Dreaming of soft white sands, turquoise water, and palm-fringed shores?

Zanzibar is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world — each with its own vibe, charm, and adventure.

Whether you’re chasing the best snorkeling at Mnemba, calm swimming lagoons, or romantic sunset shores, this local guide reveals the 8 best beaches in Zanzibar — from Nungwi and Kendwa in the north to Paje, Jambiani, and Pongwe on the east coast.

Best Beaches in Zanzibar

Best for snorkeling: Matemwe (Mnemba access), Kiwengwa.(lagoon), Paje, (nearshore reefs).
Best for swimming (calm, easy access): Kendwa, Nungwi, Bwejuu.
Most popular (lively, great facilities): Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani.
Most beautiful/picture-perfect: Pongwe, Kendwa, Matemwe, Bwejuu.
Best Overall Beach in Zanzibar: Kendwa Beach

Best Overall Beach in Zanzibar: Kendwa Beach

If we had to choose just one beach that captures the magic of Zanzibar for every kind of traveller, it would be Kendwa Beach — and here’s why.

Unlike many East Coast beaches where tides pull the ocean far from shore, Kendwa offers perfect swimming conditions all day, every day.

The water stays deep and calm, the sand is powder-soft, and the sunsets are simply unforgettable — glowing gold and orange as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean.

It’s the kind of beach where you can do everything:

Swim safely at any tide
Snorkel or dive right from the shore
Enjoy vibrant local life with beach bars, restaurants, and sunset music
Or simply relax under palm trees with a chilled coconut

Kendwa manages to blend natural beauty, comfort, and local energy better than any other spot on the island. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a family looking for calm swimming, or a solo traveller wanting a social vibe, Kendwa Beach truly has it all.

Visit during sunset hours (around 6 PM) when the beach glows golden and traditional dhow boats drift past the horizon — it’s one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Zanzibar.

Best Snorkeling Beaches in Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s underwater world is a kaleidoscope of coral reefs, tropical fish, and even sea turtles—perfect for snorkelers of all levels.

Our rankings prioritize spots with vibrant marine life, easy access (shore or short boat trips), and clear visibility.

Based on recent reviews, Mnemba Atoll remains a hotspot, but we’ve focused on beaches offering direct or nearby snorkeling without the crowds.

Matemwe Beach

Tucked on the northeast coast, Matemwe is our top pick for snorkeling thanks to its proximity to Mnemba Atoll Marine Park—just a 15-20 minute boat ride away.

Here, you’ll encounter schools of angelfish, parrotfish, and occasional dolphins in waters averaging 25-30°C year-round.

Shore snorkeling is possible at high tide, revealing sea grass beds teeming with starfish and urchins.

Pros: Crystal-clear visibility (up to 30m), low crowds compared to busier spots, and nearby fishing villages for cultural immersion.

Cons: Strong tides mean low tide exposes the reef—check apps like Tide Chart for timings.

Accessibility: A 1-hour drive from Stone Town; public dalladallas (minibuses) or book our private transfer.

Crowds: Quiet mid-week, busier weekends.

Amenities: Boutique lodges like Zanzibar Retreat Hotel with dive centers; fresh seafood at local eateries.

Tip: Visit in July–September for calmer seas; avoid jellyfish season (November–December) by wearing rash guards.

When it comes to Matumwe Beach travelers rave about the “untouched vibes” and “abundant marine life.

Kiwengwa Beach

Kiwengwa’s turquoise expanse is a gateway to vibrant underwater adventures.

Just south of Matemwe, Kiwengwa shines with its fringing reefs accessible right from the shore during high tide.

Spot clownfish in anemones or rays gliding by in the shallow lagoons—visibility often hits 20m.

For deeper exploration, boat trips to Mnemba cost.

Pros: Family-friendly with gentle slopes; combines snorkeling with kitesurfing schools nearby.

Cons: Seaweed can appear in rainy seasons, affecting clarity.

Accessibility: 45-minute drive from Stone Town.

Crowds: Moderate, peaking in European holidays (December–February).

Amenities: Resorts like Melia Zanzibar

Tip: Go early morning for the best light and fewer people; our guided snorkel tours include gear and fruits

Paje Beach

Paje’s lively waters, perfect for combining snorkeling with kitesurfing thrills.

On the southeast coast, Paje’s lagoon-like waters host colorful coral gardens and sea turtles, best explored via boat to nearby reefs.

Shore snorkeling reveals seahorses amid the seagrass.

Pros: Windy conditions make it a kitesurfing hub—multi-activity heaven.

Cons: High winds (June–October) can stir up sand, reducing visibility.

Accessibility: 1 hour from Stone Town.

Crowds: Busy with adventure seekers.

Amenities: Backpacker vibes at spots like Paje by Night; seaweed farms add cultural flair.

