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The most popular dolphin-spotting destination in Zanzibar is Kizimkazi village, which is located on the island's southern shore and where both bottle-nose and humpback dolphins can be seen. Dolphins use the shallow coastal waters at Kizimkazi for the consistent food supply, to milk their calves, to rest, and to socialize. Several bottle-nose dolphins spend the entire year in Kizimkazi. There are also a few shyer humpback dolphins who come to visit, though their schedule is a little more erratic. The best time to go on a dolphin tour is very early in the morning, because as the sun rises, the sea water warms up, causing dolphins to dive deep into the seabed to escape the heat. For guests staying in Stone Town hotels, we pick them up at 6:30 a.m.
You can do the trip later in the afternoon, but the chances of seeing dolphins are slim. Furthermore, there may be numerous boats at the dolphin spots at this time, scaring the dolphins and jeopardizing their survival. Although dolphin spotting is a popular activity, sightings are not guaranteed 100 percent of the time, and swimming with dolphins is an uncommon event. Spotting dolphins, like other wild creatures, takes time and patience because they are not contained in a cage or a zoo. Trips with dolphins last two to three hours. Kizimkazi is also home to a 12th-century mosque, which is the earliest trace of Islam in East Africa, and is therefore worth seeing for both cultural and historical reasons. We recommend that clients wear their swimming costumes. We also recommend bringing sunblock and wearing waterproof sandals when boarding the dhows. The dolphin journey can be paired with a visit to Jozani Forest, which is located on the road to Kizimkazi and which we pass through on our way back from the dolphin tour.