Zanzibar: 1 Day Blue Trip with 2 Stunning Scuba Dives

Zanzibar’s Blue Trip takes you from Matemwe into the Indian Ocean for two open-water scuba sessions at separate sites. The main attraction is simple: clear water, colorful fish, and the chance to see marine life from below the surface rather than from a crowded beach.

I like the small-group option and the calm, practical support from the PADI staff. I also like that the price includes equipment, a light lunch, fruit, and drinking water, so you are not paying extra for every basic need once the boat leaves shore. The possible catch is that transportation and a $10 entrance fee are not included, and the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or anyone with several listed medical conditions.

Key points to know before booking

• Two separate Indian Ocean sites: You get two open-water sessions at different locations rather than spending the whole morning in one place.
• Helpful support for newer scuba participants: Divemaster Othman has been singled out for patient assistance with people who had completed only a few previous sessions.
• Matemwe start at 7:30: The meeting point is the blue Eagle Ray Dive Center building in northeastern Zanzibar.
• Food is covered on the boat: A light lunch, fresh fruit, and mineral water are included.
• The advertised price is $120 per person: Add transportation if needed, plus the $10 entrance fee.
• The 2-day option adds two more sessions: Day two follows the same general pattern and ends around 14:00.

From Matemwe to the open Indian Ocean

The morning begins at 7:30 in Matemwe, on Zanzibar’s northeast coast. Look for the blue building marked Eagle Ray Dive Center. If you book hotel pickup, the driver collects you at reception, and you should be ready about five to ten minutes before departure.

The road transfer can take about one hour. That matters when planning your day, especially if your hotel is not close to Matemwe. Transport is optional rather than built into the $120 price, so check the final cost before booking. If you use the pickup service, the van carries the Crab Tours or Beach Safari Holidays logo, and the driver confirms your names at reception.

Once you reach the center, the outing shifts quickly from road travel to boat travel. You head out into open water with a PADI instructor and an experienced divemaster. The staff speak English, and a small group may be available, a useful detail if you prefer more direct help with equipment and water skills.

Two sites, two underwater sessions

The best feature of the day is the use of two separate locations. You complete one open-water session, take a break, then continue at another site. This gives you a better chance of seeing different marine life and underwater scenery than a single-site outing.

The exact sites are not named, so you should not book this expecting a particular reef, wreck, turtle encounter, or guaranteed animal sighting. The experience is built around the general marine life of the Indian Ocean. You could see colorful fish, and one recent outing included starfish, sea snakes, and a pufferfish, but wildlife is never promised.

For someone with limited experience, the guide support may matter more than the name of the site. Othman, one of the divemasters, has helped participants who had completed only a small number of previous scuba sessions. That does not turn the trip into a beginner lesson for non-swimmers, but it does suggest useful assistance for certified people who still want a steady hand in the water.

You need to bring your diving certification. The activity description refers to a 1-day PADI Scuba Diver session, while the practical instructions also require certification, so this is not an introductory lesson for someone who has never trained. If you are unsure whether your certificate qualifies, settle that question before paying.

What the boat break adds to the day

Between the two sessions, you have time for a light lunch, fresh fruit, and drinking water. That sounds basic, but it is valuable on a boat. You do not need to arrange a separate packed meal, and water is available throughout the outing.

The meal is described as light, not as a full restaurant-style lunch. I would plan breakfast before pickup and treat the boat food as a useful midday top-up. If you have dietary needs, the available information does not specify special menus, so ask the operator in advance.

The break also gives you a chance to sit down, dry off, and regain your energy before the second session. Open water can be tiring even when the schedule looks short. The planned finish is around 14:00, but your full day will be longer if you add the one-hour road journey each way.

Equipment, instruction, and the practical side

Scuba gear and equipment rental are included. You are not expected to bring a full set of personal equipment, though you should bring your certification and any personal items you need for the day.

The staff includes a professional instructor and experienced dive masters. That combination is important. The instructor handles training and safety guidance, while the divemaster can provide closer help during the water sessions. English is the listed operating language.

There has been at least one equipment problem during an outing, with a piece of gear replaced before the second session. That is a good reminder to check your equipment carefully before entering the water. Make sure the mask fits, ask about anything that feels wrong, and speak up immediately if a regulator, fin, or other item does not work properly.

This is not a criticism of the whole operation, but it is sensible scuba practice anywhere. A responsive crew should be willing to correct a problem before the next session, and the reported replacement shows why you should not quietly tolerate faulty gear.

Is one day enough, or should you choose two?

The 1-day version includes two open-water sessions at two different sites and finishes around 14:00. For most people, that is the sensible choice if you want to add scuba to a Zanzibar holiday without giving up another full day.

The 2-day version repeats the format on a second day. Day one includes two sessions at separate locations. Day two takes you out again for two more sessions, with lunch, fruit, and drinking water available on the boat. It also ends around 14:00.

Choose two days if you want more time in the water and prefer a slower progression across four sessions. It may also suit someone who wants more practice with equipment and water confidence while working with the same general team. The supplied details do not specify a separate 2-day price, so confirm the total before booking.