Tip: Pair with a visit to Jozani Forest for monkeys— explore our combo tours.

Best Swimming Beaches in Zanzibar

For effortless dips in warm, inviting waters, these beaches stand out with minimal tides, soft sands, and safe conditions.

Rankings factor in water depth, currents, and year-round swimability.

Kendwa Beach

Kendwa’s golden sunset hues over swim-friendly waters.

Northwest’s Kendwa tops our list for its negligible tides—swim anytime without the water retreating far.

The gentle gradient and calm currents make it ideal for families or leisurely floats in 28°C waters.

Pros: Stunning sunsets; soft, white sands free of rocks. Cons: Can get party-like at night. Accessibility: 1.5-hour drive from Stone Town

Crowds: Popular but spacious.

Amenities: Resorts like Kendwa Rock with pools; full-moon parties.

Tip: Best in dry seasons; watch for vendors—politely say “hapana asante” (no thanks).

Nungwi Beach

Nungwi’s iconic dhow boats framing perfect swimming spots.

Neighboring Kendwa, Nungwi offers deep, clear waters for confident swimmers, with minimal tidal shifts. Dive in amid dhow boats for that authentic Zanzibar feel.

Pros: Vibrant marine life visible while swimming.

Cons: Rocky patches in spots—wear water shoes.

Accessibility: Similar to Kendwa.

Crowds: High-energy vibe.

Amenities: Dive centers and bars.

Tip: Combine with aquarium visits

Bwejuu Beach

Bwejuu’s pristine sands invite endless swims.

Southeast’s Bwejuu provides lagoon-style swimming at high tide, with warm shallows.

Pros: Secluded peace.

Cons: Tides expose flats.

Tip: Time with lunar cycles.

Most Beautiful Beaches in Zanzibar

Pure eye candy—ranked by scenic allure, sand quality, and photogenic appeal.

Pongwe Beach – tranquility.
Bwejuu Beach – Endless white sands and azure horizons.
Matemwe Beach – Serene landscapes with dhow silhouettes.
Kendwa Beach – Dramatic sunsets over flawless shores.

Zanzibar Beach-by-beach overview

Pongwe

Vibe: Quiet, romantic, small hotels and intimate beaches.
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, families who want calm water.
Snorkeling: Good in the lagoon at the right tide (close to high tide). Ask a local guide for the best spots and for a short guided snorkel.
Getting there: ~1-1.25 hr from Stone Town by car. Road is OK; a taxi or private transfer is simplest.
Local tip: The beach becomes a photographer’s dream 1–2 hours before high tide — bring a wide lens.
Safety: Reef can be sharp at low tide — reef shoes recommended.

Bwejuu

Vibe: Laid-back, resorty, good balance between quiet and amenities.
Best for: Families, swimmers, couples wanting a relaxed base.
Getting there: East coast drive from Stone Town ~1–1.5 hr.
Local tip: Combine a morning swim with a late-afternoon dhow cruise for a quieter sunset.

Kiwengwa

Vibe: Long sandbanks, cluster of resorts, quieter than northern hotspots.
Best for: Beach walks, nature photography, guided snorkeling trips.
Snorkeling: Good pockets but tide-dependent — go with a guide for the best clarity.

Jambiani

Vibe: Village feel, seaweed-farming community, authentic local life.
Best for: Cultural travellers, kite & wind surfers (nearby), low-key evenings.
Local tip: Visit at low tide to see seaweed farming and local life — be respectful when photographing.

Paje

Vibe: Kitesurfing capital — lively, youthful, plenty of water-sports schools.
Best for: Kitesurfers, active travellers, flat-water practice at certain tides.
Safety: Watch kite lanes and avoid swimming through kitesurf zones; ask instructors about safe swim windows.

Matemwe

Vibe: Quiet north-east coast with access to Mnemba Atoll excursions.
Best for: Serious snorkelers/divers who want boat trips to Mnemba; people seeking a quieter escape.
Top tip: Book a Mnemba trip early in the day for best visibility and calmer seas.

Kendwa

Vibe: Lively but still beautiful — music nights, restaurants, family friendly.
Best for: Beach swimmers (works at any tide), social travellers, families.
Local tip: If you want quiet moments, head to the far ends of the beach early morning.

Nungwi

Vibe: Bustling north coast — full of life, restaurants, dive shops.
Best for: Travellers who want a mix of beach time + convenience + nightlife.
Snorkel note: Some very nice nearshore snorkel spots — ask a dive/snorkel shop for current clarity and the best stretch to visit.

Plan Your Dream Zanzibar Beach Escape with Us

At Blue-Green Zanzibar Tours, we don’t just take you to the beach — we help you experience it like a local. From private Kendwa sunset cruises to snorkeling trips around Mnemba, our team will design a trip that matches your pace, passions, and budget.

Plan Now