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Speedboat transfer
Speedboat Transfer — Mombasa to Zanzibar
A private crossing to Stone Town’s island
Zanzibar · Zanzibar ArchipelagoOpen-water crossing
Overview
A private speedboat crossing from the Kenya Coast to Zanzibar, arranged around your travel plans rather than a fixed timetable.
Zanzibar is the best known island in this part of the Indian Ocean, and the sea crossing from the Kenya Coast is a direct alternative to flying.
The boat is chartered privately for your group. There is no published schedule because there is no schedule we could publish honestly — departure depends on sea state, on the tide and on immigration processing, and we would rather agree a realistic time with you than advertise one we cannot keep.
It is open water, and dolphins are seen on this route. Humpback whales pass through the wider region during their migration season. Neither is something any operator can promise.
As with Pemba, this is an international crossing into Tanzania. Bring your passport and check Tanzania's current entry requirements for your nationality well ahead of travel.
The route
- From
- Kenya Coast (Mombasa area)
- To
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Vessel
- Private speedboat
- Crossing time
- Confirmed for your crossing
Departure times
No fixed timetable is published for this route. Departures are arranged directly with you and confirmed in writing, because sea state, tide and immigration processing all affect the crossing.
Documents you need
- Valid passport
- Any visa or entry permission currently required by Tanzania for your nationality
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended
Baggage
Baggage capacity on a speedboat is limited and depends on the number of passengers. Tell us what you are travelling with when you enquire and we will confirm what the boat can carry.
What you might see on the way
- Dolphins
- Humpback whales (seasonal)
These are wild animals in open water. Sightings happen — they are never guaranteed.
Highlights
- Private speedboat charter
- Kenya Coast to Zanzibar
- Open-ocean crossing
- Possible dolphin and seasonal whale sightings
How the crossing works
Before you travel
Documents and confirmation
We confirm the crossing, the departure point, baggage limits and the documents you will need at immigration — all in writing.
Departure
Board on the Kenya Coast
Meet the crew at the agreed departure point for the safety brief and boarding.
Crossing
Open water
The run south across open ocean, with a chance of dolphins and, in season, migrating humpback whales.
Arrival
Zanzibar
Arrival in Zanzibar and clearance through the arrival formalities.
What’s included
Included
- Private speedboat charter
- Skipper and crew
- Safety equipment and briefing
- Drinking water on board
Not included
- Visas and immigration fees
- Port, harbour or immigration charges — Confirmed in writing if they apply
- Road transfers at either end — Can be arranged
- Travel insurance
- Meals
Departure point
The departure point on the Kenya Coast is confirmed in writing once your crossing is arranged.
Road transfer to the departure point can be arranged from coast hotels. Tell us where you are staying when you enquire.
What to bring
- Your passport and any visa or entry documents required for Tanzania
- A waterproof bag for cameras, phones and documents
- Sun protection and a light windproof layer
- Motion sickness tablets if you are prone to it, taken before boarding
- Only the baggage agreed with us in advance
Important information
- This is an international crossing. A valid passport is required, and Tanzanian entry requirements are set by the Tanzanian government — check the current rules for your nationality before you travel.
- We do not publish a fixed timetable for this route. Your departure is arranged directly with you and confirmed in writing.
- Crossings depend on weather and sea conditions. If it is not safe, we will not run it.
- Baggage on a speedboat is limited. Tell us what you are travelling with when you enquire.
- Dolphin and whale sightings are possible but never guaranteed.
- What is and is not included is restated on your booking confirmation. If anything here is unclear, ask us before you pay anything.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the crossing?
It depends on sea state and on the exact departure and arrival points. We confirm a realistic time for your crossing in writing rather than publish a number that would be wrong much of the year.
Is this cheaper than flying?
It is a private charter, so it is priced as one. Whether it works out better than flights depends entirely on your group size and your dates — ask us and we will give you a real comparison rather than a sales answer.
Do I need a passport and a visa?
A valid passport, yes. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and are set by Tanzania. Check the current rules before you book anything.
What happens in bad weather?
We do not cross in unsafe conditions. You will hear from us as early as possible, and the terms on your confirmation cover rescheduling and refunds.
Read before you go
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Send us your dates for Speedboat Transfer — Mombasa to Zanzibar and we will confirm what is possible, what it costs and what the day actually looks like.