The fast ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is easy and scenic if you buy tickets properly, ignore port touts and arrive with your documents ready.
For travelers heading from the mainland to the beaches of Zanzibar, the ferry is a popular alternative to flying. The crossing from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town takes roughly two hours on a modern fast ferry, and arriving by sea into the old harbor is a memorable way to reach the island.
The trip itself is simple, but the ports can be busy and confusing. A little preparation helps you skip the stress.
Quick tips
- Use only well-known fast-ferry companies with fixed schedules.
- Buy your ticket at the official counter, never from someone outside the terminal.
- Arrive at the port at least an hour before departure.
- Keep your passport and Zanzibar insurance confirmation in your hand luggage.
- Sit near the middle of the boat if you are prone to seasickness.
Choose a reputable operator
Several companies run boats on this route, and standards vary. We recommend sticking with established fast-ferry operators that run modern catamarans on fixed schedules. These boats have assigned seating, life jackets and air-conditioned cabins.
Avoid older, cheaper vessels and any informal boats offered at the dockside. Saving a few dollars is not worth the uncertainty, especially in rough weather.
Buy tickets only at the official office
Purchase tickets at the operator's official ticket office at the port, through its official website, or through your tour operator. Touts at the Dar es Salaam ferry terminal may offer to buy tickets for you, carry your bags or guide you to a counter. Politely decline and walk directly into the terminal.
Check that your ticket shows your name, the departure time and the class you paid for. Foreign visitors typically pay in US dollars, and fares are often higher than for residents; this is normal.
- Have your passport ready, as it is needed to buy tickets.
- Book a day ahead in busy holiday periods.
- Keep your ticket safe; you will show it more than once.
At the Dar es Salaam port
Arrive at least an hour before departure. The terminal area can be crowded, and baggage is usually checked and loaded separately. Keep valuables, documents and medication with you in a small bag.
Porters may offer help. If you accept, agree on the price first and keep an eye on where your bags go.
On board and arrival in Zanzibar
Seats are allocated by class, with upper decks offering more space and views. The channel can be choppy, particularly in the afternoon or during windy months, so take motion sickness precautions if you need them, after checking with your doctor.
Zanzibar is semi-autonomous, and on arrival you will pass through an immigration check where passports are reviewed. Zanzibar also requires visitors to hold mandatory Zanzibar inbound travel insurance, introduced in October 2024, so arrange this before you travel and keep proof handy.
Ferry or flight?
Flights between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar take about 20 minutes and avoid the ports altogether. They suit tight schedules or guests with lots of luggage. The ferry is slower but often cheaper and gives you sea views on the way. Our team at Ndovu African Expeditions can include either option in a beach extension.
If you are coming from a northern safari, flying directly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar is usually simpler than traveling to Dar es Salaam first. The ferry makes most sense when you are already in Dar es Salaam or exploring the southern parks.
Getting from Stone Town port to your hotel
The ferry docks close to the heart of Stone Town, so hotels in the old town are a short ride or walk away. Beach resorts on the north and east coasts are typically an hour or more by road. Arranging a pickup in advance spares you from negotiating with drivers at the exit, which can be hectic when a full ferry unloads.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
Fast ferries usually take around two hours. Weather and sea conditions can make it a little longer.
Do I need my passport for the Zanzibar ferry?
Yes. You need it to buy your ticket and to pass the immigration check on arrival in Zanzibar, even when traveling from mainland Tanzania.
Is the Zanzibar ferry safe?
Established fast-ferry operators run modern vessels with safety equipment and regular schedules. Stick with these companies and avoid informal boats.
