Zanzibar is an archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa, situated in the Indian Ocean. It is known as one of the biggest natural paradises due to its unreal white-sand beaches and marine life. I traveled to Tanzania for a big adventure – climbing Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa! After the challenging 8-day climb to the summit, we had a plan to fly to Zanzibar to chill and regenerate our bodies. I’m sharing my personal experiences and detailed insights from the 10 best beaches in Zanzibar, including the facilities you can expect to find, making it easier for you to plan your dream adventurous beach holiday.
I had enough time to explore this tropical paradise extensively. Despite my preference for an active style of travel, I can confidently say that Zanzibar offers some of the most stunning and diverse beaches in the world.
One thing you should know is that Zanzibar’s beaches are very different from each other. On one coast you can swim any time of day. On another, the sea disappears for hundreds of metres at low tide, leaving you walking across rock pools and seaweed farms. Some beaches have smart resorts, beach bars and dive centres; others have little more than fishermen and palm trees.
I’ve put together the 10 best beaches in Zanzibar, with the facilities you’ll find at each one, how the tides affect them, and who each beach suits best, so you can choose the right one for your trip.
10 best beaches in Zanzibar Island!
Zanzibar is paradise on earth. If you are looking for complete and true information on the white-sand beaches, type facilities offered, water sports worth trying and prices, this post is for u! Each beach has its own unique charm, and you will be able to find quiet hideaways (Muyuni), but also lively tourist spots (Ningwi and Paje) with numerous activities.
TIDES IN ZANZIBAR: Don’t forget that some of the best beaches in Zanzibar are highly affected by tides. Unlike many other beaches in Zanzibar, Nungwi is not significantly affected by tides, which means you can swim all day without worrying about low tide exposing the seabed. While Paje Beach can completely disappear during the day.
Zanzibar’s beaches are truly amazing due to their powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. A fresh coconut and some water sports were my favourite start of the day 😉
| Beach | Coast | Tides | Facilities | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nungwi | North | Small; swimmable most of the day | Excellent | Sunsets, nightlife, diving |
| Kendwa | North | Small; swimmable most of the day | Very good | Swimming, sunsets, beach bars |
| Paje | East | Very large | Very good | Kitesurfing, backpackers |
| Jambiani | East | Very large | Good | Quiet stays, local life |
| Bwejuu | East | Very large | Moderate | Long, empty walks |
| Michamvi Pingwe | Southeast | Large | Good | The Rock restaurant, sunsets |
| Matemwe | Northeast | Large | Moderate to good | Snorkelling at Mnemba |
| Kiwengwa & Pongwe | Northeast | Large | Good (resorts) | All-inclusive stays, calm lagoons |
| Nakupenda Sandbank | Off Stone Town | Tide-dependent | Basic | Day trip, photos |
| Kizimkazi | South | Moderate | Basic to moderate | Dolphins, local village feel |
Understand Zanzibar tides 😉
This is the single most important thing to know before you choose a beach.
On the east coast (Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu, Michamvi, Matemwe, Kiwengwa), the tides are huge. At low tide, the sea can retreat so far that you’ll walk a long way across sand flats and rock pools to reach water deep enough to swim. At high tide, the lagoons are beautiful and swimmable. Check a tide chart and plan your swims around high tide.
On the north coast (Nungwi and Kendwa), the tidal range is much smaller, so the water stays close and you can swim at almost any time. That’s the main reason these are the most popular beaches for a classic “swim-all-day” holiday.
1. Nungwi Beach - north of Zanzibar.
Nungwi and Paje Beach are undoubtedly the two most famous beaches, offering some of the best beaches on Zanzibar Island with well-developed tourist infrastructure.
At the northern tip of the island, Nungwi is Zanzibar’s most famous beach, and one of its busiest. Nungwi is also a working village. You’ll see dhows being built by hand on the beach, fishermen bringing in their catch, and the Mnarani turtle aquarium, a small local conservation project.
NUNGWI BEACH LOCATION: northern tip of Zanzibar.
