6 Days • 5 Nights
Zanzibar Dhow & Island Cruises: Sandbanks & Reefs
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Sailing traditional dhows on the turquoise sea is the timeless heart of this journey. Zanzibar's traditional wooden dhows, with their graceful triangular sails, have plied these waters for centuries, and sailing them is timeless and romantic. You sail the beautiful turquoise waters aboard traditional dhows, feeling the warm breeze and watching the sails against the sky, especially magical at sunset, savouring the timeless romance of dhow sailing. The dhows and sailing are magical. Sailing traditional wooden dhows on the beautiful turquoise sea, feeling the warm breeze against the sails, is the timeless and unforgettable heart of this Zanzibar dhow cruise.
- Pristine white sandbanks are a magical highlight. Around Zanzibar, pristine white sandbanks appear amid the turquoise sea at low tide, tiny slivers of dazzling sand in the ocean. You sail to these magical sandbanks, stepping ashore onto pristine white sand surrounded by turquoise water, swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing in blissful seclusion, the ultimate castaway experience. The sandbanks are magical. Sailing to pristine white sandbanks amid the turquoise sea, stepping ashore in blissful seclusion, is a magical and unforgettable highlight of this Zanzibar dhow cruise.
- Safari Blue and snorkelling vibrant reefs are a magical highlight. The famous Safari Blue dhow excursion, in the south, sails to the sandbanks, reefs and mangroves of Menai Bay, snorkelling over vibrant coral teeming with colourful fish, with a seafood feast on a sandbank. You also snorkel the marine reserve of Mnemba, amid dolphins and turtles. The excursions and reefs are magical. Enjoying the famous Safari Blue dhow excursion and snorkelling vibrant reefs amid dolphins and turtles is a magical and rewarding highlight of this Zanzibar dhow cruise.
- Dolphins and beautiful islands are a wonderful highlight. Cruising Zanzibar's waters brings wonderful encounters. You take a dolphin excursion, snorkelling with pods of playful dolphins gliding in the clear water, and sail to beautiful islands and reefs, exploring the turquoise waters of the exotic Spice Island. The dolphins and islands are wonderful. Encountering playful dolphins and sailing to beautiful islands and reefs is a wonderful and rewarding highlight of this Zanzibar dhow cruise.
- Glorious sunset sails and seafood feasts are a delightful highlight. Zanzibar is famous for its dhows and sunsets, and a sunset dhow sail, gliding on the turquoise sea as the sky blazes with colour, is magical. You savour glorious sunset sails, and delicious fresh seafood feasts aboard the dhow or on a sandbank, grilled fish, lobster and fragrant spices. The sunsets and feasts are delightful. Enjoying glorious sunset dhow sails and delicious fresh seafood feasts aboard is a delightful and rewarding highlight of this Zanzibar dhow cruise.
- Above all, this journey offers the timeless romance of dhow sailing amid pristine sandbanks and reefs. The turquoise waters around Zanzibar are best explored by traditional dhow, and this journey lets you cruise them in style. Over six days you sail traditional dhows, anchor at pristine sandbanks, snorkel vibrant reefs amid dolphins and turtles, enjoy Safari Blue and seafood feasts, and savour glorious sunset sails, with atmospheric Stone Town and powder-white beaches. The combination of timeless dhow sailing, pristine sandbanks, vibrant reefs, dolphins and glorious sunsets makes this a beautiful cruise. For lovers of the sea, sailing and beautiful islands.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your Zanzibar dhow cruise journey begins as your flight arrives at Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in atmospheric Stone Town. The turquoise waters around Zanzibar, dotted with reefs and sandbanks, are best explored by traditional dhow, and the exotic charm of the island is immediately captivating. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, taking a first stroll to the seafront and the atmospheric dhow harbour, and, in the evening, sampling the famous Forodhani night market, as dhows are silhouetted against the sunset. As you settle in, the beauty and charm of the Spice Island work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore Stone Town and begin your dhow cruises tomorrow.
Today you explore atmospheric Stone Town, then journey to a beautiful beach base. You take a walking tour of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage labyrinth of historic lanes, carved doors, bazaars and history, exploring its heritage, markets and the dhow harbour where traditional dhows have sailed for centuries. You then transfer to your beach resort on the coast, your base for dhow cruises. The history and beach are wonderful. As the sun sets over the ocean, you savour the glorious colours, perhaps from a first sunset dhow sail. This evening, dine on Swahili cuisine, fresh seafood and fragrant spices. As you settle in by the turquoise sea, the anticipation of dhow cruising works its magic. Rest well, ready for the famous Safari Blue dhow excursion tomorrow.
