Quick Answer: Is Safari Blue Worth It?
Yes — Safari Blue is worth it for most first-time Zanzibar visitors who want a full, varied day at sea rather than a single activity. For roughly $50–$85 per person you get dhow sailing, snorkelling, a sandbank stop, a mangrove lagoon swim, and a large seafood barbecue across an 8–9 hour day. It is not worth it if you get badly seasick, want serious snorkelling only, or dislike large shared boats — in which case a private version or a quieter sandbank trip is the better spend.
Day length8–9 hours
Typical cost$50–$85 pp
Best forAll-rounders
DepartsFumba village
SnorkellingGood, not elite
VerdictWorth it, with caveats
Ask anyone who has been to Zanzibar what to book and Safari Blue comes up within the first three suggestions. That popularity is exactly why travellers hesitate: when a trip is on every list, you start to wonder whether it’s genuinely special or just heavily marketed. The honest answer sits somewhere in between, and it depends entirely on who you are and what you want from a day out.
We’re a Stone Town-based operator and we run Safari Blue departures ourselves, so this isn’t a review written from a hotel lobby. Below is the value breakdown — what you actually pay for, the real complaints travellers have, who should book it and who should spend their money elsewhere, and the specific choices that decide whether you come home calling it the best day of the trip or a crowded, sunburnt slog. If you want the full itinerary, food menu and packing detail, our complete Safari Blue guide covers that separately; this page is purely the decision.
What Are You Actually Paying For on Safari Blue?
Safari Blue is one price for a packed, all-inclusive day — that bundling is the core of its value. Most reputable operators charge around $75–$85 per adult for the standard shared departure, with children roughly half price and under-6s often free. For that single figure you’re not buying one activity, you’re buying six things stacked into one day:
- A traditional wooden dhow sail across the Menai Bay Conservation Area, with dolphin spotting on the way out.
- Guided snorkelling over a coral reef, with gear and instruction included.
- A stop on a bright white sandbank for swimming and photos.
- A swim in a hidden mangrove lagoon you can’t reach any other way.
- A large Swahili seafood barbecue — grilled fish, calamari, prawns, rice, plus a tropical fruit tasting.
- Drinks, conservation fees and a full 8–9 hour day of guiding.
Run the maths against booking those pieces separately — a snorkelling trip, a sandbank picnic, a boat charter and a seafood lunch — and Safari Blue is clearly the cheaper route to a full day on the water. Blue Green runs the same day from $50 per person, below the typical market rate, because we operate our own boats and crew rather than reselling. Where the value falls apart is when the day is oversold onto a crowded boat — which is the single biggest thing that turns “worth it” into “never again,” and the thing you have most control over.
Is Safari Blue Worth It for You? The Honest Split
A trip this varied is a brilliant fit for some travellers and a poor one for others. The mistake is treating “is Safari Blue worth it?” as a yes/no question when it’s really a “worth it for whom?” question. Here’s the honest divide.
Worth it if you…
- Want one full day that mixes sailing, swimming, snorkelling and a big lunch.
- Are a first-time visitor deciding between many tours and want the best all-rounder.
- Are travelling as a couple, family or group and enjoy a social, easy-paced day.
- Love seafood and being out on the water for hours.
- Can comfortably swim in open, shallow water with a life jacket.
Skip it (or go private) if you…
- Get seriously seasick — it’s a long day on a small traditional boat.
- Only care about elite snorkelling — Mnemba Atoll has clearer water and better reef.
- Dislike large groups and crowded, party-style boats.
- Want a short, relaxed half-day rather than a full 9-hour excursion.
- Are travelling with a baby or a guest who can’t manage boat transfers.
If you landed mostly in the left column, book it with confidence. If you’re on the right, don’t write Safari Blue off entirely — a private departure fixes the crowd and pace problems, and we cover that below.
What Do Travellers Actually Complain About?
Safari Blue holds a 4.4/5 rating across 2,300+ TripAdvisor reviews, so most people leave happy. But the honest picture means looking at the recurring complaints, because every one of them is avoidable if you plan around it.
- Overcrowding. The most common gripe. Budget operators pack boats and cram sandbanks. On a busy day a shared departure can feel like a floating queue rather than a private paradise.
- Seasickness. The dhow can roll in choppier conditions. Guests prone to motion sickness who don’t prepare have a rough morning.
- “Average” snorkelling. The reef is good, not world-class. Travellers who came specifically for the underwater portion sometimes feel underwhelmed — because their expectations were set by Mnemba, not Menai Bay.
