Most of what people remember from Zanzibar happens on a day trip. The beaches are lovely, but the island’s best experiences are the ones that take you across the water to a reef, a sandbank or a protected island, or into the forest and spice gardens inland. There are more options than most holidays can hold, so here is how to choose between them and fit them around your days.
For the best reef: Mnemba Atoll
The Mnemba trip, run from the north coast, is the best day for snorkelling and for a chance of dolphins. You travel by boat to the atoll, snorkel over coral gardens full of fish and look for dolphins on the way. It is a long day, about eight hours, and the water is clearest in the dry seasons. Never chase or touch the dolphins, and bring a rash vest, because the sun is strong.
For a lagoon and sandbank lunch: Safari Blue
The Safari Blue day in Menai Bay in the south-west is the island’s classic boat trip. A traditional dhow takes you through a protected bay to sandbanks and lagoons, with snorkelling, seafood and fruit. Operators differ on what is included, so read the details. It leaves from Fumba, south of Stone Town, and suits families and groups, as the pace is relaxed.
For something close to town: Prison Island and Nakupenda
Prison Island, a short boat ride from Stone Town, has giant Aldabra tortoises and a historic building that was never used as a prison, and it makes a good half-day. The Nakupenda sandbank, nearby, is a bright stretch of sand in the middle of the sea for swimming and a picnic. Many operators sell the two together, but it works equally well as separate half-days, and you can add either to a Stone Town stay without a long transfer.
For conservation and coral: Chumbe Island
Chumbe is a protected reef sanctuary with guided snorkelling, a forest walk, a lighthouse and a historic mosque, visited in small groups. It is a quieter, more educational day than the sandbank trips, and it is a good choice for confident swimmers who want to see healthy coral. Check the sanctuary’s operating season before you plan.
For a local island: Tumbatu
A half-day dhow sail from Nungwi or Kendwa to Tumbatu combines gentle sailing, snorkelling and a look at a quiet island community. Dress modestly and ask before taking photographs of people.
Inland: spices and forest
The spice farm tour and the Jozani Forest, with its red colobus monkeys, are the best half-day options for a cloudy or windy day, because they do not depend on the sea. Both can be combined in one morning. In the north, the Nungwi village and turtle pond half-day is another dry-land option.
For something different: a safari day
A fly-in day trip to Mikumi National Park on the mainland gives a taste of the bush. You fly early, spend the day on game drives and return in the evening. It is the most expensive option and the longest day, so it suits those who have not been on safari and will not take a longer trip.
How to plan
Choose one big sea day, one cultural day in Stone Town and one inland half-day, and leave the rest for the beach. Put sea trips early in your stay, so that if the weather forces a change you have spare days. Book popular trips a few days ahead in the busy months, and move to the area where the trip departs the night before if the transfer is long. Note that pickups from beach hotels to Stone Town tours often cost extra, which is one more reason to do the Stone Town sights while you are staying there.
Choosing by traveller
Families with young children do best with Prison Island, the Nungwi turtle pond and the spice farm, which are short and gentle. Couples tend to love the sunset sail and Safari Blue. Keen snorkellers should book Mnemba or Chumbe, and active travellers can add a quad ride or a skydive on the north coast. History lovers should keep their sea days short and spend the rest in Stone Town. Whatever you choose, one early start and one slow day in a row is a good rhythm.
What to bring
Always carry a rash vest, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, a towel and some small notes for tips. Never touch coral, shells or marine life, and take your rubbish home. Check each booking page for what is included, since lunch, drinks and equipment vary between operators.
