Paje, East Coast Zanzibar
Things to Do in Paje 2026
East Coast Kite Surfing Capital & Tidal Flat Paradise
From IKO kite surfing lessons to sunset dhow cruises — here are the best activities in Paje, starting from just $25.
Top Activities in Paje
Handpicked experiences for every type of traveller.
Water Sport3 daysIKO Kite Surfing Beginner Course
Full IKO-certified beginner programme on Paje's famous tidal flat lagoon. All equipment provided.
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Water ActivityHalf dayTidal Flat Snorkeling
Guided snorkel along the edge of the tidal flat — spot octopus, starfish and reef fish in crystal-clear shallows.
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Cultural2 hoursSeaweed Farm Village Tour
Walk through the seaweed farms with a local guide, learn about ocean farming and the village economy.
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Scenic2 hoursSunset Dhow Cruise
Sail south along the coast on a traditional wooden dhow as the sun drops into the Indian Ocean.
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ActiveHalf dayEast Coast Cycling Tour
Cycle quiet tracks between Paje and Jambiani, passing fishing villages, coconut groves and coral-rag forest.
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WildlifeHalf dayDolphin Tour at Kizimkazi
Boat trip south to Kizimkazi to swim with wild spinner dolphins in their natural habitat.
View Details →Kite Surfing in Paje — Africa's Kite Capital
Paje's combination of consistent southeast trade winds and a wide shallow lagoon has made it one of the top kite surfing destinations in Africa. The wind season runs from June through October, with the strongest and most consistent conditions in July and August. The lagoon at low tide is chest-deep for long stretches, making it uniquely forgiving for beginner riders who need space to fall and recover without hitting deep water or coral.
Our IKO beginner course runs over three days and covers theory, body dragging, body boarding and — weather permitting — your first real board rides. Instructors are patient, multilingual and carry radio equipment for safety. Advanced riders will find long downwind runs to Jambiani, an emerging wave spot to the south, and a tight community of skilled free-stylers to ride alongside.
Snorkeling the Paje Tidal Flats
The tidal flats south of Paje village are one of Zanzibar's most underrated natural attractions. As the tide retreats, it reveals a wide sandy plain dotted with seagrass meadows, coral outcrops and countless marine animals. Snorkeling is best done at mid-to-high tide when the water is deep enough to fin over the reef edge and into the coral garden beyond. Our guided half-day trips time the outing to coincide with optimal tide conditions.
Expect to encounter octopus tucked into coral crevices, sea cucumbers processing the sandy bottom, ribbons of sergeant major fish, and — if you are lucky — a passing green sea turtle. The clarity of the water is remarkable; on good days you can see 15 metres or more. No experience is necessary and masks, fins and snorkels are all provided.
Seaweed Farming — A Unique Cultural Experience
Seaweed farming is central to life in Paje and the surrounding east coast villages. Women wade daily through the shallows, tending rows of cultivated cottonii seaweed that will eventually be exported for use in cosmetics, food thickeners and carrageenan. A guided walking tour of the farms is one of the most authentic cultural experiences available in Zanzibar — engaging, educational and respectful of the community that makes it possible.
Your guide — typically a local resident — will explain the farming cycle, the challenges posed by rising sea temperatures and the importance of seaweed income to village families. The tour typically ends with a walk through the village itself, where you can see drying racks stacked with curing seaweed and learn about traditional Swahili coastal life. It costs just $20 and the money goes directly to the local community.
Sunset Dhow Cruises & Dolphin Tours
A sunset dhow cruise from Paje is one of those experiences that photographers dream about. Traditional wooden dhows — the same design used on this coast for centuries — catch the offshore breeze and glide south along the coast as the sky turns amber and pink. Fresh fruit and soft drinks are served on board while you watch the fishing villages slip past on one side and the open ocean on the other.
For a more active adventure, our half-day dolphin tour travels further south to Kizimkazi, a village famous for its resident population of spinner and bottlenose dolphins. The tour departs by speedboat from Paje, reaches Kizimkazi in under an hour, and gives you the opportunity to snorkel alongside wild dolphins in their natural environment. It is a responsible, low-impact excursion run by licensed operators.
Cycling the East Coast Between Paje & Jambiani
The road between Paje and Jambiani is one of the most pleasant cycling routes on Zanzibar. It winds through coral-rag forest, passes seaweed drying grounds and skirts the beach in several places. The terrain is flat, the distances are manageable, and the traffic is light — making it ideal for a relaxed half-day outing on a hired bicycle. Our guided cycling tour includes a knowledgeable local guide, helmets, and a stop at a local juice bar.
This is also a great way to combine two destinations — cycle south to Jambiani for lunch at a local restaurant, explore the village and its seaweed farms, then cycle back in the late afternoon with the sea breeze at your back. The return distance is around 16 kilometres, comfortable for most fitness levels, and the sense of freedom on an open coastal road with the Indian Ocean glittering to your left is hard to beat.
Plan Your Paje Activities
Activity Seasons
- Kite surfing: Jun – Oct (peak wind season)
- Snorkeling: year-round, best visibility Jul – Oct
- Dolphin tours: year-round from Kizimkazi
- Dhow cruises: best Apr – Oct (settled seas)
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen (essential for snorkeling)
- Quick-dry rash vest or swimwear
- Water shoes for the tidal flat walk
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated in the heat)
Booking Tips
- Book kite course at least 48 hours in advance
- Tide-dependent activities: we time these for you
- All prices are per person unless stated
- Group discounts available for 4 or more
Understanding the Tides
Nearly every activity in Paje is shaped by the tide. The tidal range on the east coast can be as much as 3 metres, transforming the landscape completely between low and high water. At low tide the tidal flat is exposed and walkable; at high tide the water is deep enough for swimming and snorkeling. We time all guided activities to the optimal tidal window for each experience.
The best snorkeling is at mid-to-high tide when the reef edge is submerged. Kite surfing is best in a partial-to-low tide window when the lagoon is shallow and forgiving. Seaweed farm tours happen at low tide. Tell us your preferred activity and we will align your schedule accordingly.
Activity FAQs
Can children join the snorkeling trips?
Yes — children aged 8 and above are welcome. Smaller masks are available.
Is the seaweed farm tour suitable for all ages?
Yes — it is a gentle walking tour on flat sand suitable for all fitness levels.
Are dolphin tours guaranteed?
Dolphins at Kizimkazi are year-round residents but sightings cannot be guaranteed. Most trips do encounter them.
Why Book Paje Activities Through Us?
Tide-Optimised Scheduling
We time every activity to the optimal tidal window so you get the best conditions every day.
Vetted Local Guides
All guides are locally trained, knowledgeable and passionate about the east coast environment.
Flexible Booking
Most activities can be rescheduled within 24 hours if weather or wind conditions change.
Honest Pricing
No hidden extras. The price quoted covers everything listed — equipment, guides and transfers.
Plan Your Adventure
Book Your Paje Activities Today
Our local specialists will arrange everything — kite lessons, snorkeling, dhow cruises and more.
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Kite & Ocean Responsibly in Paje
The tidal flats and reef system at Paje are a shared resource supporting both the local fishing and seaweed farming communities and the marine wildlife that lives there. We ask all visitors to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid standing on coral, keep a respectful distance from seaweed farm lines and never remove marine life from the water. Kite surfers should be aware of right-of-way rules around swimmers and snorkelers. Together, small actions by every visitor protect this remarkable environment.