If there’s one thing you absolutely can’t miss in Zanzibar—it’s a boat trip.
Whether it’s a traditional dhow cruise into a blazing sunset, snorkeling over coral reefs in Mnemba Atoll, or swimming with dolphins off the southern coast, Zanzibar’s turquoise waters are calling.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the best boat trips in Zanzibar and give you local insights.
Why Zanzibar Boat Trips Are a Must-Do
You haven’t really experienced Zanzibar until you’ve left the shore.
Zanzibar isn’t just beaches—it’s a maritime paradise.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs, hidden sandbanks, marine parks, and historic sailing routes once used by Swahili, Arab, and Persian traders.
A boat trip here lets you:
- Discover secret sandbanks that vanish with the tide
- Snorkel with vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters
- Enjoy the serenity of sailing on traditional wooden dhows
- Spot dolphins, turtles, and even humpback whales (seasonal!)
- Feast on seafood BBQs prepared right on the boat
Top Boat Trips in Zanzibar
1. Safari Blue Tour Zanzibar
Duration: Full-day | Best for: First-time visitors, families, adventure lovers
If you only do one full-day boat tour in Zanzibar, make it Safari Blue.
This tour is the ultimate mix of everything: snorkeling, sailing, seafood feasting, sandbank lounging, and even dhow jumping!
We depart from the fishing village of Fumba, located in Menai Bay Conservation Area, a marine reserve packed with hidden islets and coral reefs.
What’s included:
- Traditional dhow sailing experience
- Snorkeling in two different reef spots
- Natural lagoon swim under mangroves
- Massive Swahili-style seafood BBQ
- Cold drinks, fruits, and friendly local crew
“It’s like a full Zanzibar experience, but on water!” – most of our guests
The Safari Blue Tour is perfect for couples, groups, or solo travelers who want the best of everything in one day.
2. Sunset Dhow Cruise in Nungwi or Stone Town
Duration: 2–3 hours | Best for: Couples, honeymooners, romantics at heart
Nothing beats watching the African sun melt into the sea from the deck of a dhow.
As you sip fresh coconut or chilled wine, traditional taarab music floats in the breeze.
We launch just before sunset, offering dreamy golden-hour vibes and Insta-worthy shots.
3. Mnemba Island Snorkeling Tour
Duration: Half-day | Best for: Snorkelers, families, marine life lovers
This is our most in-demand tour—and for good reason.
We take you to the coral gardens near Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine reserve known for its snorkeling.
Expect parrotfish, clownfish, turtles, and sometimes dolphins.
- All snorkeling gear provided
- Fruit platter + drinks included
- Optional GoPro footage packages
4. Swimming with Dolphins in Kizimkazi
Duration: Morning only | Best for: Early risers, adventure seekers
We depart early from Kizimkazi, where wild dolphins gather offshore.
Unlike overcrowded trips, we time our visits to minimize disturbance to the pods—so it’s safer, more respectful, and more magical.
🔹 Dolphin sightings are natural, not guaranteed
🔹 Local guides trained in responsible tourism
🔹 Add-on: Jozani Forest visit
5. Nakupenda Sandbank Boat Trip
Duration: Half-day | Best for: Couples, beach lovers, photography fans
This is paradise unplugged. Just off the coast of Stone Town, Nakupenda Sandbank appears with the tide—a pristine stretch of white sand surrounded by turquoise sea.
You can sunbathe, swim in shallow crystal waters, and feast on a seafood BBQ while soaking in uninterrupted ocean views.
- Seafood lunch on the sand
- Beach umbrellas & snorkeling gear included
- Great for proposals, drone shots, and chilled vibes
Prison Island (Changuu Island) Boat Tour
Duration: 2–3 hours | Best for: History lovers, wildlife fans, short trips from Stone Town
Just 20 minutes by boat from Stone Town, Prison Island is famous for its giant Aldabra tortoises (some over 150 years old!) and its fascinating colonial past.
