Explore Menai Bay on a traditional wooden dhow with the Safari Blue tour – a full-day ocean adventure. This original Safari Blue experience (operating since 1995) visits the Menai Conservation Area and the best coral reefs in Zanzibar. Activities include guided snorkeling over vibrant reefs, dolphin watching, a walk on a white sandbank, and a lagoon dip in hidden mangroves. A Swahili seafood barbecue lunch is served on the boat, along with drinks. The tour lasts about 6–8 hours. Prices run approximately $50–75 per adult (around $75 on Safari Blue’s official booking). For best weather (calm sea, clear skies), book in the dry season (June–October)
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site (Swahili trading town) showcasing intertwined African, Arab, Indian and European cultures. A guided walking tour explores its narrow streets and landmarks: the old slave market, Sultan’s Palace, House of Wonders, the Freddie Mercury House, and bustling Darajani Market. You’ll discover carved wooden doors, mosques and temples side by side, and hear stories of Stone Town’s history. Tours are usually (2–3 hours), though many guests stay longer to soak it all in. Morning or late-afternoon tours are ideal to avoid midday heat. Don’t miss nearby Forodhani Gardens at sunset for street food snacks.
Zanzibar is nicknamed the “Spice Island” and the Spice Tour is a top cultural excursion. Small-group tours (often 2–3 hours) guide you through a working spice farm. You’ll touch, smell and taste spices (cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, chili, black pepper) and tropical fruits (tamarind, papaya, jackfruit, etc.) as you learn how they grow. Tours typically include a traditional Swahili lunch prepared with farm-fresh spices. Most tours depart mid-morning (around 10 am) when the air is fragrant. for a 2–3 hour private tour. The Spice Tour operates year-round, but dry-season months (June–Sept) offer the sunniest outings.
For adrenaline seekers, tandem skydiving in Zanzibar is a bucket-list thrill. Jumping from 10,000 ft (3,050 m) over Kendwa Beach, a first-timer is strapped to a certified instructor. You’ll experience ~30–40 seconds of freefall, then a gentle 5-minute canopy descent with panoramic ocean views. From arrival to landing takes about 2 hours. The dry season (June–Oct) offers the clearest skies for views. Videos and photos can usually be added for an extra fee. This activity is great for thrill-seekers and honeymooners looking to splurge on a unique experience.
Zanzibar’s reefs are teeming with life. The best snorkel spots include Mnemba Atoll (northeast coast) and Chumbe Island marine park. Mnemba boasts vibrant coral gardens and clear turquoise water, where you can spot reef fish, octopus, sea turtles and even visiting dolphins. Chumbe Coral Park is a protected sanctuary – over 200 coral species and 400 fish species have been recorded there. Many tours run 3–4 hours from Stone Town or north coast villages, including boat ride, snorkel gear, and sometimes dolphin watching. Ideal times are morning and afternoon in the dry season (June–Oct, Dec–Feb) when visibility is best. Prices start around $50 per person for a half-day group trip. Conservation efforts (marine park fees) help protect the delicate reef ecology you’re enjoying
Zanzibar has world-class diving for all levels. Colorful coral reefs, walls, and wrecks surround the islands of Unguja and Pemba. Divers often encounter turtles, reef sharks, rays, and sea fans, as well as thousands of reef fishs. Whale sharks appear seasonally (Nov–Feb off Mafia, a bit south of Zanzibar). Sites range from gentle shallow reefs (ideal for beginners) to drift dives and caves (for advanced divers). Most dive shops offer 1–2 dives per half-day or packages of multiple days. Visibility is excellent in the dry season (June–Oct). Tanks, weights and guide included, a single dive costs roughly $80–100 (double-dive ~ $110). Warm water (~26–29°C) means minimal exposure gear. Dive resorts on Pemba (the “Green Island”) boast particularly pristine reefs and pelagic life
More Zanzibar Experiences – Ask for pricing
Sunset Cruise
Experience Zanzibar’s iconic sunset from a traditional wooden dhow. Sunset cruises (2–4 hours) depart late afternoon from beach resorts in Nungwi or Kendwa (north coast) or Stone Town waterfront. Onboard you’ll often get drinks, snacks or seafood BBQ, while sailing along the coast or around neighboring islets as the sun dips. Some cruises include live music or deviate to swim at a sandbank before dusk. Many travelers time a cruise on their honeymoon or family night out – the golden-hour views and calm seas make it unforgettable.