The white sand shores of Nungwi Beach are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving (there are a few PADI centres), sunbathing, jetskiing, boat tours and tens of other activities. You can also hire a sunbed with an umbrella. Nungwi is, without a doubt, among the most beautiful Zanzibar beached, where you’ll probably find any kind of water activity.
Nungwi Beach facilities.
FACILITIES: Nungwi offers a range of accommodations from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Many beach bars and restaurants are serving fresh seafood and local dishes at very affordable prices. Nungwi is probably the most developed spot on the island. Sunset views here are spectacular, and the beach comes alive at night with music and cultural events.
Facilities:
- Accommodation: Everything from budget guesthouses to large luxury resorts.
- Food and drink: Dozens of beach restaurants, cocktail bars and seafood grills.
- Activities: Diving and snorkelling centres, sunset dhow cruises, fishing trips, boat trips to Mnemba.
- Practical: Shops, pharmacies and some of the best access to ATMs outside Stone Town. Beach bars and hotels usually have toilets and sunbeds for customers.
Good to know: Some parts of Nungwi have a narrow beach at high tide, and the busiest stretch can feel crowded, with plenty of beach vendors. Walk a little way in either direction for more space.
FOOD PRICES:
- Catch of the day/fish: 25,000 Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) ~ 11 USD.
- Fresh fruit juice 5,000 TZS
- Beer 10,000 TZS
- Beef/chicken with fries 25,000 TZS.
Things to do in Nungwi Beach.
WATER SPORTS: Nungwi offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and dhow boat trips. Water sports centres provide equipment rental and guided snorkelling or diving tours. And you will be offered tens of boat tours: snorkelling, sunset, deep sea fishing, etc.
JETSKI: Aw this is great fun!! They charge min. 30$ for 15 minutes, 50$ for 30 minutes. Drone shots can be booked with an additional 80,000 Shillings. If booked online, it’s even cheaper – Jetski adventure from Nungwi or Kendwa. And here is an option for Zanzibar Jetski with hotel pick-up and drone videos.
As the sun starts to set, the beach transforms, with local fishermen returning from their day at sea. The Masai people are widely present on Nungwi Beach, they are very friendly but tourist-oriented 😉 So if you want to experience a real tribe culture, you would need to join one of the proper tours.
BEACH BARS: Nungwi Beach has incredible beach bars with affordable prices. I highly recommend visiting around sunset; the spot fills up with a chilling atmosphere.
You will not have any problems finding an accommodation – whether it is a beach bungalow, luxury resort or cosy hostel near the coastline.
My favourite accommodation on Nungwi Beach (we stayed for many days, so I tried a few places ;)):
Kilimanjaro Hostel – an amazing place with great atmosphere, lovely breakfast and 2 minutes from the beach. There’s even a swimming pool, AC and private bathrooms.
Amazing Villa: Casa Carlotta & Villa in Nungwi offers a 3-star villa with a garden and terrace.
DADA GARDEN NUNGWI Private villas in Nungwi.
If you are looking for a hotel, Canary Hotel & Spa is perfect.
Uhuru Hotel & Restaurant in Nungwi offers apartments with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden or pool views.
2. Muyuni Beach - true paradise!
Muyuni Beach is my NUMBER 1 beach in Zanzibar. It is unreal, and due to a quite remote location, it’s almost empty! It’s located on the north-east coast of Zanzibar. It offers excellent swimming conditions in crystal clear waters.
3. Mnemba Island
Mnemba Island is a small island located off the northeast coast of Zanzibar. The Island is famous for its crystal clear water and astounding coral reefs.
MNEMBA ISLAND SNORKELING BOAT TOURS: 5 hours in total: dolphin watching + reef snorkelling: $50 + per person. However, the experience reviews differ.
We booked the Mnemba snorkeling tour + dolphin watching. However, be careful when booking the tour, as there are many concerns around wild dolphin tours and overall tour experience. Many tours involve multiple boats chasing the dolphins, and some operators provide overcrowded snorkeling experiences with poor-quality gear and a lack of respect for the animals. Here are a few top-rated TripAdvisor tours:
- Swimming with dolphins in Mnemba Island.
