Sustainable Tourism in Zanzibar: Protecting Our Dolphins, Turtles, Starfish and Ocean

Discover the beauty of Zanzibar while helping protect the natural wonders that make our island so special.

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise blessed with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs and incredible marine life. From swimming alongside dolphins to exploring historic Stone Town, the island offers unforgettable experiences for travellers from around the world.

But behind this beauty lies an important question: How can we enjoy Zanzibar without damaging the very environment that attracts us here?

As tourism continues to grow, sustainable travel is becoming more important than ever. Every tour, boat trip and beach activity has the potential to either protect our natural heritage or contribute to its decline.

At New Blue Sun, we believe that responsible tourism begins with awareness, respect for wildlife and a commitment to protecting Zanzibar for future generations.

1. Dolphin Tours: An Unforgettable Experience Without the Harm

Dolphin watching is one of Zanzibar’s most popular marine experiences, particularly around the waters of Kizimkazi. Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat can be magical, but the way these encounters are conducted matters enormously.

Unfortunately, some dolphin tours involve boats chasing pods, surrounding them, moving too close or encouraging tourists to jump into the water in an attempt to swim with the animals.

These practices can cause stress, interrupt feeding and resting, and disturb the dolphins’ natural behaviour. When several boats pursue the same pod, the pressure on these animals can become even greater.

What does responsible dolphin tourism look like?

• Observe dolphins from a respectful distance without chasing or surrounding them.

• Never force an encounter or jump into the water to pursue dolphins.

• Choose operators who prioritise animal welfare over guaranteed sightings.

• Keep boat speeds low near marine wildlife and follow local guidelines.

• Accept that dolphins may not appear during every trip.

A responsible dolphin tour is not measured by how close we get, but by how little we disturb the animals we came to admire.

2. Turtle Sanctuaries: Conservation Must Come

Before Entertainment

Turtles are among the ocean’s most fascinating creatures, and opportunities to learn about them can help inspire a new generation of conservation supporters.

However, not every attraction described as a turtle sanctuary necessarily follows the best practices for animal welfare.

Crowded pools, excessive handling, visitors lifting turtles for photographs, inappropriate feeding and allowing too many people into small enclosures can cause stress and may compromise animal health. Keeping wild turtles in unsuitable conditions can also undermine genuine conservation efforts.

Responsible turtle conservation should focus on rehabilitation where necessary, appropriate water quality, suitable space, veterinary care, limited handling and the eventual release of healthy animals when appropriate.

Before visiting a turtle attraction, ask a few simple questions:

• Is the facility genuinely focused on conservation and animal welfare?

• Are visitors allowed to handle turtles unnecessarily?

• Are the animals kept in suitable conditions?

• Does the organisation explain its rehabilitation, release and conservation practices?

A turtle sanctuary should be a place of protection and education, not simply an attraction where wildlife becomes a photo opportunity.

By supporting credible conservation initiatives, visitors can help ensure that these ancient marine animals have a better chance of surviving in the wild.

3. Picking Up Starfish: Beautiful Souvenirs That Belong in the Sea

Starfish, also known as sea stars, are a common sight in Zanzibar’s shallow coastal waters. Their striking shapes and colours make them popular subjects for holiday photographs.

Unfortunately, picking them up and removing them from the water for photographs can harm them. Sea stars breathe and exchange gases through specialised structures on their body surfaces, and exposure to air, excessive handling and unsuitable conditions can cause stress or injury. The degree of harm depends on the species and circumstances, but unnecessary handling should be avoided.

Even when a starfish is returned to the water, that does not mean it has escaped harm.

The responsible alternative is simple: admire these creatures in their natural environment, photograph them without touching them, and leave them exactly where you find them.

Tour guides, boat crews and local businesses can make a real difference by educating visitors and discouraging wildlife handling.

The best souvenir is a photograph of a living creature thriving in its natural home.

4. Ocean Plastic Pollution: A Growing Threat to Zanzibar's Beaches

Zanzibar’s beaches and coral reefs are central to the island’s tourism economy, but plastic pollution threatens both the marine environment and the visitor experience.

Plastic bottles, food packaging, discarded fishing gear and other waste can accumulate along coastlines and enter the ocean. Marine animals may swallow plastic or become entangled in it, while damaged and polluted marine habitats can affect the wider ecosystem.

Plastic waste also undermines the beauty of the beaches that communities depend on for tourism, fishing and recreation.

What can visitors and tourism businesses do?

• Carry reusable water bottles and avoid unnecessary single-use plastics.

• Dispose of rubbish responsibly and separate recyclables where facilities exist.

• Participate in organised beach clean-ups.

• Encourage hotels, restaurants and tour operators to reduce plastic waste.

• Never throw rubbish into the sea or leave it behind after a boat trip.

Beach clean-ups are valuable, but preventing waste from entering the environment in the first place is even better. Businesses, communities, local authorities and visitors all have a role to play.

5. How We Can Make Tourism Better Together

Sustainable tourism is not about stopping people from enjoying Zanzibar. It is about making sure tourism benefits local communities while protecting the wildlife, culture and natural landscapes that make the island unique.

Travellers can make a difference by choosing responsible tour operators, asking questions about animal welfare, avoiding activities that exploit wildlife and supporting businesses that take environmental protection seriously.

Tour operators and guides can help by educating guests, setting clear wildlife-viewing rules, reducing plastic use and refusing to promote harmful practices simply because they are popular.

Small decisions, repeated across thousands of visitors, can have a meaningful impact.

Our Commitment to a Better Zanzibar

At New Blue Sun, we believe that the future of Zanzibar tourism should be built on respect: respect for marine life, respect for our beaches and respect for the communities who call this island home.

We want visitors to experience the magic of Zanzibar while understanding the responsibility that comes with exploring it.

The dolphins should swim freely. Turtles should be protected through genuine conservation. Starfish should remain in the sea. And our beaches and oceans should be free from plastic waste.

Because sustainable tourism is not just about the places we visit today. It is about protecting them for the generations who will come after us.

Travel Responsibly. Explore Respectfully. Protect Zanzibar.

Planning your Zanzibar adventure? Choose experiences that celebrate the island's natural beauty while helping preserve it.

Every responsible choice makes a difference. What changes would you like to see in Zanzibar's tourism industry? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.