November 11, 2022, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Day 2

Day 2 here we switched it up with another, Cruise Critic tour that took us out of the city and over to Sinda Island for a beach and snorkel day. This tour was operated by Gecko Adventures with Charles as our guide. We were 16 in total, so a nice manageable size. From the port it was an hour drive to the beach were the Dhows picked us up. The drive itself was very interesting and dare say challenging at times. They are in the midst of improving the infrastructure here which means many detours along some bumpy gravel stretches. We drove past many, let’s say, visually stimulating villages where it is very common to have your shop out front and your living quarters in the back. A Shop can be anything from bed frames to a grocery store.

The resort area here is absolutely beautiful, white sandy beaches which look like they go on for miles. It was at one of these beach resorts where our Dhows pulled up for a wet loading. The waves changed this thigh deep loading to more of a chest deep loading and the ladder itself was something that was from some yesteryear, lol. So, yes it was a struggle to get everyone aboard the two boats but we did it. Sinda island is owned by the government and is a reserve, so with only a few shade shelters this island is pristine and remote. They only allow for so many snorkelers in the water here, basically splitting our group up into two groups, 9 and 7. The snorkelling is good, not great but good, there is a very nice coral reef area that has an abundance of different coral and the most interesting starfish I’d ever seen, some look like they belong on a birthday cake. The fish were aplenty, small but cute and interesting to chase around. While one group had their time snorkelling the other had a chance to explore the island and yes we were the only ones on this island today, fantastic. A nice stroll around the whole island was about an hour, this includes shell collecting time.

After our boxed lunch of chicken and chips with a salad and potato samosas there was time for a swim in the warm calm and safe water before heading back on the Dhow by sail. A very nice way to conclude this island beach break before our hour drive back to the ship. A good day was had by all.

Some pics of this wonderful, snorkelling day here in Zanzibar.

Quote of the day, “I need six months of vacation, twice a year.” - Unknown