Zanzibar Beach Tours

Zanzibar Beach Tours and Island Excursions

Zanzibar beach tours let you discover far more than sun and sand. Between lazy days by the sea, join a guided excursion to explore the island’s history, spices, marine life and forests. The trips above can be booked on their own or added to a safari and beach holiday.

Popular Zanzibar Beach Tours

Stone Town walking tour. Wander through the narrow alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the House of Wonders area, the old slave market and Anglican Cathedral, the Old Fort and the busy Darajani market.

Spice farm tour. Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. On a farm visit you will see, smell and taste cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, lemongrass and tropical fruit, often followed by a home-cooked Swahili lunch.

Prison Island and sandbank trip. A short boat ride from Stone Town takes you to Changuu Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises, with time to swim and snorkel on a nearby sandbank.

Mnemba Atoll snorkelling. Clear water, coral gardens and colourful reef fish make Mnemba one of the best snorkelling spots in East Africa. Dolphins are often seen on the way.

Safari Blue. A full-day dhow cruise in the Menai Bay area with snorkelling, a seafood lunch on a sandbank and a visit to a mangrove lagoon.

Jozani Forest. Walk on boardwalks through mangroves and forest in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to see the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey, found nowhere else in the world.

Sunset dhow cruise. End the day sailing along the coast on a traditional wooden dhow, watching the sky turn orange over the Indian Ocean with fresh fruit and soft drinks on board.

Kizimkazi and The Rock. In the south, visit the fishing village of Kizimkazi, home to one of the oldest mosques in East Africa, then stop for lunch or a drink at the famous restaurant built on a rock in the sea near Michamvi.

Tips for Zanzibar Beach Tours

Many sea excursions depend on the tides, so departure times change daily. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water shoes and a waterproof bag for your phone. In Stone Town and villages, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered out of respect for local culture.

Best Time for Zanzibar Beach Tours

June to October and December to February offer the calmest seas and sunniest skies. Tours run all year, but some boat trips may be rescheduled during the heavy rains of April and May.

Combine With a Safari

Zanzibar beach tours fit perfectly at the end of a wildlife safari. Fly from Arusha or the Serengeti to the island and enjoy a few relaxing days with one or two excursions. See our Zanzibar holiday packages, our Tanzania safari tours and the Tanzania safari FAQ.

For official tourism information, visit the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, then contact us to book your Zanzibar beach tours.