morning excursion, the main attraction of the Dolphin Tour in Zanzibar being able to swim close to the dolphins, actually its swimming with the dolphins. Being very social themselves you can even get to play with them.
Humpback Dolphins.
Is Swimming with Dolphins Safe?
Dolphins are known for being friendly, but they are wild animals that should be treated with caution and respect. Interactions with people change dolphin behavior for the worse. They lose their natural wariness, which makes them easy targets for vandalism and shark attack. These dolphin you are visiting are not in captivity or tamed so it important to take precaution.
What the Trip Includes
Swimming with Dolphins at Kizimkazi
Kizimkazi fishing village is home to several schools of the bottlenosed dolphins and humpback dolphins, which are sighted following a short boat trip from the village. The dolphins are very friendly and playful. The best part is getting into the water and play with them.
Swimming with dolphins in Kizimkazi.
Swimming with Dolphins at Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is by far the most popular island in the archipelago. It's simply gorgeous and the underwater life matches the scene. In recent days, dolphins have continuously been spotted in the area, catching every swimmer's attention. Like those in Kizimkazi, these dolphins can also be approached and swim with.
Prices for Dolphin Tour in Zanzibar
| Categories | Basic | Premium | Plus |
| Adult | $25 | $40 | $50 |
| Child (5-10) | $20 | $35 | $35 |
| Baby | - | - | - |
| Group from 5 | $20 | $35 | $45 |
| Breakfast (omelette with chapati) | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Price Inclusions | |||
| Entry: Menai Bay conservation | |||
| Life jacket, mask, flippers | |||
| Boat, skipper, crew | |||
| Bottle of water | |||
| Alcohol (adults only) | - | - | |
| Lunch | - |
Pick-up and drop off would be calculated for you separately depending on your location.
Dolphin Tour Deposit Special
| 🎁 High-tier early booker Booking more than 6mons prior: deposit 40% of the total first. The rest to be paid 30 days before the trip. |
| 🎁 Mid-tier early booker Booking 3-6mons prior: deposit 50% of the total first. The rest to be paid 30 days before the trip. |
| 🎁 Low-tier early booker Booking less than 3mons prior: deposit 100% of the total. |
Jozani Forest Tour in Zanzibar
Itinerary Summary - Jozani Sightseeing & Kayaking
| Item | Detail |
| Minimum price | $15 per person... more prices |
| Schedule | 09:00 to 12:00 (time flexible) |
| 13:30 to 16:30 (time flexible) | |
| Starting point | Jozani Forest, Central |
| Termination point | Jozani Forest, Central |
| Key activities | Sightseeing, canoeing/kayaking |
| Main attractions | Red Colobus money, the mangroves swamp |
| Memo | Watch your personal belongings, these monkeys are cheeky |
The Jozani Forest boarwalk.
This is a 3-hours guided excursion. The Jozani Forest Tour will take you to the Jozani natural forest (it is the only natural forest in Zanzibar Island). The forest is located in the central east region of the Zanzibar Island. Just about a 20min drive from Stone Town. It is a narrow neck of land between the Chwaka Bay in the north and Uzi Bay to the south. It contains about 100 tree species from a total of 43 families.
The forest has over 2,512ha that includes the whole ground water forest, coral rag forest and salt marsh area.
What the Trip Includes
Visit the rare Red Colobus Monkey
The forest is the home of the rare Red Colobus Monkey, which is only endemic to this forest. This part of your holiday mainly focuses on a visit to the naturally reserved forest on this specially dedicated excursion.
See the mangrove swamp and other wildlife
The forest also accommodates a large mangrove swamp and a tract of natural forest that is home to a few unique species including the Sykes monkey, bush babies, Ader's duiker, over 50 species of butterfly and 40 species of birds.
Kayaking throught the mangrove swamp.
Prices for Jozani Forest Tour
| Categories | Basic | Premium | Plus |
| Adult | $20 | $35 | $45 |
| Child (5-10) | $15 | $30 | $30 |
| Baby | - | - | - |
| Group from 5 | $15 | $30 | $40 |
| Dafu coconut and fruits | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Kayaking | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| Price Inclusions | |||
| Tour guide (English) | |||
| Entry: Jozani Forest | |||
| Bottle of water | |||
| Alcohol (adults only) | - | - | |
| Lunch | - |
Pick-up and drop off would be calculated for you separately depending on your location.
Jozani Forest Tour Deposit Special
| 🎁 High-tier early booker Booking more than 6mons prior: deposit 40% of the total first. The rest to be paid 30 days before the trip. |
| 🎁 Mid-tier early booker Booking 3-6mons prior: deposit 50% of the total first. The rest to be paid 30 days before the trip. |
| 🎁 Low-tier early booker Booking less than 3mons prior: deposit 100% of the total. |