Originally built as a prison for rebellious slaves, the island is now a quiet, green escape with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
- Entry to the tortoise sanctuary included
- Guided historical tour of the old prison
Full‑Day Boat Trips in Zanzibar
1. Stone Town + Prison Island + Nakupenda Sandbank
Duration: Full-day | Best for: History buffs, beach lovers, first-timers
Start with a walking tour through Stone Town’s UNESCO alleys—visit the doors, markets, and historic sites.
Then hop on a traditional dhow to Prison Island to meet giant Aldabra tortoises and soak in colonial history.
Finish at Nakupenda Sandbank, a powder-white sandbar for snorkeling, sunbathing, and a fresh seafood BBQ on the sand.
2. Mnemba Island + Sea Turtles + Nungwi/Kendwa Beach
Duration: Full-day | Best for: Snorkelers, wildlife fans, beachgoers
Travel north to the Mnemba Atoll, a marine sanctuary rich in marine life.
Snorkel among corals and sea turtles, then unwind on Nungwi or Kendwa’s famous beaches.
Great for families and those who want marine adventure plus relaxation.
Customized Private Boat Trip in Zanzibar
Duration: Flexible | Best for: Couples, families, groups, events, VIPs
Looking for something beyond the usual tours?
We specialize in tailor-made private boat trips designed around your dream experience.
Whether it’s a sunset proposal, an intimate family escape, or a corporate beach party—we’ll bring your vision to life on the waters of Zanzibar.
Popular Private Trip Ideas:
- Proposals on a Sandbank: Arrive to a decorated private sandbank with chilled champagne and flower petals. The moment is yours—secluded, romantic, unforgettable.
- Birthday Celebrations: Cruise with your own playlist, personalized cake, BBQ, and even a surprise beach setup. Perfect for adults or kids.
- Corporate Events or Retreats: Reward your team with a full-day sailing trip. Add activities like snorkeling competitions, local music shows, and seafood buffets on board.
- Honeymoon & Couple Escapes: Sail to a quiet lagoon, snorkel together, then enjoy a fresh seafood lunch as dolphins pass by. Pure paradise.
You Choose Everything:
- Boat Type: Small private dhow, speedboat, or luxury catamaran
- Departure Point & Time: We pick up from anywhere in Zanzibar—Nungwi, Stone Town, Paje, or your resort
- Route: Want to combine Mnemba Atoll + Kendwa Beach? Or maybe Nakupenda + Safari Blue? You set the course
- Menu: From seafood BBQ to vegetarian feasts, we cater to your dietary needs. Add wine, Swahili desserts, or tropical cocktails
- Extras: Underwater GoPro photography, drone footage, local drummers, bonfire on the beach—you name it
“We got engaged on a sandbank at sunset, thanks to Blue-Green’s private boat team. Everything was perfect—even the champagne was chilled!”
— Caroline & Mark, Norway
Why Book a Customized Private Boat Trip?
- Exclusive, personalized, and 100% private
- Great for groups, celebrations, and romantic getaways
- Safety-first with experienced local crew and licensed boats
- Free photography on select packages
- Local support team that speaks English, Swahili, French, and German
Whether it’s your first time in Zanzibar or your fifth, this is your chance to experience the ocean on your terms—with no crowds, no stress, and all the magic.
Ready to design your dream boat day?
Message us now on WhatsApp or click here to tell us your idea. We’ll handle the rest.
Best Time for Boat Trips in Zanzibar
You can enjoy boat trips year-round in Zanzibar, but here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- June–October: Dry, sunny, calm seas (perfect for all tours)
- November: Short rains, but tours still run
- December–February: Hot and dry, dolphin sightings increase
- March–May: Long rains; some tours may pause due to rough sea
We keep it flexible—if weather isn’t safe, we reschedule or refund. No stress.
Final Word: Don’t Just Visit Zanzibar—Sail It
If you’re dreaming of Zanzibar, don’t stop at the shore. Let the ocean be your playground, your sanctuary, and your adventure.
We’ll help you see the island the way it was meant to be seen—from the sea, with the wind in your hair and the horizon full of wonder.
Book a boat trip today—and discover the Zanzibar you’ve never seen before.
