Zanzibar is a beach lover’s paradise with powdery white sands, swaying palms, and warm turquoise waters. As you enjoy your Zanzibar beach holiday, you’ll notice the elegant outlines of dhow sailboats dotting the horizon. These traditional wooden vessels have been part of local life for centuries, originally used for fishing and trade on the Indian Ocean. Today, they offer beachgoers an unforgettable way to experience the sea.
Renting a car in Zanzibar makes it easy to reach the best departure points for dhow cruises, and explore the coastline at your own pace. In this guide, we’ll explore what you can expect from a dhow cruise in Zanzibar, from the best islands to set sail, to the magical sunsets and marine adventures waiting for you on board.
Zanzibar is an archipelago with many small islands and two large ones: Unguja, often called Zanzibar Island, and Pemba Island. Each part of these islands offers unique dhow cruise experiences. You can enjoy a laid-back sunset sail or take a day trip to remote sandbanks. Below are some of the best places to hop on a dhow and explore Zanzibar’s beautiful coastal waters.
Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar City, is a popular starting point for short dhow excursions. From here, you can sail to Prison Island, also called Changuu Island, which lies 5 km offshore. The boat ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes and offers scenic views of Stone Town’s waterfront with its line of 19th-century palaces that once impressed visitors arriving by sea. On Prison Island, you’ll find a sanctuary of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old, originally gifted from Seychelles in the 19th century. After meeting these slow-moving giants and learning about the island’s history, you can snorkel in the clear waters around the coral reefs or relax on the small beach.
Another gem near Stone Town is Nakupenda Sandbank, whose name means “I love you” in Swahili. This white sandbank appears at low tide, and many half-day dhow tours in Zanzibar include both Prison Island and Nakupenda. Here, you can swim in crystal-clear shallows and enjoy a picnic of fresh seafood and tropical fruits right on the sand.
Heading to the northern tip of Unguja, Zanzibar’s main island, you will find the villages of Nungwi and Kendwa. These places are famous for postcard-perfect beaches and spectacular sunsets. Nungwi is primarily known as the traditional centre of dhow building in Zanzibar. You may see craftsmen hammering wooden planks together on the beach to create these iconic vessels. This area is among the best places to join a sunset dhow cruise.
Most trips begin in the late afternoon, sailing along the coast as the sun sets. When the crew raises the tall triangular sail, the dhow glides forward with only the sound of the waves touching the hull. Many dhow cruises in Nungwi and Kendwa last about 2 hours. They are usually timed so you are at sea during the golden hour and sunset. If your trip is scheduled well, you will still be on the water as the sun dips below the ocean.
Off Zanzibar’s northeastern coast is Mnemba Atoll, a ring of vibrant coral reef encircling a private island. This area is renowned as one of Zanzibar’s best snorkeling and diving spots, and a dhow cruise is a fantastic way to experience it. Many tours to Mnemba depart from villages like Matemwe or Nungwi. While some operators use motorboats, local dhows provide a more traditional journey to the atoll.
A typical Mnemba dhow trip begins in the morning when the sea is calm. The ride often takes about an hour, and you may be lucky to see dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins are common near Mnemba and usually swim close to the boats. Once you reach the atoll, the dhow anchors at a prime location for snorkeling. The water is crystal clear, and the reef has marine life. You might see clownfish, blue tangs, and angelfish darting among the corals, and if you are fortunate, a sea turtle may glide past.
For a full-day adventure on the ocean, Menai Bay Conservation Area in southwest Zanzibar is the perfect destination. From the small fishing village of Fumba, you can join the famous a dhow tour. Menai Bay is a protected marine area with desert islands, sandbanks, lagoons, and coral reefs. The trip begins in the morning. One of the first stops is usually a pristine sandbank that rises out of the sea. Here, you can swim in shallow waters, stroll along the sand collecting shells, and enjoy a surreal 360-degree ocean panorama.
After leaving the sandbank, continue your journey to the coral reefs of Menai Bay for snorkeling. The reefs are home to parrotfish, butterflyfish, and starfish. Menai Bay is also home to bottlenose and humpback dolphins; with some luck, you may see them gliding through the waves near your dhow. The crew respects the wildlife and will not chase them, but spotting dolphins is often one of the day's highlights.
The next stop is Kwale Island, one of the uninhabited islands in the bay. Typical dishes include freshly grilled fish, lobster or prawns, calamari, rice, sauces, and tropical fruit. Dining with your toes in the sand and a plate of just-caught seafood is an unforgettable experience. After lunch, you can explore the island by walking to a massive ancient baobab. There is also a shallow lagoon that transforms into a natural swimming pool at high tide, perfect for a relaxing dip. By mid-afternoon, the dhow sails back to Fumba.
If you want to venture beyond the main island of Unguja, Pemba Island to the north offers dhow cruises. Pemba is far less developed than Zanzibar’s main island. It is home to traditional villages, virgin mangroves, and pristine lagoons. One of the most popular outings is to Misali Island, a small uninhabited island off Pemba’s west coast within a marine conservation area. You set sail from coastal villages such as Wesha on a wooden dhow, often with local fishermen as crew. The voyage to Misali is an adventure. It passes emerald mangroves and sometimes stops at sandbanks or deserted beaches.