The 1-day trip is better for a short stay or a mixed itinerary. You still need to allow for transport time, but the afternoon remains available for other plans. If you are prone to seasickness, two full days on the water may be a poor match, since seasickness is specifically listed among the reasons not to participate.

What $120 buys you

At $120 per person, the value depends on what you need to arrange yourself. The cost covers scuba gear, equipment rental, the PADI Scuba Diver session, an experienced divemaster, light lunch, fruit, and drinking water. Those inclusions make the price easier to justify than a bare boat-and-equipment fee.

You must add transportation if you want pickup, and the $10 entrance fee is separate. The activity information does not give a precise transport price, so ask for the complete total rather than judging the trip on the headline amount alone.

For a certified participant who wants two guided open-water sessions, the package is reasonably clear. You are paying for instruction, crew support, equipment, a boat outing, food, and time at two sites. The value is strongest if you do not own equipment and want a structured day instead of arranging separate rental, boat, and guide services.

The price is less attractive if you already have all your own gear, do not need an instructor, or only want a quick look at the sea. This is a full scuba-focused outing, not a casual snorkeling stop.

Who should book this Matemwe outing?

I would recommend it most strongly to a certified scuba participant who wants a guided Indian Ocean experience and values practical help. It also suits people with limited recent experience, provided they meet the certification and swimming requirements and are medically fit for scuba.

The trip may appeal to couples or small groups who want a shared morning on the water. The small-group option is worth requesting if you prefer less crowding and more access to the instructor or divemaster.

You should not book if you cannot swim, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or have back, heart, respiratory, or mobility problems. Epilepsy, diabetes, recent surgery, other pre-existing medical conditions, and a tendency toward seasickness are also listed as reasons to avoid the activity. People over 95 are not accepted.

These restrictions are not minor fine print. Scuba places real demands on your body, and the operator is right to require you to consider medical suitability before arrival. If you have any doubt, ask a medical professional and confirm with the provider.

Timing, pickup, and what to bring

Plan around an early start. The Matemwe meeting time is 7:30, and the trip ends around 14:00. With the listed one-hour van journey, a hotel pickup can make this a substantial part of your day.

At the meeting point, look for the blue Eagle Ray Dive Center building. With optional pickup, wait at your hotel reception and be ready at least five minutes ahead of departure. The driver confirms names at reception, so keep your booking details easy to access.

Bring your diving certification. The provided information does not list a long packing list, but you should also bring the personal items you normally need for a boat trip, such as sun protection and a change of dry clothing. Those last suggestions are ordinary preparation rather than listed inclusions, so do not assume towels or other personal equipment are supplied.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time for your chosen date, especially if you are coordinating a hotel transfer or another Zanzibar excursion.

What the high ratings tell you, and what they do not

The activity has a 4.9 rating from four reviews, with particular praise for friendly, helpful staff and careful instruction. That matches the most useful detail from the trip: the crew can make a real difference when you are not an expert in the water.

Othman’s support is especially relevant if you have only completed a few previous scuba sessions. You should still arrive prepared and certified, but a patient divemaster can help you feel more settled and attentive to the marine life around you.

The underwater sightings can be excellent. Starfish, sea snakes, and a pufferfish have all been seen, along with colorful fish. Still, these are examples, not a wildlife guarantee. Sea conditions and natural behavior decide what appears on any given day.

The equipment issue reported on one outing is worth keeping in mind. The response was to replace the faulty item for the second session, which is the proper solution, but you should inspect your gear and raise concerns before leaving the boat.

Should you book this Zanzibar scuba trip?

Book it if you already hold the required certification, want two guided sessions in one morning, and like having equipment, food, and water included. The strongest reasons are the two-site format, English-speaking PADI staff, and the hands-on help available from experienced divemasters such as Othman.

Think twice if you dislike boat travel, need a guaranteed animal sighting, or are trying to keep the total cost below $120 plus transport and the $10 entrance fee. The 2-day version makes sense for someone seeking four sessions, while the 1-day trip is the better fit for most holiday schedules.

For a certified scuba participant staying near Zanzibar’s northeast coast, this is a practical way to get into the Indian Ocean without arranging every part separately. Just confirm transport, certification requirements, medical suitability, and the final price before you commit.

FAQ

Where does the 1-day scuba trip begin?

It begins at 7:30 in Matemwe, at the blue building marked Eagle Ray Dive Center in northeastern Zanzibar.

How many scuba sessions are included in the 1-day option?

The 1-day option includes two open-water sessions at two different locations.

What time does the 1-day trip finish?

The excursion is expected to finish around 14:00.

Is transportation included in the $120 price?

No. Transportation is optional and can be booked separately.

Is there an additional entrance fee?

Yes. A $10 entrance fee is not included.

What food and drinks are provided?

The boat provides a light lunch, fresh fruit, and drinking water. Mineral water is available throughout the outing.

Do I need a diving certificate?

Yes. You must bring your diving certification.

Who leads the scuba sessions?

The activity includes a professional PADI instructor and experienced dive masters. Othman is one of the divemasters associated with the experience.