Best Things to Do in Zanzibar — Top Activities & Experiences

Full-Day Dhow Safari

The single best experience in Zanzibar — bar none

If you do only one activity in Zanzibar, make it a full-day dhow safari from Fumba Village. You will sail on a traditional wooden dhow into the protected Menai Bay Conservation Area and visit Kwale Island, the Blue Lagoon, and the famous Menai Bay sandbank.

Along the way, you will snorkel at vibrant coral reefs, spot dolphins and sea turtles if you are lucky, and end the day with a fresh seafood BBQ grilled right on the beach. This is the complete Zanzibar experience in a single day.

Snorkeling in Menai Bay

Crystal-clear water and hundreds of tropical fish

Menai Bay Conservation Area has some of the healthiest coral reefs in East Africa. The water is clear, the fish are colorful, and the reefs are protected — which means you will see marine life you will not find elsewhere.

Most snorkeling tours from Fumba Village combine the reef visit with Kwale Island and a sandbank stop. Life jackets and snorkeling gear are provided.

Prison Island (Changuu Island)

History, giant tortoises, and easy day trip from Stone Town

Prison Island — also called Changuu — is just 5.6 km from Stone Town. It is one of the easiest and most popular day trips in Zanzibar.

The island is famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises — some over 150 years old. You can feed them, photograph them, and learn about their history. The island also has ruins of a former prison that was never used.

Most tours combine Prison Island with a stop at Nakupenda Sandbank.

Nakupenda Sandbank

A vanishing island in the middle of the ocean

Nakupenda means "I love you" in Swahili — and one look at this sandbank explains why. It is a natural sandbar that appears in the middle of the ocean only when the tide is low.

The water around Nakupenda is unreal — so clear you can see your toes from ten meters away. It is one of the best snorkeling spots near Stone Town, and the sandbank itself is perfect for photographs.

Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

History, spice, food, and Swahili culture in one place

Stone Town is the historic heart of Zanzibar — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric old towns in Africa. Its narrow alleys, carved wooden doors, and bustling markets make it a joy to explore.

Highlights include the old slave market, the House of Wonders, the Old Fort, the Darajani Market, and the famous Forodhani Gardens night market where you can eat fresh seafood under the stars.

Best done in the late afternoon, ending at Forodhani for dinner.

Spice Farm Tour

Zanzibar's "Spice Island" heritage — smell, taste, learn

Zanzibar has been known as the "Spice Island" for centuries. A spice farm tour takes you into the countryside to see how cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom, black pepper, and turmeric actually grow.

You will smell, taste, and learn about the spices that made Zanzibar famous. Most tours end with a traditional lunch cooked with the spices you just discovered.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

Home of the rare Zanzibar red colobus monkey

Jozani Forest is Zanzibar's only national park — a protected area of mangrove, groundwater forest, and coral rag. It is home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, one of the rarest primates in the world.

You will walk with a guide through the forest, spot the monkeys up close, and learn about the unique ecosystem. Many tours combine Jozani with a visit to a spice farm or the nearby butterfly farm.

Sunset Dhow Cruise

Romantic, peaceful, unforgettable

There is nothing quite like watching the Zanzibar sun sink into the Indian Ocean from the deck of a traditional dhow. This 2-hour cruise is perfect for couples, honeymooners, or anyone who wants a peaceful evening on the water.

Most cruises include drinks (soft drinks or wine), light snacks, and the chance to see dolphins if you are lucky.

Dolphin Watching

A morning with wild dolphins in their natural habitat

Kizimkazi, on the southern tip of Zanzibar, is the best place on the island to see wild dolphins. Early-morning boat trips take you out to the pods, where bottlenose and spinner dolphins often swim alongside the boats.

Some tours offer the chance to swim with the dolphins — under strict rules to protect the animals. This is a magical experience for nature lovers.

Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje & Jambiani

White sand, turquoise water, and time to do nothing

Zanzibar has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In the north, Nungwi and Kendwa offer wide white-sand beaches, calm swimming water, and vibrant sunsets. On the east coast, Paje and Jambiani are famous for kitesurfing, seaweed farms, and long stretches of quiet sand.

Do not over-schedule your trip — leave at least one full day to just relax on the beach. It is part of the Zanzibar experience.

Swahili Cooking Class

Cook, eat, and take the recipe home

Zanzibar's food is a delicious blend of Swahili, Arab, Indian, and Portuguese influences. A cooking class teaches you how to make classic Zanzibari dishes like pilau, coconut curry, urojo, and fresh chapati — using spices from a local market.

Most classes end with a shared meal and a recipe booklet to take home.

Kitesurfing on the East Coast

World-class kitesurfing in warm, shallow water

Paje is one of the top kitesurfing destinations in the world. The combination of steady trade winds, shallow water, and a long sandy beach makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced riders.

Several schools in Paje offer lessons for all levels — from a first lesson to full certification.