8 Unmissable Excursions
Zanzibar Day Trips — Best Excursions & Tours
From giant tortoises and endemic monkeys to disappearing sandbanks and sunset dhow cruises, Zanzibar’s day trips pack extraordinary experiences into a single outing. Here are our eight favourites with current prices.
The 8 Best Day Trips in Zanzibar
Each excursion below can be booked as a standalone day trip or combined into a multi-day tour. Prices are per person and include boat transport, guide and any entrance fees unless noted otherwise.
Prison Island (Changuu)
Just a thirty-minute boat ride from Stone Town, Prison Island is home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old. The island was originally intended as a quarantine station and later a prison, though it was never used as one. Today you can hand-feed the gentle tortoises, explore the crumbling ruins, and snorkel the surrounding reef where colourful fish dart through clear water. It is one of the most accessible and family-friendly excursions on Zanzibar.
Jozani Forest
Zanzibar’s only national park protects the last remaining habitat of the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, a species found nowhere else on Earth. A guided walk through the canopy reveals troops of these striking primates leaping between branches, their reddish-brown fur unmistakable against the green foliage. The trail extends into a mangrove boardwalk where you learn about the delicate coastal ecosystem. The park sits in the centre of the island and makes an easy half-day outing from any coastal resort.
Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling
Mnemba Atoll is a small coral island surrounded by one of the finest marine reserves in the western Indian Ocean. A full-day boat trip takes you to the atoll’s outer reef where visibility regularly exceeds twenty metres. Expect encounters with bottlenose dolphins on the crossing, followed by snorkeling among green sea turtles, moray eels, lionfish and shoals of electric-blue surgeonfish. Lunch is typically served on the boat or a nearby sandbank. This is the top-rated snorkeling experience in Zanzibar.
Stone Town Walking Tour
A guided walking tour through Zanzibar’s UNESCO World Heritage capital reveals centuries of history in every alley. Admire the ornately carved Doors of Zanzibar — over 500 of them scattered across the old quarter — and visit the Old Fort, the former slave market memorial at the Anglican Cathedral, and the waterfront Forodhani Gardens. Your guide will share stories of sultans, merchants and explorers who shaped this cultural crossroads where African, Arab, Indian and European influences converge.
Spice Farm Tour
Zanzibar earned its historic nickname as the Spice Islands for good reason. On a guided spice-farm visit you will see clove trees, cinnamon bark, vanilla orchids, nutmeg pods and fresh cardamom growing in lush tropical surroundings. Your guide will let you taste, smell and touch each spice straight from the plant — an experience far more vivid than any supermarket aisle. Many tours include a traditional Swahili lunch prepared with the very spices you have just discovered.
Nakupenda Sandbank
Nakupenda — meaning "I love you" in Swahili — is a stunning sandbar that appears at low tide just off Stone Town. A short boat ride deposits you on this ephemeral strip of white sand surrounded by nothing but shallow turquoise water and open sky. Operators set up sun loungers and umbrellas, and a fresh seafood barbecue is grilled right on the sand. It is one of the most photographed spots in Zanzibar and an experience that feels like standing in the middle of the ocean.
Dolphin Tour Kizimkazi
The fishing village of Kizimkazi on Zanzibar’s southern tip is the departure point for morning dolphin-watching excursions. Local boat captains take small groups to spots where pods of wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and humpback dolphins feed close to shore. On a good morning you can slip into the water and swim alongside them as they glide past. Afterwards, explore the Kizimkazi Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic structures in East Africa, dating to the twelfth century.
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Board a traditional wooden dhow — the sailing vessel that has plied the Indian Ocean trade routes for centuries — and set sail as the sun begins its descent. Cruises depart from either Nungwi or Stone Town and typically include fresh fruit, snacks and drinks. As the sky shifts through shades of amber, coral and violet, the dhow drifts gently across calm waters. It is the quintessential Zanzibar evening and a fitting way to close any day on the island.
How to Book Day Trips
While beach touts along the shoreline will offer day trips at seemingly low prices, booking through a reputable operator ensures licensed boats with safety equipment, certified guides, proper insurance coverage and fair wages for local staff. Prices from touts may not include park fees or lunch, and boats are sometimes overcrowded. When you book through Zanzibar Holiday Deals, every excursion is vetted for safety and quality: you get a confirmed itinerary, transparent pricing with no hidden add-ons, and a local support contact available throughout the day. We work directly with boat captains, park rangers and community guides to deliver authentic experiences while supporting the local economy responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which day trip is best for families with young children?
Prison Island is the most family-friendly option. The boat ride is short, the tortoises are gentle and fascinating for children of all ages, and there is calm shallow water for a quick swim. The spice farm tour is another excellent family choice as children love tasting fresh tropical fruits and smelling the different spices.
Can I combine multiple day trips in one day?
Some half-day excursions can be paired: for example, a morning Stone Town walking tour combined with an afternoon Nakupenda sandbank trip. However, we recommend spacing out full-day trips to avoid fatigue and truly enjoy each experience. Our team can help you plan the ideal sequence.
Do I need to know how to swim for snorkeling trips?
Life jackets are provided on all our snorkeling excursions and are sufficient for non-swimmers to float comfortably at the surface. Guides stay close to the group throughout. That said, basic water confidence makes the experience more enjoyable. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on the boat and still enjoy the scenery and dolphins.
Book Your Zanzibar Day Trips
Tell us which excursions interest you and we will put together a seamless itinerary with confirmed times, transparent pricing and local expert guides. Group discounts available.