- The long day. Eight to nine hours plus transfers is a lot of sun and salt. Families with very young children can find the back half tiring.
- Sunburn. Not the tour’s fault, but the equatorial sun on open water catches people out constantly.
The pattern behind the bad reviews
Read enough one-star reviews and the same root cause appears again and again: it isn’t Safari Blue itself, it’s the operator and the season. Cheap, oversold departures at the peak of the crowd create the crowding, the rushed sandbank and the tired crew. The same itinerary run by a smaller, licensed operator on a well-timed day is the trip people rave about. Who you book with matters more than what you book.
Is Safari Blue Better Than the Alternatives?
The fairest way to judge whether Safari Blue is worth it is to line it up against the trips travellers usually weigh it against. Each wins at something different, so match the trip to what you actually want from the day.
| Trip | Best for | Snorkelling | Crowds | Day length | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safari Blue | The all-rounder — sailing, swimming, snorkel & a big lunch | Good | Can be high (shared) | Full day (8–9h) | $50 |
| Private Safari Blue | Couples & families wanting the same day without the crowd | Good | Just your group | Full day, your pace | Quote |
| Nakupenda Sandbank | A relaxed sandbank picnic & swim, less time at sea | Light | Moderate | Half / part day | $60 |
| Mnemba Atoll | Snorkelling purists — the clearest water & best reef | Excellent | Moderate | Half day | $27 |
| Prison Island | History & giant tortoises with light snorkelling | Light | Moderate | Half day | $40 |
The short version: if you want the most in one day, Safari Blue wins. If you want the best snorkelling, book Mnemba Atoll snorkelling instead. If you want a calmer, shorter day, a Nakupenda sandbank trip or the Prison Island tour may suit you better. None of these is objectively “best” — they answer different questions.
How Do You Make Sure Safari Blue Is Worth It?
Whether Safari Blue is money well spent comes down to four decisions you make before you board. Get these right and the odds of a great day rise sharply.
Go private or small-group
The single biggest upgrade. A private dhow removes the crowd, the rush and the party-boat feel for the same itinerary.
Pick the right season
Calm, clear seas in the dry months make snorkelling and sailing far better. See our best time to visit Zanzibar guide.
Choose a licensed operator
Skip the unlicensed beach touts. A small, reputable, locally-owned crew is what separates a five-star day from a one-star one.
Prepare for sun and swell
Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a rash guard and motion-sickness tablets turn the two most common complaints into non-issues.
Should You Book the Private Version Instead?
For couples, honeymooners and families, a private Safari Blue is often the version that’s truly worth it. You get the same sailing, snorkelling, sandbank and lagoon, but on your own boat, at your own pace, with a crew focused only on your group. It costs more per head than the shared departure, yet it removes exactly the things — crowds, rushing, party noise — that generate the disappointed reviews.
When we run Safari Blue at Blue Green, we deliberately keep groups small, time departures around the tides and conditions, and handle your Fumba transfer so the logistics never eat into your day. If you’d like it as a fully private experience, we build that around your dates and group size on request — the same approach we take across our private Zanzibar tours. Tell us who’s travelling and we’ll tell you honestly whether Safari Blue or a quieter alternative is the better fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions: Is Safari Blue Worth It?
Is Safari Blue worth it if you get seasick?
It can be, but prepare properly. Safari Blue is a full day on a traditional dhow that rolls with the swell, so travellers prone to motion sickness should take tablets before departure, sit low and central, and keep their eyes on the horizon. A private or small-group boat also lets the crew choose calmer timing and routes. If you’re severely affected by sea travel, a sandbank picnic with less time under sail is a safer choice than a full open-water day.
Is Safari Blue too touristy or crowded?
It can be on a shared budget departure at peak season, and that’s the most common complaint. The itinerary itself is lovely; the crowding comes from operators overfilling boats and sandbanks. Booking a smaller, licensed operator or a private dhow, and travelling outside the busiest holiday weeks, removes almost all of it. The difference between a packed party boat and a quiet, well-run day is who you book with — not the trip itself.
Is Safari Blue worth it for couples and honeymooners?
Yes, especially as a private departure. Couples get sailing, secluded sandbanks, a lagoon swim and a romantic beachside lunch in one day. On a shared boat it can feel less intimate, so honeymooners in particular tend to find the private version well worth the extra cost. It pairs naturally with a sunset dhow cruise for a two-part romantic day on the water.
Is Safari Blue worth it for families with young children?
