If you take a tour with us, it will be very useful to know the best beaches in Zanzibar and what are the main activities you can do here: our travel programs usually end on this island, leaving some free days for everyone to enjoy it their own way. The good news is that there is plenty to choose from, whether you want to relax or are looking for action and fun. And we show you the highlights of each option below.
What the Sea is like in Zanzibar and how to Enjoy It
Zanzibar is an archipelago that belongs to Tanzania and is located off the mainland coast of the country, about 35 km away. It is the Indian Ocean that bathes its coastline, with the advantages that it has associated: crystal clear and calm waters, mainly.
As far as the archipelago itself is concerned, Zanzibar has two large islands: Unguja and Pemba, where the best beaches of Zanzibar are spread, especially on the former. In general, these beaches have bathing areas with very fine white sand, and the water is crystal clear, all embraced by lush vegetation that gives an idyllic air to every corner.
It can be said that there are two ways to enjoy the sea in Zanzibar: with a relaxing swim on its beaches or with water activities, guided by specialized instructors. Luckily, its tropical climate (monsoon, Am) makes temperatures warm and stable throughout the year (with a concentration of rainfall from March to May). And we address all this in the following sections.
The Best Beaches in Zanzibar
Choosing the best beaches in Zanzibar is difficult because, in reality, there are many types: some more suitable for swimming, others for walking, some more crowded with people and services, others more quiet and solitary… So the final decision on this rests with each tourist, depending on their preferences.
In general, it can be said that the most suitable beaches for swimming are those on the northwest coast of the main island (Unguja, also called Zanzibar for short). On the other hand, the beaches located to the east are more suitable for walking and admiring the surroundings, since the effect of the tide is more evident: when it is low, the water recedes from the shore and the depth becomes shallow for swimming in some cases. On the other hand, Pemba has a more natural interest and has small sandy beaches and smaller hotels and services. Therefore, this island is more suitable for a disconnection getaway, so our proposals will focus on the main island, Unguja.
Jambiani, Idyllic Atmosphere of the Southeast
If you are looking for tranquility without leaving the main island, Unguja, this is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Zanzibar. In Jambiani you will find a shallow bathing area in any tidal situation, with hardly any buildings on the beachfront, with the exception of some boutique hotels that do not break the harmony of the environment.
Nungwi: a more Lively Paradise
The concept of a paradisiacal beach is also subjective: those who consider that the perfect beach should have a lively atmosphere of bathers and resorts, the northern area of the island is the best choice. Here is Nungwi beach, where the range of restaurants is particularly noteworthy.
Kendwa: one of the Best Beaches in Zanzibar for Swimming
Its location is unbeatable for those who love to be in the water for a long time: located in the northwest of the island of Unguja, with little influence from high tide and low tide, this beach is ideal for swimming. In addition, its orientation also allows you to enjoy unbeatable sunsets, with the sun falling below the horizon line of the sea.
The Best Activities to Do in Zanzibar
We have already seen that taking a dip and sunbathing is a perfect plan on these that we have considered the best beaches in Zanzibar, or on any other on the island. But those who are not satisfied with that and want to fill their time with more action can also carry out very different activities both in and out of the water. We list them below.
- Snorkeling and diving: it is a classic, as the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and the shallow depths (especially on the east coast) make it very easy to spot marine species, such as starfish, corals grouped in reefs, octopuses or frog fish. And for those looking to observe larger species, they can go to dive sites further away from the shore, where green turtles or even dolphins tend to congregate
- Paddle surfing: getting on a puddle board and doing SUP (Standing Up Paddle) is a good idea to explore the beautiful coastline of the island and admire the tropical vegetation that surrounds it, but also to enter mangroves to navigate between its spectacular trees
- Kitesurfing: in addition to its good conditions on land and sea, Zanzibar also enjoys the presence of good winds for kitesurfing. Specifically, the kaskazi (from December to March) and the kusi (from June to October). One of the beaches where this sport is most practiced is Paje, where there are numerous companies and instructors who teach and provide the equipment to practice it
- Parasailing: an activity more oriented to leisure than to sport, it is offered in the lively north of the island (Kendwa). Here you can rise several tens of meters thanks to the mechanism tied to a boat and the parachute that gives stability to the flight.
- Private boat trips: this is one of the most peaceful and premium activities that can be done in Zanzibar. For example, departing from the marina or port of the capital, to carry out navigations of different durations, even reaching the neighboring island of Pemba. In some cases, these crossings can be done in traditional boats, such as the dhow, very popular in the Indian Ocean, or in authentic yachts
- Fishing: precisely one of the activities that can be done on board these boats is fishing. For this, it is advisable to be accompanied by experts in the field, who will know how to find the key to achieve the desired catches and provide information on licenses. They are deep sea fishing charters. Among the most numerous and desired species are marlin (blue, black and striped), swordfish and sailfish
Where Do We Take You?
Our catalog of suppliers is wide and, when booking accommodation, we can cover any part of Zanzibar. In particular, three areas of reference for their marked character. The first, the quiet southwest where Jambiani beach is located. The second, the lively north, either towards the east coast or towards the west. And finally, in the city of Zanzibar, especially its old town (Stone Town), where there is an equally sophisticated hotel offer but more oriented to urban tourism.
In any case, if you contact us and tell us your priorities, we can adapt the travel package to your tastes, booking the best hotel or resort in Zanzibar so that your stay here is the most idyllic imaginable.
