Explore the Indian Ocean aboard the Zanzibar Submarine Classic Reef Tour, a modern semi-submarine that takes you below the surface to see Zanzibar’s coral reefs, colourful tropical fish and marine life through large, unbreakable windows. It is an unusual underwater perspective of the island, ideal for families, couples and ocean enthusiasts.
Explore the marine life around Bawe Island, with the ocean breeze on the open-air upper deck and an underwater window seat below. Divers interact with marine creatures while expert guides share insights, and a diver takes complimentary photos of you from outside the glass.
Highlights
Semi-submarine reef cruise with underwater window seats, guide commentary and complimentary photos
Duration
1 to 3 hours, depending on the cruise
Departure Point
Air-conditioned departure lounge at Forodhani Gardens, Stone Town
Rates Valid
2026 discounted rates
Price Includes
Welcome drink at the air-conditioned departure lounge
Toilet facilities at the departure lounge
Complimentary drinking water during the cruise
Memory pictures of the experience
Personal boarding platform and safety briefing
Divers and a cruise guide on board
Snacks on the sandbank for the Reef and Beach Cruise
Price Excludes
Transfers to and from Stone Town
Food or drinks brought on board (not permitted)
Personal expenses and tips
Rates
2026 Rates in USD
| Cruise |
Adult |
Child (5 to 10 years) |
Details |
| Classic Reef Cruise |
USD 115 |
USD 90 |
Corals and reef, 2 hours, minimum 2 guests |
| Reef and Beach Cruise |
USD 130 |
USD 105 |
Picnic on a secluded sandbank, 3 hours, minimum 4 guests |
| Sunset Cruise |
USD 52 |
USD 42 |
Sunset on the semi-submarine deck, 1 hour, minimum 2 guests |
Speed boat charter, USD per vessel
| Charter |
Price |
Suits |
| Speed Boat Charter, 4 hours |
USD 530 |
Adventure seekers, romantic getaways or family fun |
| Speed Boat Charter, 8 hours |
USD 800 |
Adventure seekers, romantic getaways or family fun |
Transfers to and from Stone Town are not included. Duration depends on the day, the tides and the weather.
On Board and Good to Know
On board facilities
- USB sockets
- All window seats
- Wi-Fi
- Cooler box for water
- Sick bags
- Crew to assist
- Air-conditioned lower deck
Restrictions
- No pets allowed
- No luggage or large bags on board
- No food or drinks to be brought on board
- Not suitable for children under 5 or pregnant women
- Swimsuits only, no wet clothes or bare feet
- Swimming, snorkelling and diving are not allowed during the trip
Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the cruise
What to bring
- Passport or ID for boarding
- Sunscreen, reef-safe if possible
- Sunglasses and a hat
- A waterproof bag for personal items
- Essential medication, if needed
What to Expect
Arrive at the air-conditioned departure lounge at Forodhani Gardens 30 minutes before your cruise for a safety briefing, snacks and drinks, free Wi-Fi and a welcome drink. Children’s life jackets are available at the lounge, adult life jackets are on board, and large bags can be left at the lounge.
Your guide then escorts you to a shuttle boat to the floating boarding platform, and the captain and crew help you board. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the coral reef. Relax on the upper deck while the guide tells stories about Stone Town, Bawe Island and Zanzibar’s history, then move to the lower deck for panoramic underwater views, with fish and coral identification charts and live commentary.
The starting rate is USD 52 per adult for the 1-hour Sunset Cruise. The Classic Reef Cruise costs USD 115 per adult and the Reef and Beach Cruise USD 130. Contact our team to book your cruise.
- Semi-submarine with large underwater windows
- Open-air upper deck and air-conditioned lower deck
- Reef cruise around Bawe Island with live commentary
- Divers interact with marine life and take complimentary photos
- Sunset, reef and sandbank cruise options
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the cruise
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