Tanzania is often associated with safaris in the savanna. What fewer people realize is that it's also an ideal destination for observing cetaceans and marine life! From Menai Bay to Mnemba Island: discover the places where you can see dolphins in Zanzibar – as well as spots for snorkeling and spotting turtles!

Where to see dolphins in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is a beach paradise located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania. The archipelago, which comprises around fifty islands and extends over more than 1,200 km², is renowned for the beauty of its coral reefs and protected marine zones...

The result? Waters rich in fish and squid: Zanzibar's waters are home to many dolphins, drawn by the abundance of food! This provides an opportunity for visitors to observe these mammals in their natural habitat (before or after a safari in Tanzania, for example).

Menai Bay (Fumba and Kizimkazi)

Among the sites for observing dolphins, Menai Bay (or Menai Bay Conservation Area) is the most renowned spot. Located in the southwest of Zanzibar, this protected site of 500 m² is known for harboring around 200 specimens – and for being a turtle breeding zone!

Menai Bay is also a place conducive to diving and snorkeling, with its many clownfish and parrotfish (among other species). Boat departures to spot dolphins in the bay leave from the villages of Fumba and Kizimkazi…

The village of Fumba

Fumba is a small village in Zanzibar, located on the southern point, about 20 km from Stone Town. The excursion off Menai Bay can be done aboard a dhow, a traditional sailing vessel, with a local fisherman.

The village of Kizimkazi

Kizimkazi is a former fishing village (whose activity ceased due to overfishing in recent decades). Today, the village – considered one of the best diving spots in Zanzibar – offers sea excursions to observe dolphins. These outings are often run by former fishermen who have become tour guides.

Mnemba Island

Located to the northeast of Unguja, the Mnemba atoll is also a place conducive to dolphin watching. It is a small private island whose coral reefs are largely a protected marine zone.

As with Menai Bay, the abundance of food attracts dolphins, and it's not uncommon to see them hunting and leaping off the island's shore... If you take your excursion between June and September, you'll also have a chance to spot many turtles, as this is the hatching season!

Departures to Mnemba Island leave from the island of Unguja (notably from the beaches of Matemwe and Nungwi).

What dolphins can you see off Zanzibar?

The Zanzibar archipelago is home to several dolphin species, including:

1. The humpback dolphin (sousa plumbea)

This species is recognizable by its hump located at the level of the dorsal fin. It is an endangered species, listed on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

2. The spinner dolphin (stenella longirostris)

As its name suggests, this dolphin species is characterized by its long rostrum. Morphologically, they are slightly smaller than other species (around 1.50 meters compared to 2.60 meters).

3. The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (tursiops aduncus)

This specimen is known for its sociability and often moves in small groups (around ten individuals). It is identifiable by its short rostrum and slightly rounded head. It is the most common species off Zanzibar's coast.

What's the best time to observe dolphins in Zanzibar ?

Dolphins are present year-round off Zanzibar's coast. Nevertheless, the best time to observe them is during the dry season, between June and December. Waves are then calmer and more favorable for observing these mammals.

Excursions are recommended in the morning (preferably at dawn). Why? Like us, dolphins avoid the heat and tend to hide during high temperatures. To increase your chances of spotting them, it's therefore better not to schedule your sea outing in the afternoon.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see whales in Zanzibar?

From July to September, it's possible to see humpback whales off Mnemba Island, located to the northeast of Unguja (the main island of Zanzibar).

What can you do in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is an ideal destination for observing marine life (boat excursions, scuba diving, snorkeling), discovering paradise islands, and trekking through the jungle. Among the other must-see attractions in the archipelago? The city of Stone Town and the Kiwengwa caves (on Unguja island), Prison Island (Changuu Island) and Chumbe Island (a private nature reserve focused on eco-tourism).

Audrey Denjean