Safari Blue Zanzibar Review: Is it Worth it?

So, you’re eyeing up that Safari Blue day trip in Zanzibar, are you? Is it just me, or does the very name conjure images of idyllic islands, clear turquoise water, and just an all-around incredible day out? Well, lots of tour operators are saying it’s a ‘can’t miss’ Zanzibar experience. And guess what? I’ve been. I have first-hand experience. It’s a big decision. This write-up is here to give you, like your very own travel confidant, the honest lowdown, separating the Instagrammable fantasy from the actual reality.

What’s Safari Blue All About?

Safari Blue isn’t just any boat trip; it’s, in some respects, pretty much an institution when it comes to Zanzibar tourism. Since its inception, this day-long escapade has become very famous for showcasing the natural splendor surrounding Zanzibar’s southwest coast. Think sailing on a traditional dhow, gliding across seriously bright waters, hopping between powdery sandbanks, snorkeling among coral reefs, and tucking into some seriously delectable seafood. It’s that picture postcard image a lot of people conjure when they, like, dream about Zanzibar.

The whole operation kicks off from Fumba, basically a little fishing village. From here, the dhows glide out, often hugging the coastline as they make their way to the various attractions. That makes the tour a bit unique. The dhows themselves add to the charm, especially since they’re these traditionally built sailing vessels. Keep in mind, so too it’s almost worth soaking up just that slice of local culture too, by the way.

My Personal Experience on the Safari Blue Trip

As I was saying, alright, I jumped on board with rather lofty expectations, you know? The images splashed across travel brochures tend to paint the prettiest of pictures. The start, so I recall, involved some waiting around as groups got organized. It’s almost, just a little, a universal thing with tours, you see. Once we got going though, any little delays disappeared as the dhow set sail. Basically, the sail itself, with that cloth catching the wind, that made a lovely change of pace from the usual motorboat hustle.

That water really did live up to the hype: properly crystal and brilliantly clear. When we reached that first snorkeling spot, you could see that it was teaming with all kinds of marine life. Honestly, I was hoping for a bit more color. Just being brutally frank about it. The snorkeling was great, no doubt. Plenty of fish and rather interesting coral. I reckon a person could get something more amazing somewhere like the Great Barrier Reef, alright, but for a quick dip off the coast of Zanzibar, it was still properly delightful.

After that, it was off to the sandbank. What a spot! The bluest of skies, soft sand, it certainly felt as though you’d, like, stepped into an advertisement. They put up shaded tents and offered up fresh fruit. A genuinely wonderful little break. Getting back on that dhow again meant a chance to chill. So you get a feel for the coastline and soak up that lovely sea breeze. Now that’s living, as a matter of fact.

The lunch on Kwale Island really does seal the deal. We’re talking a feast of grilled seafood: lobster, fish, calamari. Goodness, it was seriously plentiful! And they top it off with more fresh fruit. You could just eat yourself silly, honestly. If you like your seafood, like your very own, that’s pretty much the stuff of vacation dreams, you know? Kwale Island itself had that opportunity to buy some souvenirs, actually. Be ready to barter, especially since vendors start very high.

After lunch, that took the opportunity to try climbing a baobab tree (it’s bigger than you would ever imagine), look at that workshop of handmade boats (proper authentic, obviously), and there was some demonstration about climbing a palm tree. To be honest, these activities are good for those with that bit more time, in that case. Overall, it’s a great chance to get an idea about, basically, what it really means for local islanders.

The Good Bits (and a Few Not-So-Good Bits)

So, alright, what did I actually think? That will affect your final decision. So the pros? Well, that whole thing is superbly organized, it could be said. From pick-up to drop-off, honestly everything goes smoothly. That staff is great – basically really friendly and keen to help out in pretty much any way. The seafood lunch? Well, I can’t big that up enough, honestly. Delicious, you see, plentiful and just a really amazing experience. And the scenery…well, that really speaks for itself, it would be fair to say. Zanzibar really is jaw-dropping.

Yet it’s not, actually, total perfection, alright. Safari Blue can get properly crowded, frankly. And if you hate that feeling of being herded around with tons of other tourists, then this, arguably, won’t be the experience for you. Some people have complained of pushy vendors at the souvenir stalls. The coral, as I was saying, and the fish are really nice to see. Though not so stunning. Maybe it’s because I’ve got properly high expectations for a marine environment, alright, I accept that. If you don’t go expecting something like you’d see on the Barrier Reef, you will think it really is excellent.

Things to Keep in Mind if You Go

Sun Protection is Important: Sunscreen, hats, all that sort of stuff, clearly, are critical. That sun is extra potent out on those water banks.
Bring Cash, clearly: The drinks on the boat are priced high, you might find you have that opportunity to pick up keepsakes on Kwale Island. Cards are not a practical solution.
Footwear That Offers Good Grip is Smart: That dhow decks may be slippery, that sandbank visits demand shoes that are convenient for paddling in, that is worth pointing out. Flip-flops/ slides work well, anyway.
Towel: That needs no explaining.
Timing Can Affect your Fun: Honestly, that weather really plays a part. Trips on bright and cloudless days really are significantly better than those undertaken during cloudy spells. So have a look at your forecasts before confirming.

Is Safari Blue Right for You?

Safari Blue is, potentially, absolutely a superb experience, like your own, particularly if you are someone that relishes stress-free adventure coupled with seafood feasts. Though it might not suit everyone, like your very own experience, for me at least.

Families: Children really do love that boat ride. That sandbank bit, the snorkeling bit (although obviously, supervision is so critical). I think Safari Blue really would be ideal.
Couples: Honestly, can you think of anything so wonderfully romantic as bobbing across lovely waters on an ancient sailing craft? Then scoffing a seafood platter on some desert island? That’s for you then.
Solo Travelers: Arguably a chance to meet that tourist set, that would love that bit of easy mingling, basically. Plus, as a matter of fact, no need to worry regarding organizing absolutely anything.
Budget Backpackers: Not necessarily your very greatest bet. There certainly are less costly trips to get out, you know? That said, I can totally see it becoming worth stretching your funds. And going anyway. As that seafood barbecue, honestly that does elevate it.

Worth the Money?

As a matter of fact, so comes that big question. And honestly, only you can, like your very own experience, really answer it. But I reckon that, if you’re only going to do that guided tour whilst in Zanzibar, well, you ought to consider Safari Blue as your winner. The prices are going up and up, as everywhere, I reckon it still constitutes something pretty close to being a remarkable adventure day.

Alternatives to Safari Blue

There is always more than one path you could follow. If something else aligns better, by the way, do it. As a matter of fact, there are other possibilities that could be closer to meeting your needs.

Menai Bay Conservation Area Tour: Menai Bay offers you the possibility to visit multiple small islands. The possibility to go dolphin spotting is usually the main event and the snorkeling is good too. Usually more focused on ecology. As a matter of fact, often considered quieter than Safari Blue.
Private Dhow Trip: Would you hate being stuck within big parties and love being able to set all the arrangements as suits you? Getting to know local companies may get you that opportunity. That comes as the benefit of tailoring absolutely everything around your interests. Just know it has a cost implication for parties smaller than 4.
Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Trip: Not as famous as other excursions but so much closer to Nungwi or Kendwa if you stay on the northside of the island. No sailing on this one though, as a matter of fact. As a trade-off, anyway, there can often be the opportunity for an abundance of water sports