- Mnemba Island private snorkeling experience.
- Full-day trip to Mnemba Island with a traditional Dhow.
DIVING: 1 dive $70, 2 dives: $110. There are plenty of Padi Diving Centres.
4. Paje Beach - the centre of kitesurfing.
On the southeastern coast of Zanzibar, Paje Beach is a haven for kite surfers. The steady winds combined with warm water make it an unforgettable experience. The beach has a laid-back vibe and is less crowded than the northern beaches.
FACILITIES: Paje offers numerous kite surfing schools and equipment rental shops. There are cosy guesthouses, boutique hotels, and beachfront restaurants serving both international and Swahili cuisine. Basic amenities like showers, restrooms, and small shops are available. The beach is clean and ideal for both relaxation and sport.
Paje Beach - low tides
One of the most incredible phenomenon in Paje are low tides, which happen daily! Paje’s low tide is when the Indian Ocean retreats significantly – the sea goes back by one kilometre, exposing sandbanks and shallow lagoons.
Low tides make the place ideal for walking and seaweed harvesting.
The timing of low tides shifts daily, but in October 2025, the sea disappeared around 10 am and reappeared around 5pm.
Best accommodation options in Paje:
- Two exceptional stays: The Garden in Paje with swimming pool and Maisha Matamu Boutique in Paje with direct beachfront access.
- Hakuna Matata Boutique
- Hi Zanzibar in Paje with a rooftop swimming pool.
- Villa Serenity, Tanzania Unforgettable offers villas with view of the Indian Ocean and the beach.
5. Tiki Beach
If you want to explore one of the most amazing beaches in Zanzibar, go to Tiki Beach. We have spent the first few days north of Paje at Tiki Beach.
While there are not many facilities available, the beach is a perfect spot if you seek a quiet piece of pure nature.
6. Kendwa Beach.
Just a short distance from Nungwi, Kendwa Beach is known for its wide sandy shore and calm waters, unaffected by the tides, making it ideal for swimming at any time of day. I highly recommend visiting Kendwa for the full moon party!
The sand is wide, soft and bright white, and the water stays close even at low tide, so you can swim whenever you like. Like Nungwi, it faces west, which means incredible sunsets.
Kendwa is more relaxed than Nungwi during the day, but it’s famous for its monthly full moon parties, when the beach fills with music, fire dancers and crowds.
Facilities:
- Accommodation: Mid-range and upmarket beach hotels, plus a few budget options with beachfront access. The nightlife here is vibrant, with beach clubs and bars hosting music events. Facilities include beach loungers, shaded areas, and water sports rentals.
- Food and drink: Beach bars and restaurants, many with sunbeds and shade for guests.
- Activities: Snorkelling and diving trips, boat trips, sunset cruises, water sports.
- Practical: Fewer shops and services than Nungwi (which is a short walk or taxi ride away).
7. Matembwe Beach
Matemwe Beach, located on the northeast coast, is one of Zanzibar’s longest beaches and is known for its coral reefs and rich marine life. There are a number of boat tours from Matemwe to Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine reserve ideal for snorkelling and diving.
FACILITIES: Matemwe has a few luxury resorts and eco-friendly lodges. Facilities include dive centres, beach bars, and restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced food. The beach is quiet and well-preserved, perfect for travelers seeking tranquility.
8. Jambiani Beach.
Jambiani Beach is a peaceful village beach with a strong sense of community, which makes it one of the best beaches in Zanzibar. The beach stretches for miles.
FACILITIES: Jambiani features budget-friendly accommodations, eco-lodges, and family-run guesthouses. There are several small restaurants and cafes, often with fresh seafood. While the beach is less commercialised, you can find basic facilities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and small markets.
9. Zanzibar Beach.
If you are in Zanzibar port town sightseeing the Stone Town, there’s also a beach with plenty of cafes and beach restaurants. The beach is a very popular spot among locals.