For families with children over about six who can swim comfortably, yes — kids usually love the sandbank, the snorkelling and the boat. Reduced rates apply for ages 6–14 and under-6s often join free. With babies or toddlers, the 8–9 hour length, sun exposure and boat transfers can be tiring, so a shorter sandbank trip may suit very young families better. A private boat lets you set the pace around your children.
Is a private Safari Blue worth the extra cost?
For most couples, families and small groups, yes. A private dhow delivers the identical itinerary without the crowding, rushing and party atmosphere that cause nearly every negative review. You choose the pace, the crew focuses only on your group, and timing can be set around the best tides and conditions. If your budget stretches to it, private is the surest way to guarantee Safari Blue is worth it.
What could make Safari Blue not worth it?
Four things: booking an unlicensed, oversold boat; going during rough seas in the long-rains season; expecting elite snorkelling and comparing it to Mnemba Atoll; or being severely seasick and unprepared. Each of these is avoidable. Choose a reputable operator, travel in the drier months, set realistic expectations for the reef, and prepare for sun and swell, and the trip nearly always lands as a highlight.
Is Safari Blue better than Nakupenda or Mnemba?
They answer different questions. Safari Blue is the best all-rounder — the most variety in a single day. Mnemba Atoll wins clearly for snorkelling, with the clearest water and best reef. Nakupenda is the pick for a calmer, shorter sandbank-and-swim day with less time at sea. If you only have room for one full-day trip and want it all, Safari Blue is usually the answer; if you have a specific priority, one of the others may beat it.
How much should Safari Blue cost for it to be worth it?
Standard shared departures with reputable operators run roughly $75–$85 per adult, with children about half and under-6s often free, all-inclusive of snorkel gear, lunch and drinks. Locally-owned operators can start lower — Blue Green runs it from $50 per person on a group basis. Be wary of prices far below the market rate, as they usually mean an overcrowded boat. Private charters cost more per head but are frequently the better value for the experience you actually get.
The Verdict: Is Safari Blue Worth It?
For the great majority of Zanzibar visitors, Safari Blue is worth it — few other single days pack sailing, snorkelling, a sandbank, a lagoon and a feast of fresh seafood into one ticket at this price. The travellers who regret it almost always booked the wrong version of it: an oversold boat, a rough-sea day, or a trip that never matched what they actually wanted.
- Best for: first-timers and all-rounders who want maximum variety in one day.
- Go private if you want it without the crowds — usually the version most worth the money.
- Book a licensed, local operator and travel in the drier months to avoid the common complaints.
- Consider an alternative if snorkelling, a short day, or seasickness is your deciding factor.
If you’d like a straight answer for your own group before you commit, that’s exactly what we do — as a locally-owned operator running Safari Blue since 2014, we’ll tell you honestly whether it’s the right day for you.
What Our Travellers Say
Posted on Tripadvisor 
Zdenka D
June 11, 2026
Verified Blue Green Zanzibar Tours and Safari Our experience with Blue Green Zanzibar Tours and Safari was excellent! We took 6 trips together. All of them went very smoothly. Communication with the guide Wadi was very friendly and fast. Wadi and the entire team who took care of us during trips were very nice and helpful. They willingly met our requests and wishes. Prices and calculations for the trips were transparent and final. Reliability, punctuality and care! We definitely recommend Blue and Green Zanzi.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Renata R
January 29, 2026
Verified Amazing tour – highly recommended! The tour was excellent. Our guide, Nassor, picked us up directly at the ferry terminal and stayed with us from start to finish. He shared many interesting stories and demonstrated great knowledge throughout the entire tour. We first took a boat to Prison Island (the turtle island), then visited the sandbank, where a wonderful seafood lunch was prepared for us. After that, we returned to the city for the historical tour. The team also helped us with purchasing the ferry tickets, which was extremely helpful and made everything much easier. I highly recommend this tour!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Sahil M
January 8, 2026
Verified A Dream Realized In Zanzibar My Family's Unforgettable Week in Zanzibar with Blue Green Zanzibar Tour and Safari Like many, my first glimpse of Zanzibar was through the captivating videos on TikTok. The turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture sparked a dream within me, a dream I finally realized this past November with my family. As an Irish native, planning a trip to such a distant and exotic locale felt daunting, especially when initial attempts to connect with various tourist companies proved fruitless. Misinformation was rampant, and responses were slow or nonexistent, leaving me feeling frustrated and uncertain. That's when I stumbled upon Blue Green Zanzibar Tour and Safari. From the moment I reached out, I experienced a level of responsiveness and care that was truly exceptional. Wadi, our contact at Blue Green Zanzibar