Jet Skiing
High-speed jet skiing is available on north and east coast beaches. Kendwa and Nungwi (north) have calm shallow waters ideal for beginners. Guided jet ski tours can also take you around local reefs (with time to snorkel) or race along the coastline past palm-fringed beaches. Safety instructions and life-jackets are provided, making this a family-friendly thrill. Sunset jet-skiing (evening rides) is also popular for spectacular sky colors. It’s a fun way for families or couples to add adrenaline to their beach day.
Paragliding (Parasailing)
See Zanzibar’s beaches from the air by tandem paragliding (often through parasailing). Flights take off from Paje Beach on the east coast. A typical session lasts 10–15 minutes of flight, reaching around 300 meters above sea level. From up high you get sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and Jambiani shoreline. (Parasailing behind a boat is a common alternative – 10–12 min flights for similar costs.) Clear, calm weather is essential, so bookings are often made on a day-by-day basis. Paragliding is great for adventurous honeymooners or anyone seeking a bird’s-eye panorama of the island.
Yoga
Zanzibar is a yoga lover’s paradise. Many resorts and yoga retreats on Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and Michamvi host sunrise/sunset beach yoga classes. Picture rolling out a mat on warm white sand with gentle waves in the background – truly a “paradise for those seeking a deeper connection”. Popular venues like the Zen Retreat (Paje) or Nungwi Yoga Lodge offer daily classes for all levels and wellness packages. Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes and may incorporate meditation or local drumming. Drop-in classes cost around $10–20, while week-long retreats (full board plus classes) run a few hundred dollars. Yoga in Zanzibar is perfect for honeymooners and families who want relaxation and well-being during their trip.
Turtle Swimming
In north Zanzibar, the Baraka Natural Aquarium in Nungwi offers a unique turtle encounter. This tidal lagoon (a natural cave pool) houses rescued sea turtles recovering from injuries. Visitors can wade or snorkel in the shallow lagoon to feed and swim alongside these gentle creatures. It’s a conservation project: turtles are fed seaweed and cared for until they’re released back to the ocean. The experience lasts about 1–2 hours and is ideal for children and nature lovers. A local guide explains turtle ecology. Entrance fees are modest (often a few dollars), making this an affordable, family-friendly activity with a feel-good conservation angle.
Resturants
Each restaurant reflects Zanzibar’s multicultural cuisine and scenic settings. Bon appétit on the Spice Island!
The Rock – Set on a small offshore rock (Michamvi), this iconic restaurant offers Italian-influenced seafood with panoramic ocean views. Access via boat at high tide, it’s perfect for romantic sunset dinners.
Emerson on Hurumzi (Stone Town) – A heritage rooftop dining venue serving traditional Swahili cuisine with live Taarab music. Spices like clove and cinnamon infuse the menu. Reservations are highly recommended.
Upendo Zanzibar – Chic beachside restaurant (Michamvi) with eclectic Mediterranean and fusion dishes. Fresh seafood and vegan options feature on the menu, all enjoyed under a thatched pavilion by the sea. The original Upendo also has a Stone Town rooftop sister.
Shanga (Paje) – Stylish beachfront café and shop with boho décor. Offers global and local fusion cuisine (wood-fired pizzas, poké bowls) and hosts live music sessions. Great for breakfast, lunch or casual dinner in a vibrant atmosphere.
Badolina Secret Garden (Nungwi) – Hidden tropical garden setting serving Mediterranean-style grilled fish and steaks. It’s a cozy spot for dinner amid lush foliage, popular among couples.
La Fontana (Stone Town) – Upscale Italian restaurant in a restored merchant’s house. Renowned for artisanal pizzas and pasta, homemade gelato and wine. A top choice for high-quality Western cuisine in Stone Town.
Six Degrees South (Stone Town) – Lively grill and wine bar on the waterfront with nightly entertainment. Expect dishes like steaks, fish and cocktails, plus karaoke nights for fun. A great evening venue.
Ocean Restaurant (Nungwi) – Beachfront dining with panoramic ocean views (by Chez Nungwi resort). It offers a fusion of African and international dishes in a relaxed setting. Perfect for sunset cocktails and seafood.
Baladin Zanzibar (Kiwengwa) – Part of a boutique beach hotel, this restaurant serves seafood and Italian dishes on the sand. Its serene atmosphere and fresh ingredients make it ideal for families and groups looking for upscale casual dining.
Taarab Restaurant (Stone Town) – Located in the DoubleTree by Hilton, this elegant eatery focuses on Swahili-inspired fine dining with creative presentations. Taarab often features live music and is a sophisticated spot for a special night out.
Explore our thoughtfully crafted collection of bespoke safaris, designed with care for the little things that shape a truly seamless adventure. From smart drive times and well-paced days to meaningful experiences, time to breathe, expert insight, and trusted local guidance, every itinerary is built to feel effortless, immersive, and entirely your own.
