Zanzibar is much more than a beach. Between swims you can explore spice farms, ancient ruins, coral reefs and lush forests. Here are our favourite things to do on the island.
On and in the water
- Snorkel at Mnemba Atoll — clear water, colourful reef fish and often dolphins.
- Sail on a sunset dhow cruise from Nungwi or Stone Town.
- Learn to kitesurf on the shallow lagoon at Paje.
- Go scuba diving at reefs around the island and Pemba.
- Swim with turtles at the Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond in Nungwi.
- Explore Safari Blue, a full-day boat trip with snorkelling, sandbanks and a seafood lunch in the Menai Bay area.
Culture and history
- Walk through Stone Town with a local guide. Read our Stone Town guide.
- Take a spice tour to see and taste cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and pepper.
- Visit Prison Island to meet giant Aldabra tortoises.
- Eat at Forodhani Gardens night market.
- Visit a seaweed farm in Jambiani or Paje and learn how local women grow seaweed.
Nature
- See red colobus monkeys in Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, the only national park on the island.
- Walk the mangrove boardwalk in Jozani.
- Watch the sunset from Kendwa beach.
Food
- Join a Swahili cooking class and learn to make pilau, coconut curries and chapati.
Responsible tourism in Zanzibar
- Choose snorkelling and dolphin operators that keep a respectful distance from marine life.
- Do not buy shells, coral or turtle products.
- Support local businesses, guides and craftspeople.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly in villages.
Half-day and full-day ideas
Half-day: spice tour, Stone Town walk, Prison Island, Jozani Forest, sunset dhow cruise.
Full-day: Safari Blue, Mnemba Atoll snorkelling with lunch, Pemba diving trip (requires a flight).
Rainy-day activities
- Swahili cooking class
- Museums and historic buildings in Stone Town
- Spa treatments
- Butterfly centre near Jozani
Frequently asked questions
Is swimming with dolphins in Zanzibar ethical?
Dolphin trips can be crowded and disturb the animals. If you go, choose a responsible operator and observe from the boat rather than chasing the dolphins.
Can I see turtles in Zanzibar?
Yes, at turtle sanctuaries in the north, and sometimes while snorkelling or diving.
What is the best excursion in Zanzibar?
Many guests love snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll and the spice tour, which shows a different side of island life.
How many days?
To enjoy a few activities and still relax on the beach, plan at least four to five nights.
Combine Zanzibar with your safari on our 10 Days Serengeti & Zanzibar Holiday.
Utmost Tanzania Tours
Utmost Tanzania Tours is an Arusha-based tour operator specialising in tailor-made wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro treks, Zanzibar beach holidays and cultural tours.
