Best Activities in Zanzibar Island in 2024/2025

Picture yourself diving into crystal-clear waters surrounded by fascinating marine life or strolling through the historic streets of Stone Town. In Zanzibar, you can expect endless relaxation and a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Experience the best activities in Zanzibar Island firsthand!

Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a culture enthusiast, or simply a nature lover, this island has something for everyone. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let’s discover the treasures and the best activities in Zanzibar Island together!

1. Maximise Beach Time

Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Zanzibar offers pristine white sands and clear, warm waters that treasure beautiful and rare marine wildlife.

Read our guide on combining Tanzania safaris and beach holidays for the ultimate Tanzanian holiday and amazing things to do in Zanzibar.

This is one of the Best Activities In Zanzibar Island, and One of our most recommended beaches is Nungwi Beach

Nungwi Beach

Located approximately an hour’s drive north of Zanzibar City, Nungwi Beach offers numerous accommodation options, including beautiful resorts, budget backpackers, and luxury hotels. Some things to do in Zanzibar include unwinding and sipping on a coconut or cocktail while watching the dhows drift across the ocean’s horizon.

2. Float above Beautiful Coral Reefs

The calm waters surrounding Ugunja and Pemba are packed with spectacular coral reefs and tropical wildlife, making it a year-round snorkeling paradise.

The Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve is an underwater conservation area on Mnemba Island that houses vast corals and rare aquatic life. These delicate ecosystems take you into a spectacular underwater world of bright corals that are home to Green Turtles, Seahorses, Trumpetfish, Moray Eels, and Napoleon Wrasse, to name a few.

Some things to do in Zanzibar include visiting two great snorkeling spots, Wattabomi and West Gardens. Scuba divers can visit Kichwani Reef, the Aquarium, and the Big Wall, varying from 12 to 50 meters deep.

3. Tour Museums in Stone Town

one of the Best Activities In Zanzibar Island, which is Known as Spice Island, the Zanzibar archipelago is famous for its trade in nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. These spices provide an aromatic background to the local markets and food stalls located in and around historical Stone Town.

As the oldest part of Zanzibar City, Stone Town’s distinctive architecture reflects  Arab, European, Persian, African, and Indian influences. Its name is derived from the coral stone used as its main building material.

The maze of narrow streets is home to some of Zanzibar’s best historical attractions, including the Arab Fort, Palace of Wonders, Forodhani Gardens, and the Palace Museum. These attractions can be seen through a vast selection of guided walks and bike tours.

4. Go Sailing on a Traditional Dhow

Nungwi remains the hub of traditional dhow shipbuilding, a craft specific to East Africa that is defined by timber boats that can be seen drifting across the sea.

Travelers seeking to venture beyond the lazy beaches can join the Nungwi Village tour, explore the shipbuilding regions, or go on a dhow cruise and watch the sunset from the calm Indian Ocean.

5. Head Out to Misali Island for the Best Diving in East Africa

With incredible diving conditions and high visibility, the Zanzibar archipelago is a popular destination for diving, particularly Pemba Island, which offers everything from deep-sea safaris to spectacular novice excursions. The archipelago has approximately thirty diving spots, offering beginner and expert courses for travelers searching for a new experience and things to do in Zanzibar.

One of the best diving and snorkeling spots in East Africa is Misali Island, just west of Pemba, North of Ugunja. These remote waters, belonging to the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, are undisturbed by tides and offer over three hundred different varieties of marine wildlife and vast gardens of coral.

Tourists can arrange trips to the island through their travel agencies and hotels or take a boat out from Wesha.

6. Spice Market and Spice Farms

Discover the aromatic splendor of Zanzibar’s spice markets and spice farms. At the Darajani market in Stone Town, you will find an impressive selection of spices that have been harvested in Zanzibar. From cinnamon to cloves to vanilla – your senses will be pampered here. Let yourself be inspired by the intense scents and vibrant colors.

Visiting one of the many spice farms allows you to experience first-hand how spices are grown and harvested. Walk through fragrant plantations, taste fresh spices directly from the bush, and learn from local experts about the use and significance of these treasures.

Immerse yourself in the history of spices in Zanzibar and bring a touch of the Orient home with you as it’s one of the best activities in Zanzibar island.

7. Visit Jozani Forest

Enter the green heart of Zanzibar in Jozani Forest and experience untouched nature up close. This unique national park is home to the rare red colobus monkeys, which can only be found here. You will be amazed by the dense mangrove forests, the majestic mahogany trees, and the diverse bird species that inhabit the forest.

A guided walk through Jozani Forest will take you to mysterious, moss-covered paths and quiet clearings. Look out for colorful butterflies and listen to the mysterious sounds of the forest. Experience the forest’s magic by visiting the Butterfly Centre, where you can marvel at the delicate beauties up close.

8. Kitesurfing, Windsurfing and Surfing in Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The island offers ideal conditions for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. With constant winds, warm water, and beautiful beaches, Zanzibar is the perfect place to ride the waves.

Kitesurfing: Kitesurfing is one of the most exciting water sports in Zanzibar. The wide beaches and constant trade winds make the island one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world. Enjoy the feeling of freedom as you glide over the turquoise water. Many schools offer courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced kitesurfers.

Windsurfing: The shallow lagoons and strong winds along the east coast are ideal for windsurfing. Whether you are an experienced windsurfer or just starting out, Zanzibar offers perfect conditions. Learn new techniques or improve your skills with the help of professional trainers.

Surfing: Experience surfing on the reefs of Zanzibar. The best surf spots offer waves for advanced surfers. Take a trip with experienced instructors to the spots out on the reef and enjoy the feeling of gliding on the waves of the Indian Ocean.