Today you enjoy the famous Safari Blue dhow excursion to sandbanks and reefs. You board a traditional dhow and sail the beautiful turquoise waters of Menai Bay in the south, anchoring at pristine white sandbanks amid the turquoise sea, stepping ashore in blissful seclusion, and snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, turtles and, often, dolphins. You explore mangroves, swim in a natural lagoon, and enjoy a delicious seafood feast, grilled fish, lobster and fragrant spices, with tropical fruit, on a sandbank or aboard. The dhow, sandbanks and reefs are magical. As the day ends, you sail back, savouring the sunset. This evening, dine on Swahili cuisine. Rest well by the turquoise sea, ready to snorkel Mnemba by dhow tomorrow.
Today you sail by dhow to snorkel Mnemba Atoll and see dolphins. You board a dhow and sail to Mnemba Atoll, Zanzibar's finest marine reserve, snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs teeming with clouds of colourful fish and turtles, often amid playful dolphins that come to swim and play, in the warm, crystal-clear turquoise water. You relax on the dhow, taking in the beautiful ocean, with a fresh lunch aboard. The dhow, reefs and dolphins are magical. As the day ends, you sail back, savouring the sunset. As the sun sets over the ocean in a blaze of colour, you savour the glorious sunset. This evening, dine on Swahili cuisine. Rest well by the turquoise sea, ready for a sunset dhow sail and relaxation tomorrow.
Today you relax on the beach and enjoy a glorious sunset dhow sail. The day is yours to relax on the powder-white beach, swimming and snorkelling in the turquoise sea, savouring the beauty and serenity of the Spice Island. In the late afternoon, you board a traditional dhow for a glorious sunset sail, gliding on the turquoise sea as the sky and sea blaze with colour, the graceful sails against the sunset sky, with drinks aboard, a magical and romantic finale to your cruising. The relaxation and sunset sail are magical. As the sun sets over the ocean from the dhow, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, enjoy a final dinner, savouring delicious Swahili cuisine, reflecting on the beautiful waters you have sailed. Rest well by the turquoise sea, the timeless dhows of Zanzibar vivid in your memory, ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final, relaxed morning by the turquoise sea, perhaps a last swim or a stroll along the powder-white beach, you are transferred to Zanzibar's airport for your onward departure. You leave deeply relaxed and enchanted, having cruised the turquoise waters of Zanzibar by traditional dhow, sailing to pristine sandbanks, snorkelling vibrant reefs amid dolphins and turtles, enjoying Safari Blue and seafood feasts, and savouring glorious sunset sails, with atmospheric Stone Town and powder-white beaches. The images stay vivid long after you land, the graceful dhows against the sunset, the pristine white sandbanks, the vibrant reefs and dolphins, and the seafood feasts. Zanzibar offers the timeless romance of dhow sailing amid pristine sandbanks and reefs in abundance, and you depart deeply refreshed, already dreaming of a return to sail the turquoise waters of the exotic Spice Island.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation (Stone Town bed and breakfast, beach half board)
- Airport and island transfers
- Tours and excursions as per itinerary with local guides
- Services of expert local guides as per itinerary
- A Stone Town tour, a Safari Blue dhow and sandbank excursion, a Mnemba snorkelling dhow trip, and a sunset dhow cruise
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some meals ashore and premium drinks
- Optional excursions and tips for guides and dhow crews
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and most nationalities need a Tanzania visa, easily obtained as an eVisa online before travel or on arrival; a passport valid for at least six months is required. A yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from or transiting a yellow-fever country. We confirm the current process and help arrange the eVisa
- Health & malaria: Malaria is present in Zanzibar, so anti-malarial prophylaxis and insect repellent are strongly recommended; consult a travel clinic well ahead and ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Drink bottled or treated water, take sensible precautions, and carry comprehensive travel insurance including medical cover
- Currency: The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are very widely accepted (bring newer notes), and cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments. Carry some cash for markets, Stone Town, tips and small purchases; ATMs are available in Stone Town and main towns
- Best time to visit: The long dry season (June to October) is the most popular, with warm, sunny, less humid weather ideal for beaches and touring; December to February is hot and dry too. The long rains (March to May) and short rains (November) bring heavier showers, though beaches remain warm; it is warm year-round
- Dress & culture: Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim, conservative island with a rich Swahili culture; modest dress is important in Stone Town and villages (cover shoulders and knees; women may carry a scarf), while beachwear is fine at beach resorts. Respect local customs, especially during Ramadan, and always ask before photographing people
- Beaches & tides: The north-coast beaches (Nungwi, Kendwa) offer the best swimming at all tides; the beautiful east-coast beaches (Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu) have a large tidal range, so swimming is best around high tide, with seaweed farming and kitesurfing at low tide. We advise on the best beach and coast for your priorities
- Getting around: Touring is by private vehicle with your guide or driver; Stone Town is explored on foot, and dhow and boat trips reach the reefs, sandbanks and Mnemba. Zanzibar is reached by short flight or ferry from Dar es Salaam, or by direct international flights. We arrange all transfers, tours and any mainland-safari connections
- Alcohol & power: Alcohol is available at hotels, resorts and tourist restaurants (less so in local areas, out of respect for Islamic custom). Power is 230V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Swahili is the language and English is widely spoken in tourism; the warmth of Swahili hospitality is a joy of a visit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Safari Blue excursion?
