the mermaid experience
Ethical Ocean
Expeditions
The Journey
From the magical beaches of Zanzibar we embark together on an adventure that unfolds under the waters of the Indian Ocean.
Dive into a world of mermaids and unforgettable memories – a once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits
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Let us show you what we see
About Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a state of being. It’s where time slows to the rhythm of the tide, and the air is warm with the scent of cloves and ocean salt.
The soul of the island is as warm and welcoming as its people, creating a naturally relaxed environment where you can truly unplug and breathe. Life here moves with a gentle, friendly cadence, from the lively greetings in the streets to the serene hours spent watching dhows sail by.
But the true heart of Zanzibar beats in its turquoise waters. The Indian Ocean here is a living dream—crystalline, warm, and teeming with life. It’s a vast, liquid expanse that cradles the islands, inviting you to immerse yourself in its tranquil embrace.
This seamless blend of warm, unhurried culture and breathtaking aquatic beauty is why we are here. It’s the perfect, real-world canvas for the fluid, magical, and deeply connecting experiences we create.
But the true heart of Zanzibar beats in its turquoise waters. The Indian Ocean here is a living dream—crystalline, warm, and teeming with life. It’s a vast, liquid expanse that cradles the islands, inviting you to immerse yourself in its tranquil embrace.
This seamless blend of warm, unhurried culture and breathtaking aquatic beauty is why we are here. It’s the perfect, real-world canvas for the fluid, magical, and deeply connecting experiences we create.
About Us
The Mermaid Experience is more than a brand—it's a family-run project born from a deep, abiding love for the ocean that surrounds our home in Zanzibar.
What began as a personal passion for the underwater world has evolved into a shared mission: to reveal the magic of the Indian Ocean from our unique perspective. We don't just operate tours; we invite you into a world we cherish, guiding you through encounters that are as respectful as they are breathtaking.
What began as a personal passion for the underwater world has evolved into a shared mission: to reveal the magic of the Indian Ocean from our unique perspective. We don't just operate tours; we invite you into a world we cherish, guiding you through encounters that are as respectful as they are breathtaking.
Our core philosophy is built on a foundation of safety, sustainability, and intimacy. By offering almost exclusively private trips and maintaining small groups, we ensure a minimal impact on the marine ecosystems we adore. Every member of our crew, from our certified freediving guides to our skilled captains, is part of our extended family, united by a commitment to ethical practices and a genuine desire to share the ocean's wonders.
We are stewards of this blue wilderness, and our greatest hope is that you leave not just with memories, but with a piece of our love for the ocean.
We are stewards of this blue wilderness, and our greatest hope is that you leave not just with memories, but with a piece of our love for the ocean.
How we were born?
The Mermaid Experience was born from the passion of @zanzibar.mermaid, who arrived on the island's shores in 2017 and was utterly captivated.
Zanzibar didn't just become her home; it became her calling.
She immersed herself in the island's rhythm, beginning a profound journey of learning to freedive and understand the ocean's delicate ecosystem. What started as a personal transformation quickly drew others in. People were drawn to her authentic passion and her unique, respectful approach to the marine world.
This organic following blossomed into The Mermaid Experience. Her vision was clear: to share the ocean not as an outsider, but as someone who fell in love with it, fostering ethical encounters built on respect and wonder. Her genuine passion ensures that the love for Zanzibar's ocean remains the true soul of every journey we offer.
Zanzibar didn't just become her home; it became her calling.
She immersed herself in the island's rhythm, beginning a profound journey of learning to freedive and understand the ocean's delicate ecosystem. What started as a personal transformation quickly drew others in. People were drawn to her authentic passion and her unique, respectful approach to the marine world.
This organic following blossomed into The Mermaid Experience. Her vision was clear: to share the ocean not as an outsider, but as someone who fell in love with it, fostering ethical encounters built on respect and wonder. Her genuine passion ensures that the love for Zanzibar's ocean remains the true soul of every journey we offer.
Mila
Our Founder & Chief Mermaid.
A certified freediver who makes what's real seem unreal. She doesn't just swim in the ocean — she weaves its magic. A true mermaid with a camera.
Mila
Our Founder & Chief Mermaid.
A certified freediver who makes what's real seem unreal. She doesn't just swim in the ocean — she weaves its magic. A true mermaid with a camera.
Our Team
The slightly salty, sun-kissed family behind your adventure. Don't let the tans fool you—we're professionals (mostly).
- DaremCo-Founder & Official Hat-ChangerFreediver, developer, creative force, and professional adventure freak. He multitasks more than the ocean has fish.
- MkadamuYour Professional Guide (Not Your Butler).Grew up on the east coast and knows these waters like his own backyard. He is your expert guide to the dolphins, and will happily tell you why his football team is the best.
- KiparaCaptain SunshineOur high-energy skipper—the boat doesn't just run on fuel, it runs on his laugh. If enthusiasm powered engines, we'd never need to refill.
- MakameCaptain CoolKnown for his unshakable calm and sunglasses that never come off. Suspected of having gills. The ocean could be throwing a tantrum, and he'd just smile.