Tour and Safari, immediately understood my vision for a week long family adventure in Zanzibar. He meticulously crafted a personalized itinerary, taking into account our interests and preferences. From the moment we touched down at the airport, Blue Green Zanzibar Tour and Safari took care of everything. A friendly driver greeted us and transported us to our hotel, setting the tone for a week of seamless travel. Each day, our dedicated driver arrived promptly, ready to whisk us away to new and exciting experiences. We explored spice plantations, swam with dolphins, wandered through the historic streets of Stone Town, and relaxed on the beaches. all without a single worry or logistical hiccup. What truly set Blue Green Zanzibar Tour and Safari apart was their commitment to comfort, relaxation, and attention to detail. Every aspect of our trip was carefully considered, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience for the entire family. There were no hidden fees, no unexpected surprises, and no high-pressure sales tactics. Just genuine hospitality and a desire to make our vacation truly special. I wholeheartedly recommend Blue Green Zanzibar Tour and Safari to anyone planning a trip to this enchanting island. While there are many travel companies to choose from, Blue Green Zanzibar Tour and Safari stands out for its transparency, integrity, and personalized service. With Wadi at the helm, you can rest assured that your trip will be meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. He is an amazing person who organized my trip and everything go perfect, smoothly. Thanks to Wadi, my family and I created memories that will last a lifetime. If you want to experience the magic of Zanzibar without the stress of planning, look no further than Blue Green Zanzibar Tour and Safari. You won't be disappointed!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Radhika Majmudar
December 14, 2025
Verified Highly recommend! I just wanted to say thanks to entire team we had the most precious experience from booking to taking the cab, safari blue and the ride back everything was flawless highly highly recommend. We did the private tour and it was the best decision we made, we felt like royalty. Thank you so much taking back amazing memories, the guide, the captain and the crew members were all friendly polite and the must fun. And the lunch oh my god it was scrumptious.. Thank you once again!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Jürgen H
December 6, 2025
Verified Ein Erlebnis Die Tour hat uns sehr gut gefallen, besonders die Besichtigung der Gewürzfarm. Die deutschsprachige Guide war klasse. Es war ein echtes Erlebnis, auch für meine Frau, die nur schlecht Englisch versteht. Das Mittagessen und der Nachtisch mit frischen Früchten war sehr schmackhaft. Die deutschsprachige Tour durch Stone Town war ebenfalls gut, aber insgesamt nicht so toll wie die Spice Farm.
Posted on Tripadvisor
DTD
October 28, 2025
Verified Outstanding experience with Blue Green Safari Zanzibar! We had an amazing experience with Blue Green Safari. From start to finish, the team was highly professional, punctual, and incredibly accommodating. We were traveling with two toddlers, and they went out of their way to make everything smooth and comfortable for us — adjusting plans when needed and always being patient and kind. What really stood out was their genuine care and flexibility. They didn’t just treat us like clients; they truly cared about our experience. They even helped us arrange donations for a local school and village, which meant a lot to us and made the trip feel even more meaningful. If you’re planning any tours or excursions in Zanzibar, I can’t recommend Blue Green Safari enough. They’re reliable, thoughtful, and go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable and stress-free experience.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Ellie Theaker Price
October 16, 2025
Verified Dolphin, snorkelling and Mnemba island tour Amazing experience! 100% recommend this company and the dolphin/snorkelling trip. The captain and the tour guide were unreal and the tour guide went out of his way to make sure we got unreal videos and memories
Posted on Tripadvisor
filipa m
October 1, 2025
Verified Blue and Green Zanzibar - Tours and Safari Thank you very much for the incredible experience! Your service was truly amazing, and we were so happy during our entire stay. Every driver and guide we met was professional, friendly, and went above and beyond to make our trip special. A big thank you to our driver Hamdun, he was such a great companion throughout our travels. Always in a good mood, playing great music, helpful, and smiling. He really made the journey even more enjoyable. A special mention also goes to Nasser, our guide for the Blue Safari. Nasser was beyond amazing! Such a great guy, friendly, fun, super helpful, and just a joy to be around. He made the whole day unforgettable. The guides at Nakupenda also took excellent care of us and prepared a fantastic lunch. Everything was perfectly arranged. It was an unforgettable trip, thanks to you and the entire team. We’ll truly miss Zanzibar. Thank you again!
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Still Deciding? Ask a Local Before You Book
Tell us who’s travelling and what you’re hoping for, and we’ll tell you honestly whether Safari Blue — shared or private — is worth it for you, or whether a quieter trip would suit you better. No pressure, just local advice from Stone Town.