The capital of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Zanzibar City, is located on the island of Unguja, part of which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there are plenty of fascinating sights to explore here, those who fancy discovering more of what the area has to offer should consider participating in a boat tour from Zanzibar City.

These excursions travel through the glistening waters of the Indian Ocean to remote, and often uninhabited, islands filled with dense mangrove forests, giant tortoises, and spectacular shores of white sand.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Zanzibar City.

What are the most popular boat tours from Zanzibar City?

Zanzibar Dhow cruise to Kwale Island

Dip into the thriving waters off the East African Coast on this boat tour from Zanzibar City. After hopping aboard your traditional Dhow boat, you’ll set sail on the open sea, and head toward Kwale Island, home to the Mijikenda and Kamba tribes. Along the way, you’ll see idyllic sandbanks and have the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

As you glide gracefully under the waves, you may see giant trevally, as well as swordfish and sailfish. Other commonly spotted species include mantis shrimp and octopuses. Discover thriving coral reefs before touching down on Kwale Island to enjoy a succulent seafood barbecue and explore its pristine beaches.

Prison Island and Nakupenda boat tour from Zanzibar City

Discover some of the oldest beings on the planet on a cruise to see the Aldabra tortoises that inhabit Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island for its unused penitentiary.

Leaving the city behind, you’ll sail leisurely to Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve. Here, you can spend several hours lazing on the silky sands and dipping into the mild waters of the Indian Ocean before feasting on local cuisine. Join your crew back on board and continue on to Changuu Island.

Here, you can get up close to Aldabra tortoises, which grow to over a meter long and live for up to 150 years. This island is one of the few places in the world where you can see these magnificent beings, which are listed as vulnerable. Before journeying back to Zanzibar City, you’ll explore the island’s prison.

How much do boat tours from Zanzibar City cost?

Boat tours to both Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve cost US$110 per person if you travel in a group, or US$150 if you wish to travel solo. These are private excursions, so you’ll only be joined on your cruise by a friendly crew.

Dhow cruises to Kwale Island typically cost between US$150 and US$160 per person, with groups limited to 20 guests.

Which places are seen?

Kwale Island

Kwale Island measures approximately 7 square kilometers and is best known for its sizable mangrove forest, which covers more than 740 acres, and provides a home to a variety of marine species, including humpback whales, whale sharks and turtles.

This is also the only spot along the East African coast where visitors can find herds of dugongs — affectionately nicknamed sea cows — and lucky tourists may also spot dolphins playing in the waves. Surrounding Kwale Island are bountiful coral reefs, which are protected and can be explored during a snorkeling session.

Changuu Island

Changuu Island, also known as Prison Island, is located about 5 kilometers off the coast of Stone Town and was uninhabited until the 19th century. At this time, the isle was gifted to two Arab sultans, who used it as a prison for rebellious slaves and a coral mine. The British later bought the island and built a physical prison, but it never housed any inmates.

Instead, Changuu became home to Aldraba tortoises that were gifted to the island by the British governor of the Seychelles. While their population grew to over 200 in just 30 years, the tortoises were often stolen and their numbers dropped to just seven in the 1990s.

At present, a protection scheme was put in place to restore the tortoises' numbers, which have since increased year after year and can be seen on a boat trip from Zanzibar City.

How long does a boat trip last?

Typically, boat tours from Zanzibar City last 5 to 7 hours, with plenty of time to explore the waters and islands. Day trips from Zanzibar City, which visit both Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve and Changuu Island, are long and last about 9 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Cruises from Zanzibar City typically include a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service from accommodations in Stone Town. You simply select your hotel from a dropdown list and await collection by a friendly guide at a predetermined time in the lobby. Once your excursion is over, you’ll be dropped back to the same spot. It’s worth noting that some boat tours charge an additional fee for pickups outside of Stone Town.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While some boat tours from Zanzibar City are wheelchair-friendly, others are not accessible to wheelchair users. You should consult the booking page of your selected excursion to ensure it is suitable for your group.

When is the best time for a boat trip from Zanzibar City?

The best time to go on a boat trip from Zanzibar City is during the dry seasons, from June to October and from December to February. These periods offer calm sea conditions and clear skies, allowing for excellent visibility and a more enjoyable trip. Additionally, whale and dolphin sightings are also common during these times.

Which other water activities can be done in Zanzibar City?

Travel tips

Boat tours are very popular, so book your excursion in advance, especially during the peak tourist seasons.
Wear comfortable clothing and slip-proof shoes for the boat. If your tour also includes snorkeling, don't forget your swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes.
Sun protection is vital, so bring along a hat and sunglasses. Make sure you apply plenty of reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen to protect your skin and the environment.
If your boat tour includes snorkeling or swimming, be respectful of the marine life. You can look, but don’t touch.

Boat Tours in Zanzibar City