10. Pongwe Beach
Pongwe Beach, located on the east coast, is a small, quiet beach with powdery white sand and calm waters. Pongwe is less developed and less touristy than other beaches.
FACILITIES: Pongwe facilities focus on exclusivity and comfort, including spa services, fine dining, and personalised tours.
How to get to Zanzibar?
From the mainland of Tanzania, there are two ways to get to Zanzibar:
1. FLIGHT TO ZANZIBAR: The quickest way to get to Zanzibar is to take a flight with one of the local operators from one of the mainland airports; the cost is around $100 return. We traveled from Kilimanjaro Airport to Zanzibar Airport and took a taxi directly to Paje.
2. BOAT TO ZANZIBAR: Another way to get to Zanzibar is to take a convenient fast ferry from Dar es Salaam, which takes about 1h to 30 minutes to reach Zanzibar port town. Ferries are comfortable and of good quality; they run multiple times a day, with departure times typically including 7:00, 9:30, 12:30, and 16:00. Prices vary by operator, season, and time. I highly recommend booking in advance. Here are all options: 12GO.ASIA.
Arriving in Zanzibar Airport.
You need to have an additional travel insurance for Zanzibar – it’s mandatory – if you purchase online, you will show the QR code at the airport.
TAXIS: I highly recommend booking your airport transportation online in advance – otherwise you’ll get stuck with airport taxis, which charge twice as much for any trip! We didn’t pre-book anything and had to walk out of the airport to find a decent taxi to take us to Paje.
Taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Paje at midnight was $30.
Taxi from Paje to Nungwi was $40.
Book here Affordable and reliable Taxi Transport in Zanzibar.
Best time to visit Zanzibar.
The best time to visit Zanzibar for beach activities is during the dry seasons: from June to October and from December to February.
These months offer warm, sunny weather, calm seas, and minimal rainfall.
Avoid the long rainy season (March to May) if you want uninterrupted beach time. However, in October, we had 3 days with heavy rain, so I guess there’s no weather rule.
Getting around Zanzibar.
The best beaches in Zanzibar are spread out, so renting a scooter, bicycle, or using local taxis (dala-dalas) is common for getting around and will not cost you a fortune. For longer distances, private car hires or organized tours are recommended for comfort and safety.
Practical tips for Zanzibar's beaches.
Mandatory travel insurance
Since 1 October 2024, the Zanzibar government has required every visitor to buy its inbound travel insurance, even if you already have your own. The official 2026 price is USD 44 per adult and USD 22 per child. Only buy it through the official government website, because some “visa agents” charge double. Your certificate may be checked before you board your flight or ferry and again when you arrive.
Beach vendors
On popular beaches, you’ll meet “beach boys” selling excursions, souvenirs and boat trips. A polite but firm “no, thank you” (hapana, asante) works well. If you want to book a trip with one, agree on the price, what’s included and the pickup time before paying.
Respect local culture
Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island. Swimwear is fine on the beach and at resorts, but cover your shoulders and knees when walking through villages and in Stone Town, especially during Ramadan.
Protect the reef
Wear water shoes on the east coast (sea urchins and sharp coral are common at low tide), use reef-safe sunscreen, and never stand on coral or touch marine life.
Some frequent questions.
Which is the most beautiful beach in Zanzibar?
Many travellers choose Kendwa or Nungwi for their white sand and sunsets. No doubt these are the two most beautiful beaches in Zanzibar.
Which Zanzibar beach has no tides?
No beach is completely without tides, but Kendwa and Nungwi in the north have the smallest tidal range, so you can swim at almost any time of day.
What is the best beach in Zanzibar for families?
Kendwa is great for swimming, while Kiwengwa and Pongwe have resorts with pools and calm lagoons at high tide.
Is Zanzibar good for snorkelling?
Yes. Mnemba Atoll, near Matemwe, is the best-known spot, and trips also leave from Nungwi and Kendwa. Take a snorkeling bout tour for best experience.
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