Once on the island, you can snorkel in some of East Africa’s healthiest reefs, where visibility is excellent. Expect to see reef fish like clownfish, groupers, and rays. Misali also has eco-trails. A guide may lead you through its forests to share insights on local wildlife. As you cruise, you may see clove plantations and women fishing or collecting seaweed in the shallows. By evening, a sunset dhow trip in Pemba is magical. The setting has far fewer tourist boats than Unguja. The sun dips over the archipelago as seabirds fly overhead, and you may spot Pemba’s flying foxes and large fruit bats leaving their roosts.
Here are some of the main things you can look forward to when you set sail on a Zanzibari dhow:
One of the greatest highlights of a Zanzibar dhow cruise is watching the island’s sunsets from the open sea. As the afternoon fades, the sky often bursts into shades of orange, pink, and purple. Being on a gently rocking dhow gives you a clear front-row view without the distractions of the shoreline. The sight of the tall sail silhouetted against the glowing horizon is amazing. Most sunset cruises are timed so you remain on the water until just after the sun sinks below the ocean.
Snorkeling in Zanzibar is suitable even for beginners. The water is usually calm and clear, and guides are often nearby to help. Many carry flotation rings or life jackets for extra comfort. They also point out hidden marine life, like a camouflaged scorpionfish resting on the seabed or a moray eel peeking from a coral crevice. The experience feels like entering a giant aquarium, with every glance revealing new shapes and colors. Some dhow tours provide snorkel gear, though it is best to check in advance or bring your own.
Dolphin spotting is the most popular experiences. Areas such as Menai Bay in the southwest and Mnemba Atoll in the northeast are especially known for their dolphin populations. In Menai Bay, both bottlenose dolphins, the same species made famous by “Flipper,” and humpback dolphins are common. They often travel in lively pods and may swim alongside the dhow, leaping and crossing in the waves. While no sighting is guaranteed, Menai Bay has a large dolphin population.
Many dhow cruises include stops at small islands, hidden coves, or sandbanks, turning the trip into a true island-hopping adventure. Guides often prepare a picnic or light beach buffet on the sandbank. You might sit on a sarong or beach chair, enjoy slices of pineapple and coconut, or savour a grilled fish lunch with a sea breeze keeping you cool. The crew sometimes sets up a canopy for shade and offers cold drinks such as sodas, fresh juices, or coconut water straight from the shell. On a full-day dhow cruise, you usually make several stops. One location may be ideal for snorkeling, another for a seafood lunch, and another for relaxing on the beach.
Crewed by local Zanzibari sailors, these boats reflect centuries of tradition. Many are still built with wooden hulls and hand-sewn sails, and you can watch the crew skillfully handle them with minimal modern tools. You can talk with the sailors and learn how they read the wind or care for their boats. On sunset trips, you might be offered soft drinks, bottled water, or a cold beer, while day tours often include seafood or fruit snacks. Sometimes, the crew sings or plays Taarab music.
Whether you choose a day trip with snorkeling and island visits or an evening sail, relaxation is at the heart of a dhow cruise. These boats do not rush; they move with the wind and the sea. The slow journey is a welcome change from busy modern life. You can lie back on a cushion, feel the sun on your skin, and simply watch the horizon. Many dhows have wide open decks, often with mattresses or beanbags to stretch out on.
For couples, a dhow cruise can be very romantic. Picture sitting side by side, toes touching the wooden deck, as the sky turns golden and the sail shines in the last light of day. Maybe you share a drink and enjoy the quiet breeze together. With no crowds or noise, it is just the two of you and the sea. Some couples book private dhows for honeymoons or anniversaries, with crews adding special touches like flowers or stops at quiet beaches.
If you prepare a little, getting the most from your dhow cruise is simple. A few practical tips will help your trip go smoothly and make your time on the water more enjoyable.
The best months for dhow cruises are generally during Zanzibar’s dry seasons from June to October, and late December to February. During this time, the seas are calm and skies are clear. If you’re planning a sunset cruise, check the sunset time and try to book a departure about 1.5 to 2 hours before that. If possible, avoid the heavy rainy season in April and May, as storms can cancel trips.
Dress comfortably and casually. Swimwear under light clothing is a good idea if you plan to swim or snorkel. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen. The sun reflects off the water and Zanzibar is near the equator, so it’s easy to get burnt. Flip-flops or sandals can be worn on the boat. If you’re stopping on reef flats or a rocky beach, consider wearing water shoes to protect your feet. Pack a towel, and maybe a light cover-up or t-shirt if you feel too exposed to the sun. A light sweater or wrap can be helpful in the evening, as it can get breezy after sunset.
If you’re prone to seasickness or unsure, take motion sickness medication at least 30 minutes before boarding. The dhow moves with the wind, which is usually a gentle glide, but there can be some rocking, especially if the wind picks up or you’re anchored in waves. Staying hydrated and keeping your eyes on the horizon can also help prevent nausea. The good news is that most dhow cruises stay within relatively sheltered water or inside atolls or bays, so extreme motion is uncommon.
A dhow cruise is truly a bucket-list experience. Beachgoers in Zanzibar will enjoy calm seas, colourful reefs, warm sunsets, and Swahili culture. When you return to shore, you’ll carry memories of dolphins, sandbanks, and sunsets long after your trip. To explore Zanzibar at your own pace, rent a car in Zanzibar with Final Rentals. Final Rentals offers online booking, clear pricing with no hidden fees, and easy pick up at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
