Half-Day Dhow Sailing Tour to Tumbatu Island with snorkeling
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
We are a family-run business providing a high-end sailing experience on traditional Dhow sailing boats. We are proudly Tanzanian-made with a focus on sustainability.
Our trip starts in the morning from Kendwa beach, sailing out and straight over the sea ahead of us towards the neighbouring island of Tumbatu. Given proximity we will have a short transfer over and reach Tumbatu after around 45 min. We will anchor in a tranquil spot for you to take your first jump into the water to enjoy some swimming and snorkelling. During that time our team will prepare a variety of snacks and fruit for you to enjoy afterwards. You can lounge on deck, enjoy the views together with some cool drinks.
We will then continue our journey towards a second snorkel nearby, which offers again possibility for swimming and snorkeling. Tumbatu is well known for being less frequented by tourists and a peaceful environment with a wonderful reef. We will start our sail back to Kendwa shortlz before lunch.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Tumbatu Island
You will be able to swim and snorkel at the Reef in front of Tumbatu Island. We have several beautiful spots where we can anchor the boat and you can explore the underwater world. Since Tumbatu is less frequented then other places around Zanzibar, you will find this to be really peaceful place with hardly any other touristic boats. We will also have a break for some lounging and relaxation on the boat and for you to enjoy some drinks, snacks and soak up the beautiful nature around you.
Options
Half-Day Dhow Sailing Tour to Tumbatu Island with snorkeling
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Included are two beers per Person or Wine
This is a shared boat trip with maximum 10 guests on the boat
Including free pickup service by our driver from any location within Kendwa or Nungwi
Included are water, soft drinks and fresh coconuts
We serve fresh fruits and snacks for the break at Tumbatu
Use of Snorkelling equipment
All Fees and Taxes
Not inluded are tipps and thanks for the crew
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Honeymoon trip!
chloemongelard,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I had an amazing trip for our honey moon. The boat was authentic and a true treat to experience. We had beautiful fruits and drinks on the boat. A perfect experience!
Snorkeling/navigation to Tumbatu.
ElodieP905,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unforgettable experience with a cheerful and attentive team. A must-do activity.
Great tour, highly recommend!!
Acullen13,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I recently did a half day tour with Zanzibar Dhow to Tumbatu Island for some snorkeling and it was awesome! The captain and guides were great - warm, friendly, and knowledgeable! They found some great snorkeling spots, had snacks and fresh fruit for us, and were super fun to hangout with! The whole boat was a vibe!! Highly recommend!
Super nice boat trip
lonniej2019,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have had the most beautiful cruise with a super good service. A trip at our pace with really good time to snorkel. Can only recommend this trip ☀️
Fun Trip even with Monsoon Rain. Helpful crew. All well organised and on time
655thelmaa,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Out taxi driver Dulla was on time and spoke good English. All good getting to the boat which was waiting for us. Excellent crew who were kind and helpful. I am retired so need help getting on and off the dhow. My son linked his music to their machine and we left on a sunny day. At the island unfortunately no fish. As we moved on the Captain Dopey put up the sail for us. The sky darkened and we had monsoon rain. The crew covered the passenger seating area. The Captain let my son steer for a while and we arrived at the sand bank where we completed our trip and saw some fish and many spiny sea urchins. Back to the beach where our driver was waiting. My only comment would be the beach itself which is heavily polluted with rubbish. Not the company’s fault. But I was happy not to be staying there.
Wonderful Experience , highly recommending
Y3639FPmathews,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Top top! Tumbatu was our best trip with our Family, the reef, less cloud of boats, it’s Like a private tour. We real enjoyed as well as the Team the boat was super organized, thanks for the Company and all the Team for a wonderful experiance.they know what there doing❤️highly recommending 100% we will be back soon
Sailing dancing
21christiaanp,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super nice guides. The sailing is fun to do. We danced on the boat and listened to great music. Thank you so much for this fun day.
Nice half day trip!
Samantha R,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Boat was really fun and relaxing. The food was great (fruit and savory snacks, beer, water and soda), snorkeling fun and crew nice. The boat was motor powered not a sail in case that is a consideration. They also helped us organize transportation from the east coast of the island and were waiting for us when we arrived. Enjoyed our half day adventure a lot! And we were lucky to have the boat to ourselves (couple).
We had a Great experience
75marloesv,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a Great day! The driver was right on time (actually to early :) The crew on the boat was so friendly and we felt really welcome. They did everything for our comfort. The boat was comfortable, spacious and clean. Crew gave us lots of information and explanation. We were Provided with flippers and snorkling gear. I made a joke about drinking coffee and de crew actually made us good coffee. Then the music played and we were all happy. Beer and wine were served and very good snacks and fruits. We stayed far away from the mass tourism.
Very pleasant
gustavop49,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were trying to get away from the mass tourism on Zanzibar, especially as we had read quite a few negative reviews/comments regarding boat tours in which tons of boats chase dolphins (probably not the most animal/environment friendly...). So this was a great alternative! We were pretty much the only boat there, and it was only my girlfriend and me on the boat (other than the crew of course). There's a decent sized reef are in which you can see the reef and some fish with very clear water. On the way back we also had a quick stop at a sand bank with VERY warm water, which was a nice plus. The crew was very nice and also provided some fruit and snacks, and the way there was smooth. All in all, it's not an extreme snorkelling experience but it's a super pleasant (and nature-friendly) tour, which we'd recommend to anyone looking for tranquility.
Related Experiences
Operated by Zanzibar Dhow