The Nakupenda Sandbank Tour is a half-day or full-day boat excursion from Stone Town to a pristine white sandbank in the Indian Ocean. Guests enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and a freshly prepared seafood lunch on the sandbank itself. It’s one of Zanzibar’s most relaxing and photogenic experiences.
- Expert Guides
- Easy Booking
- 24/7 Support
What Is the Nakupenda Sandbank Tour?
The Nakupenda Sandbank Tour takes you to Nakupenda Beach, a natural sandbank that appears only during low tide, just off the coast of Stone Town.
“Nakupenda” means “I love you” in Swahili — and once you step onto this glowing stretch of white sand surrounded by turquoise waters, the name makes perfect sense.
This experience is designed for travelers who want:
A calm, uncrowded ocean escape
Easy swimming and snorkeling
Incredible photo opportunities
A relaxed beach lunch with ocean views
It’s ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, and small groups.
Why Choose This Nakupenda Sandbank Tour?
Quick Highlights
Boat ride across the clear Indian Ocean
Soft white sandbank surrounded by shallow turquoise water
Snorkeling with colorful reef fish and marine life
Fresh seafood BBQ lunch prepared on the sandbank
Flexible half-day or full-day options
Experienced local crew and professional guide
Unlike crowded beach stops, Nakupenda feels exclusive, peaceful, and natural — especially when timed perfectly with the tides.
Booking and Transportation options
Booking your Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with Blue Green Zanzibar Tours is as easy as a sea breeze!
Reserve your spot online using our simple booking form, send us a quick WhatsApp message, or give us a call—we’re always here to make the process smooth and hassle-free.
We also offer flexible payment options to suit your needs, whether you prefer credit card, bank transfer, or cash.
And don’t worry about transportation—we’ve got it covered!
Enjoy a comfortable pick-up and drop-off service from your hotel, so you can fully relax and soak in the beauty of Zanzibar’s most stunning sandbank.
Let us handle the details while you focus on making unforgettable memories in paradise!
Want a Deeper Guide to Nakupenda Sandbank?
If you’d like to explore everything about Nakupenda Sandbank before booking — including the best time to visit, tide schedules, snorkeling conditions, what to bring, and expert local tips — we’ve put together a complete in-depth guide.
Read our full Nakupenda Sandbank Mega Guide here
Nakupenda Sandbank Trip Itinerary
Duration: Half-day or full-day options available
Morning Pickup & Departure
Your day begins with hotel pickup (optional) and transfer to the shore in Stone Town. Here, you’ll meet our friendly crew and board a traditional wooden dhow or motorized boat, depending on sea conditions.
Boat Ride to Nakupenda Sandbank
Enjoy a scenic ride across calm waters as the sandbank slowly comes into view — a ribbon of white sand rising from the ocean.
Arrival at Nakupenda – What to Expect
Step onto powder-soft sand surrounded by crystal-clear water. There are no buildings, no noise, and no crowds — just ocean, sky, and silence.
You can:
Swim in shallow, calm water
Sunbathe and relax
Take stunning photos
Walk barefoot across the sandbank
Snorkeling & Marine Life
Snorkeling equipment is provided. The waters around Nakupenda are perfect for beginners, with colorful tropical fish and clear visibility.
Life jackets are available for non-swimmers.
Beach Lunch on the Sandbank
Our team prepares a fresh lunch right on the sandbank, typically including:
Grilled fish, calamari, prawns, or lobster (seasonal)
Swahili-style rice
Tropical fruits (pineapple, mango, watermelon)
Soft drinks and water
Vegetarian options are always available, such as:
Grilled vegetables
Spiced Zanzibar potatoes
Lentil curry and fresh salads
Free Time & Relaxation
After lunch, enjoy more swimming, relaxing, or photography before the tide begins to rise.
Return to Stone Town & Hotel Drop-Off
We return by boat to Stone Town, followed by transfer back to your hotel (if selected).
Real Guest Experiences – What Travelers Say About Our Nakupenda Sandbank Tour
Travelers consistently describe our Nakupenda Sandbank experience as well-organized, personal, and stress-free, especially when combining the sandbank with nearby highlights like Prison Island and Stone Town.
Guests reviewing Tripadvisor frequently mention:
Friendly, knowledgeable local guides
Smooth logistics from pickup to drop-off
Freshly prepared seafood lunches
Excellent support with ferries and timing
“Amazing tour – highly recommended!”
Renata R · September 2025 · Friends“The tour was excellent. Our guide, Nassor, picked us up directly at the ferry terminal and stayed with us from start to finish. He shared many interesting stories and demonstrated great knowledge throughout the entire tour.
We first took a boat to Prison Island (the turtle island), then visited the sandbank, where a wonderful seafood lunch was prepared for us. After that, we returned to the city for the historical tour.
The team also helped us with purchasing the ferry tickets, which was extremely helpful and made everything much easier.
I highly recommend this tour!”
Why this matters for you:
This review highlights what many travelers value most:
Door-to-door assistance (including ferry coordination)
Knowledgeable guides with real local insight
High-quality seafood lunch on the sandbank
A smooth combination of Nakupenda Sandbank + Prison Island + Stone Town
Tour Gallery
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Nakupenda Sandbank Tour Prices 2026
Important Note: Transportation costs are not included in the listed prices, as they depend on the distance from your hotel. Please get in touch with us, and we’ll provide a tailored quote that includes transfer costs based on your hotel’s location.
What’s Included in the Tour?
- Proffesional Tour Guide
- Private Boat
- Swimming Equipment
- Lunch (Seafood BBQ, Chicken, or Vegetarian options)
- All government fees
- Transfer from and return to your hotel is available only for the extra costs
FAQs About the Nakupenda Sandbank Tour
Do I need to know how to swim to join this tour?
Not necessarily! You can still enjoy the sandbank, boat ride, and beach lunch even if you don’t swim. Life jackets are available for those who want to experience the water safely.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Nakupenda Sandbank is a family-friendly destination with shallow, clear waters perfect for kids to enjoy.
Do I need to book in advance?
While same-day bookings are possible based on availability, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Your safety is our priority! If the weather conditions are unsafe for travel, we will reschedule your tour or provide a full refund if rescheduling isn’t possible.
Is the boat ride to Nakupenda Sandbank safe?
Yes! We use traditional dhow boats operated by experienced captains. Life jackets are provided for all passengers.
Is there shade on the sandbank?
Since Nakupenda is a natural sandbank, there are no permanent structures, but we do set up umbrellas and tents for shade.
What should I bring with me?
- Swimwear & towel
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Hat or cap for extra sun protection
- Waterproof bag for your phone & valuables
- Camera or phone for amazing photos
Is alcohol provided on the tour?
We do not provide alcohol, but you’re welcome to bring your own drinks if you’d like!
If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us directly. We’re here to help make this tour an unforgettable experience!
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