Zanzibar & the coast · handpicked day trips

One island. 51+ unforgettable journeys.

Trade resort routines for real Zanzibar — sail a traditional dhow, wander Stone Town with a local guide, snorkel Mnemba reefs, kitesurf in Paje, or join a festival in Stone Town. Every trip is small-group, story-rich, and easy to book.

Hotel pickup includedPrivate options availableLocal expert guides
51Excursions
$6From, per person
6Categories
PrivateOptions available
Handpicked excursions

Excursions — pick a starting point.

Every card opens into the full day plan, inclusions, pickup details, and booking notes. Filter by what you want from the island.

Filter by
Zanzibar spice plantationCulture & Heritage
Family-favourite · all ages

Spice Tour

A guided plantation walk through cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, herbs and medicinal plants — followed by a spice-infused Swahili lunch.

Half DayStone Town
From $45 per personExplore →
Stone Town alley, ZanzibarCulture & Heritage
Heritage · UNESCO World Site

Historical City Tour

A cultural walk through historic Stone Town — the House of Wonders, Palace Museum, Arab Fort, cathedrals, mosques, markets and the carved doors that line every alley.

Half DayStone Town
From $55 per personExplore →
Aldabra giant tortoise on Prison IslandNature & Wildlife
Short crossing · easy day

Prison Island Boat Trip

A boat ride to Changuu — giant Aldabra tortoises, white-sand beaches, coral-reef snorkeling and the historical prison and quarantine station.

Half DayStone Town
From $50 per personExplore →
Red colobus monkey in Jozani ForestNature & Wildlife
Endemic species · easy walk

Jozani Forest Tour

A guided walk through Zanzibar's only national park — home to the endemic red colobus monkey, chameleons, bush pigs and a raised mangrove boardwalk.

Half DayJozani
From $45 per personExplore →
Bottlenose dolphins, KizimkaziWater & Snorkeling
Early start · respectful viewing

Dolphin Tour

A boat trip out of Kizimkazi to spot — and possibly swim alongside — bottlenose and humpback dolphins, run on dolphin-friendly principles.

Half DayKizimkazi
From $70 per personExplore →
Sunset on the east coast of ZanzibarWellness & Luxury
Evening · iconic dining

Sunset Trip & The Rock Restaurant

An evening on Michamvi Beach for the sunset, with optional dinner or sightseeing at Zanzibar's iconic Rock Restaurant perched in the tide.

EveningEast coast
From $65 per personExplore →
Turquoise water and reef, ZanzibarWater & Snorkeling
Reef snorkel · calm water

Snorkeling Tour · Blue Lagoon

A snorkeling trip to Zanzibar's Blue Lagoon — calm, crystal-clear water, colourful coral reefs, tropical fish and a traditional dhow sail.

Half DayEast coast
From $39 per personExplore →
Bwejuu village, east coast ZanzibarCulture & Heritage
Local life · respectful visit

Village Tour · Bwejuu

A guided walk through Bwejuu village — meet locals, visit homes, shops, and schools, and experience authentic east-coast Zanzibari life.

Half DayBwejuu
From $35 per personExplore →
Turquoise water around Mnemba AtollWater & Snorkeling
Full-day · clearest water

Mnemba Snorkeling & Trip to the North

A full-day combining snorkeling around the Mnemba coral ring with relaxation on Nungwi Beach in northern Zanzibar.

Full DayMatemwe / Nungwi
From $110 per personExplore →
Traditional dhow sailing in Menai BayWater & Snorkeling
Signature · most-booked

Safari Blue

A full-day dhow sailing adventure in Menai Bay — sandbank picnics, mangrove swims, snorkel reefs and seafood lunch.

Full DayFumba
From $95 per personExplore →
Fishing boat off KizimkaziAdventure & SportsSeasonal · Sept – Mar
Deep-sea · big-game targets

Fishing in Kizimkazi

A deep-sea fishing day off the Kizimkazi shelf — tuna, kingfish, marlin and dolphin fish in rich pelagic waters.

Full DayKizimkazi
From $150 per boatExplore →
Traditional fishing dhow, ZanzibarAdventure & Sports
Traditional · with local fishermen

Local Game Fishing

A traditional fishing morning with Zanzibari fishermen aboard a wooden dhow — simple gear, hand-lines, and a real day at sea.

Half DayEast coast
From $40 per personExplore →
12 of 51 shown
Locals' picks

Combinations that work

Some excursions pair beautifully across one or two days. Here's how we'd sequence them.

What's always included

  • Hotel pickup & drop-off
  • Licensed local guide
  • Bottled water all day
  • All park & entry fees
  • Equipment (masks, fins, life jackets)

Not included

  • Tips for guides & crew
  • Alcohol on certain trips ($15 add-on)
  • Travel insurance (please bring your own)
  • Spending money for markets/cafés

Family-friendly

  • Spice Tour, Prison Island, Jozani — all ages
  • Safari Blue — kids 8+
  • Dolphins — confident swimmers, 10+
  • Children under 5 free on most trips

Booking & payment

  • Book at least 48 hours ahead
  • 20% deposit, balance on the day
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • USD, EUR, GBP, TZS — all accepted
Common questions

Before you book

Can you do private versions?
Yes — almost every excursion can run privately for your group. Pricing scales (Dream Dhow private from $320, Safari Blue private from $640). Just ask at booking.
What if it rains?
We sail rain or shine — Indian Ocean rain is usually warm and brief. If conditions are unsafe (high winds, lightning), we postpone or refund in full. Your call.
Do you pick up from the north / east coast?
Yes — pickup from Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Pongwe, Paje and Bwejuu is included. Add 30–60 minutes each way to the day.
Is it OK during Ramadan?
Absolutely — all excursions run as normal. You may notice quieter mornings in town and many cafés closed during the day. Out on the water, life carries on. Be respectful with eating/drinking in public during fasting hours.
Can I combine these with a safari?
Yes — most guests do. See our Bush & Beach package or open the AI Trip Planner for a custom mainland-and-island itinerary.
What's the tipping etiquette?
Tips are appreciated but never expected. As a guide: $5–10 per guest for a half-day excursion, $10–20 for a full day. Split between guide and crew.

Ready to lock a date?

Tell us when you're here and which excursions caught your eye. We'll come back within 24 hours with available dates, pickup times and a final price — no commitment, no chatbot.

Chat with the team