- RozyReservation Wizard & Chaos CoordinatorIf you've messaged us, she's the magical voice on the other end. She handles your requests, your questions, and probably your last-minute panic.
- ShehaThe Dive Center DynamoIf there's gear to organize, tanks to fill, or energy to be spread—Sheha’s on it. A human whirlwind of efficiency and good vibes.
- The TGI TeamThe Glorious BackboneThe ones who keep us from accidentally turning the dive center into a coral reef. They handle the serious stuff so we can focus on the fun stuff.
We prioritize ethical dolphin encounters, promoting respect for marine life and sustainable tourism.
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BOOK NOW Why Choose Us
- Expertise & SafetyOur tours are led by certified freedivers and highly trained guides. This ensures not just your absolute safety, but a more profound, confident connection with the ocean, allowing you to fully immerse in the experience.
- Ethical & UnforgettableWe facilitate magical encounters with wild dolphins in their natural habitat, prioritizing their well-being. Our small, private trips and strict guidelines ensure a sustainable and truly unforgettable adventure that respects marine life.
- Premium & PersonalJourney with confidence on our state-of-the-art, well-maintained boats. We exclusively offer private, tailor-made adventures (with one shared day per week) to provide a personal touch and minimize our impact, guaranteeing an intimate ocean experience.
- Full-Service ExcellenceFrom our fully fledged diving center equipped with top-tier gear to our professional crew of captains and guides, every detail is curated for your comfort and safety. We handle the logistics, so you can focus on the magic.
What We Offer
Immerse yourself in the magic of Zanzibar's waters with our curated ethical ocean expeditions. Each journey is crafted to provide an intimate, safe, and unforgettable connection with the marine world.
Private ocean expeditions ‘’tailored for you”.
New horizons are on the way. Stay tuned for unique, curated sailing experiences.
Coming soon...
Private ocean expeditions ‘’tailored for you”.
New horizons are on the way. Stay tuned for unique, curated sailing experiences.
Coming soon...
Private Dolphins Expeditions
Embark on an intimate, ethical adventure to encounter Zanzibar's wild dolphins. Our private expeditions prioritize the well-being of these magnificent creatures while offering you a personalized and magical ocean experience.
Bespoke Snorkeling Experience
Immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world of Zanzibar's most celebrated marine sanctuary.
Mnemba Atoll Marine Conservation Area.
Mnemba Atoll Marine Conservation Area.
Capture Your Magic
Preserve the beauty and emotion of your underwater journey with our professional media services. Let us tell your story.
Seasonal Whale Watching
Witness one of nature's most majestic events.
Join us from July to November for a chance to see humpback whales on their annual migration through the Indian Ocean.
Join us from July to November for a chance to see humpback whales on their annual migration through the Indian Ocean.
The Ocean Within
A freediving journey to the depths of your own potential. Zanzibar's premier mindfulness-based feediving school.
Reviews
Hear what our guests have to say about their magical experiences with us
Gallery
FQA
Here you’ll find answers to the most curious questions washed ashore.
Our mermaids are always happy to help — dive in and see if yours is floating around here too!
Our mermaids are always happy to help — dive in and see if yours is floating around here too!
Your private trip includes the boat charter, our professional crew (captain and guide), complimentary snorkeling equipment, soft drinks, fresh fruits, snacks, and life jackets for your safety.
We recommend bringing sunscreen, a towel, a hat, a reusable water bottle to minimize waste, and of course, your sense of adventure! Don't forget your camera for shots above the water.
A 50% advance payment is required to secure your booking. Cancellations made 3 days or more before the trip receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 3 days of the trip are non-refundable.
While being a comfortable swimmer enhances the experience, it is not mandatory for snorkeling. We provide life jackets and flotation aids, and our guides are always nearby to assist you. For freediving, our guides will assess your comfort level in the water.
Your safety is our priority. We use state-of-the-art, well-maintained boats, our guides are certified SSI freedivers trained in safety protocols, and we provide safety briefings before every departure. We also carry a first aid kit and communication equipment on board.
As we encounter dolphins in their wild, natural habitat, we cannot guarantee sightings. Dolphins are free-roaming and intelligent creatures. However, our experienced team knows their common habitats and behaviors and does its utmost to find them, making the success rate very high. We believe the entire journey—the ocean, the reefs, the sandbanks—is part of the magical experience.
This is at the core of our philosophy. We strictly adhere to guidelines that minimize stress for the animals: we approach calmly, avoid surrounding them, never chase or touch them, and limit the number of guests in the water at a time. We are there as respectful observers in their home.
We focus on private trips to provide a more personal, intimate, and high-quality experience for our guests. This allows us to tailor the adventure to your pace and preferences while minimizing our environmental impact by reducing the number of people in the water at any given time.
Our Expedition Footage option (underwater and drone) is an optional add-on that must be booked in advance with your trip. Please let us know at the time of booking to ensure availability.
Contact Us
+255 671 716 673
contact@mermaid-experience.com
reservations@mermaid-experience.com
contact@mermaid-experience.com
reservations@mermaid-experience.com
Matemwe, Zanzibar, Tanzania
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