Tanzanie is often synonymous with safari adventures across the savanna. What many don't realize is that it's also an ideal destination for observing cetaceans and marine life! From Menai Bay to Mnemba Island: discover the best spots for seeing dolphins in Zanzibar – as well as the finest locations for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles!

Where to See Dolphins in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is a beach paradise situated in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzanie. The archipelago, which comprises around fifty islands and spans over 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 numerous dolphins, drawn by the abundance of food! This gives travelers the opportunity to observe these magnificent mammals in their natural habitat (before or after a safari in Tanzanie, for example).

Menai Bay (Fumba and Kizimkazi)

Among the sites where you can observe dolphins, Menai Bay (or Menai Bay Conservation Area) is the most renowned spot. Located in the southwest of Zanzibar, this protected site of 500 km² is known for hosting around 200 specimens – and for being a turtle breeding ground!

Menai Bay is also an excellent location for scuba diving and snorkeling, with its numerous 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 on Zanzibar, situated on the southern tip, approximately 20 km from Stone Town. The excursion offshore from Menai Bay can be taken 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 massive fishing over recent decades). Today, the village – considered one of the best diving spots in Zanzibar – offers boat outings to observe dolphins. These excursions are often led by former fishermen who have become tourist guides.

Mnemba Island

Located in the northeast of Unguja, the Mnemba atoll is also an excellent site for dolphin watching. It is a small private island, much of whose reefs form 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 go on your excursion between June and September, you'll also have the chance to spot numerous turtles, as this is the hatching season!

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

Paje and Jambiani

While most departures from southern Zanzibar start at Kizimkazi, it's also possible to embark from Paje or Jambiani.

These outings are generally made in traditional dhows. These wooden sailing vessels offer gentler, more environmentally respectful navigation, and often more authentic experiences.

What Dolphins Can You See off the Coast of Zanzibar?

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

1. The Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea)

This species is recognizable by the hump located at its 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 snout. Morphologically, they are slightly smaller than other species (around 1.50 meters compared to 2.60 meters).

3. The Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus)

This specimen is renowned for its sociability and often travels in small groups (around ten individuals). It is identifiable by its short snout and somewhat rounded head. It is the most abundant species off the coast of Zanzibar.

What is the Best Time to Observe Dolphins in Zanzibar?

Dolphins are present year-round off the coast of Zanzibar. However, the best time to observe them is during the dry season, from June to December – with an ideal peak between September and November, which offers excellent weather conditions.

During this period, the waves are calmer and more conducive to observing mammals. Indeed, calm seas allow for better underwater visibility and provide dolphins with a more stable environment, making them easier to spot and observe.

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

Can I Swim with Dolphins in Zanzibar?

The answer is no! As you search around, you'll likely find excursions that offer snorkeling sessions to swim with dolphins… Even though this is permitted, note that this practice is not ethical at all...

Indeed, while dolphins are renowned for their gentleness, they remain wild animals that are not meant to interact or swim with humans. Rather than enjoying themselves, these specimens are stressed by these unnatural tourism practices…

Similarly, before booking your boat outing, research the practices of your operator. For the wellbeing of animals, boats must:

• maintain sufficient distance from dolphins so as not to disturb them (or injure them),
• schedule a boat outing of limited duration (so as not to stress dolphins with engine noise, nor create crowds around them – as unfortunately happens at Kizimkazi, where boats race to get the best "viewing spot"…),
• hold a dedicated license for this type of excursion (with trained guides),
• not offer swimming or snorkeling breaks with dolphins!

What Other Marine Mammals Can You See in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar's marine depths are partly protected by designated zones, such as the Menai Bay Conservation Area (MBCA), which is Zanzibar's largest protected marine zone. In addition to hosting dolphins, Tanzanie's waters allow you to observe other majestic mammals…

Humpback Whales

These cetaceans (which can reach 16 meters in length and weigh 40 tons!) congregate annually off the coast of Zanzibar during the seasonal migration from June to November. During this period, whales leave the cool waters of the Southern Ocean to come mate and give birth in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

The Dugong

The dugong is a magnificent marine mammal facing extinction... You can nonetheless sometimes catch a glimpse of its streamlined silhouette around the archipelago. This "sea cow" is recognizable by its cylindrical head and front limbs shaped like rounded flippers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can You See Whales in Zanzibar?

From July to September, it's possible to see humpback whales off Mnemba Island, in the northeast of Unguja (Zanzibar's main island). You can also spot them around Mafia Island, Chole Bay (particularly between late August and early October), and off Zanzibar Town, Paje and Nungwi.

What Can You Do in Zanzibar?

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