Discover the fascinating Marine Life of the Indian Ocean around Bawe island, on-board the Semi-Submarine. You will enjoy the fresh ocean breeze on the upper deck and the colorful marine life of the Zanzibar archipelago reefs from your window seat under water. Watch divers interact with fish, while listening to our experienced marine-guides.
Your cruise to the coral reef will take about 30 minutes. We recommend you to remain on the upper deck at the beginning, where your guide will provide information about Zanzibar’s history, nearby islands and Stone Town. You are free to stay on the upper or lower deck during the tour. Once you approach the reef, your guide will advise you to move to the lower deck to start exploring the marine life through our large unbreakable windows, accompanied by fish/coral charts and guide’s explanations.
Your guide and diver will take free memory pictures of you through the large windows from outside the submarine. However, passengers are not allowed to swim, dive or snorkel during the tour.
Reservations can be made through various platforms including our reservations office, website, Viator, and agents.
In unfavorable weather conditions, your tour’s safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. If the weather worsens, we have contingency plans in place. We can either reschedule your tour for an alternative date that suits you or provide a full refund, ensuring you have flexibility and peace of mind when booking with us
To join the cruise, you can go to our temporary waiting area, a 6 x 6m tent situated at Forodhani, or you can contact us at +255 788 300 005
The Classic Reef Takes 2 Hours.
Yes, children must be age 7 or above to participate. For children aged 5 to 7, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There are no specific weight limits.
Payments can be made through various platforms including Our Website, Expedia, and Viator. We also accept direct payments via Mobile Payments.
Cancellations made 48 hours in advance are fully refundable. Late cancellations may incur a fee.
during your tours at the Semi-Submarine, it’s important to dress modestly, avoiding revealing clothing. If you’ve booked the “Royal Beach Tour,” which includes visiting the open sandbank beaches, you can bring your swimwear to change into. Afterward, you should switch back into appropriate attire to respect the local Zanzibar culture, which adheres to modest dress codes in public areas and during excursions, especially considering it’s a predominantly Muslim Culture.
The semi-submarine is a remarkable vessel designed for underwater exploration. It has a substantial portion, about 140cm, submerged beneath the water, allowing you to get up close to the marine life and coral reefs. Its impressive stability sets it apart, with 8 out of its 10-ton weight concentrated in the belly, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. In terms of fuel efficiency, it consumes only 4.5 liters per hour, making it an eco-friendly choice for underwater adventures. This makes the semi-submarine an excellent choice for those exploring the ocean’s wonders while minimizing their environmental impact.
Our two speedboats serve multiple purposes. They are used for transfers to the semi-submarine and other excursions, like renting day-long charters for open Indian Ocean adventures during your Zanzibar holiday. Each boat consumes 24 liters of fuel per hour and can be hired individually for a thrilling.
These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore and experience the wonders of Zanzibar’s open oceans, which include its vibrant marine life, coral reefs, and the marine ecosystem, all without the need to get wet. Additionally, the tours offer a captivating glimpse into the underwater world of the Indian Ocean. Moreover, during these excursions, you can enjoy exploring open sandbanks, indulge in sunbathing sessions, and take refreshing swims in the crystal-clear blue ocean while sipping on soft drinks and capturing memorable photos for your unforgettable tour with us.
We have multiple departure times throughout the day for the different packages:
While we aim to provide a pleasant experience, motion sickness can be challenging for some passengers during our tours. We suggest those prone to motion sickness take precautions like using anti-motion sickness medication and sitting in well-ventilated areas, which our semi-submarine has an open-top to enjoy the surface. Our crew members are trained to assist passengers experiencing motion sickness and ensure their well-being. We also have motion sickness bags available onboard for your convenience.
The Semi-Submarine has a substantial portion, about 140cm, submerged beneath that can reach up to 2m.
The distance covered depends on the type of tour and the tide conditions. Different coral reefs are visited depending on the level of the tide.
You can reschedule your tour subject to availability, provided you inform us at least 48 hours in advance.
Combining tours is possible, but it would depend on the scheduling and availability of the tours you are interested in.
Our semi-submarines have life jackets, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers. Safety briefings are conducted before each tour, and a rescue speed boat is always 5-10 minutes away. For more information go to our safety & comfort page
This safety briefing outlines the procedures and equipment in place for the semi-submarine service, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, rescue speed boat availability, and emergency exit procedures. The briefing emphasizes the importance of following crew instructions and being aware of safety protocols.
1. Introduction:
Welcome aboard Zanzibar’s semi-submarine service.
Your safety is paramount to us, and we have specific measures in place to ensure a secure experience.
2. Life Jackets:
Life jackets are located above your heads.
In the event of an emergency, put on the life jacket by slipping it over your head, fastening the straps, and pulling them tight.
Crew members will assist you if needed and demonstrate the correct usage.
3. Fire Extinguishers:
Our semi-submarine is equipped with an automatic fire extinguisher in the engine.
Additionally, two manual fire extinguishers are strategically located on board.
The crew is trained to handle fire emergencies, and passengers should follow their instructions.
4. Rescue Speed Boat:
A rescue speed boat is always 5-10 minutes away from our submarine.
We maintain constant radio contact with the rescue boat.
In an emergency, the rescue boat will be summoned to assist with evacuation.
5. Emergency Exit Procedures:
6. Conclusion:
Your safety is our priority, and we have taken measures to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
If you have any questions or concerns, please ask a crew member
In our temporary 6 x 6m tent at Forodhani, you will receive a tour briefing, meet your captain, and access vending machines for refreshments as you wait to board the speed boat that will take you to your semi-submarine for your underwater tour.
A 15 x 10m floating platform is used for boarding. It has docks for two speedboats and two submarines and is equipped with a CCTV.
Each semi-submarine can accommodate eight people. Amenities include a bottle of water for each passenger, sick bags, and a no-shoes policy. A portable toilet can be installed for private cruises.
Yes, for safety reasons, we do not recommend our tours for women who are over 6 months pregnant or have had previous pregnancy complications.
Our facilities are not fully equipped for disabled persons. However, we strive to accommodate everyone and recommend contacting us in advance to discuss specific needs.
No foods or drinks (alcohol) are allowed on board. Picnic boxes are served at the sandbank, and a mocktail is provided for the sunset cruise.
For transfers in Zanzibar, we collaborate with Sun Tours, and they charge $10 per person for pickups from any hotel or resort on the island. Please note that online bookings do not include the transfer option.
We serve picnic boxes at the sandbank, which include Sambusa, a drink, and fruit. A mocktail is provided for the sunset cruise.
The sales and administrative team can be identified by their attire: white polo T-shirts and blue shorts. Our team will be available in our temporary 6 x 6m tent at Forodhani.
Our dedicated photography team manages all the photography aspects during the tour.