Safari Blue is Zanzibar's famous full-day dhow excursion, sailing the turquoise waters of Menai Bay in the south, anchoring at pristine white sandbanks, snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish and turtles (often with dolphins), exploring mangroves and a natural lagoon, and enjoying a delicious seafood feast on a sandbank. It is a magical, relaxed day combining sailing, sandbanks, snorkelling and feasting, one of the highlights of a Zanzibar holiday. We arrange it and other beautiful dhow cruises, tailoring the excursions to you.
Can we do a private dhow charter?
Absolutely. As well as shared dhow excursions like Safari Blue, we can arrange private dhow charters, giving you your own traditional dhow and crew to sail the turquoise waters, visit sandbanks and reefs, snorkel, and enjoy a seafood feast, at your own pace, ideal for couples, families or groups seeking privacy, and especially lovely for sunset sails or special occasions. We tailor the dhow cruises, shared or private, to your group, interests and the beautiful waters of Zanzibar.
What meals are included?
This depends on the board basis chosen (bed and breakfast, half board, full board or all-inclusive), which we tailor to you and your resort. Many Zanzibar beach resorts offer half board or all-inclusive, while Stone Town is ideal for exploring the wonderful Swahili food scene, from the Forodhani night market to Swahili restaurants. Zanzibari cuisine is delicious, fresh seafood, fragrant spiced curries, coconut and tropical fruit, and we advise on the best board basis and dining.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Tours can be arranged privately, with your own guide and vehicle or boat, for flexibility and depth, or as shared/group excursions for value; we tailor this to you. Zanzibar's knowledgeable guides bring Stone Town's history, the spice plantations, the reefs and the culture vividly to life. Many highlights, from the spice tour and Stone Town walk to Safari Blue and Mnemba snorkelling, are easily and rewardingly arranged.
Do I need a visa and vaccinations for Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, and most nationalities need a Tanzania visa (eVisa online or on arrival). Malaria is present, so anti-malarial prophylaxis and repellent are strongly recommended, and a yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from an endemic country. We confirm the current visa and health requirements for your nationality, help arrange the eVisa, and advise on precautions, so you travel prepared and reassured.
Is Zanzibar safe to visit?
Zanzibar is a welcoming island popular with visitors, and travel here is rewarding, with warm Swahili hospitality. Standard precautions apply, as anywhere: dress modestly in Stone Town and villages out of respect, take care with valuables, use trusted guides and drivers (as we arrange), and follow local advice. We monitor conditions and choose reputable resorts and operators. The warmth of the Zanzibari welcome is one of the joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
The long dry season (June to October) is the most popular, with warm, sunny, less humid weather ideal for beaches, Stone Town and reefs; December to February is also hot and dry. The long rains (March to May) and short rains (November) bring heavier showers, though it stays warm. We advise on the best timing for your interests, whether beaches, diving, or combining with a mainland safari (excellent June to October).
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can combine Stone Town, the spice plantations, and the north or east beaches in any way, add Mnemba snorkelling, Safari Blue, kitesurfing, Jozani Forest, a dhow cruise, and combine Zanzibar with a mainland Tanzania safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) for the classic bush-and-beach holiday. Every Zanzibar journey is tailored to you, matching the beaches, resorts, culture and experiences to create your ideal Swahili-coast escape.
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