Zanzibar is one of those destinations that feels like it shouldn’t be real—crystal-clear turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, fresh seafood at sunset, and a blend of cultures that gives every alley and every beach its own character.

But before we get into the top 10 experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss, there’s one important tip you need to know: tides play a huge role in planning your time here. Zanzibar’s coastline changes dramatically depending on the time of day, and this can affect your beach time, water activities, and even access to certain spots. I’ve written a full post about this—read it here to understand how tides work and how to plan around them.

Now let’s talk about the highlights.

1. Nungwi Beach

The Heart of Zanzibar’s Beach Life

Located at the northern tip of the island, Nungwi Beach is one of the most popular and vibrant beaches in Zanzibar—and for good reason. The sand is soft and white, the water is swimmable even at low tide, and the area is full of bars, restaurants, and activity throughout the day and night.

Nungwi is perfect for those who want a balance of beach relaxation and social atmosphere. Whether you're after a sunset cocktail, fresh seafood dinner, or a late-night beach party, you’ll find it here.

Top spots to eat & drink:

ZeeBar - Great cocktails and sunset views

Mama Mia – Italian-owned, known for their wood-fired pizza and gelato

ZeeBar – Great cocktails and sunset views.
Nungwi Park Restaurant – Local dishes in a relaxed setting.
Mama Mia – Italian-owned, known for their wood-fired pizza and gelato.
Sexy Fish Restaurant – Modern vibe, excellent seafood.
Mangi’s Beach Bar & Restaurant – Casual beach bar for lunch or a cold beer.

2. Kendwa Beach

Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa is a quieter alternative with wide, open beaches that are swimmable all day, regardless of tides.

Kendwa is ideal if you're looking for a slightly more relaxed version of Nungwi. It’s less commercial, but still has enough bars and restaurants to keep things interesting. The beach here is perfect for long walks and sunsets.

Eat & drink at:

Furaha Beach Bar & Restaurant – Known for its chilled-out vibe and beachfront views.

3. Baraka Natural Aquarium

Swim with Turtles

This natural lagoon in Nungwi is home to rescued sea turtles that are being rehabilitated before release. Visitors can feed and swim with them.

It’s an ethical, low-impact way to interact with sea turtles while supporting local conservation efforts. It’s also a fun and unique experience, especially for families or animal lovers.

💡 Insider Tip: Tickets are only around $10 USD at the entrance. Avoid overpriced tours online, which can cost four times as much.

4. Boat Trip to Mnemba Island

Snorkel in Paradise

Mnemba Atoll is a protected marine reserve off the northeast coast, known for its coral reefs and marine life. While the island itself is private, boat tours take you close enough for snorkeling in the surrounding reefs.

Expect clear waters, tropical fish, and a chance to spot dolphins. The visibility underwater is fantastic, and it’s considered one of the best snorkeling spots in Zanzibar.

📍 Best done from Nungwi or Kendwa, as it’s much closer and you’ll save time (and money) on the boat trip.

5. Scuba Diving

Spanish Dancer Divers

For certified divers or those looking to try it for the first time, Zanzibar offers incredible dive sites—especially around Mnemba. Spanish Dancer Divers is a highly reputable dive center in Nungwi with experienced, multilingual instructors.

Mnemba’s dive sites are rich in biodiversity—expect to see turtles, rays, reef sharks, and plenty of colorful fish. The waters are warm, clear, and welcoming even for beginners.

🔗 Book directly with Spanish Dancer Divers.

6. The Rock Restaurant

A Zanzibar Icon

Set on a rock in the middle of the ocean near Michamvi, this restaurant is one of the most photographed places in Zanzibar—and for good reason.

It’s not just a gimmick—the food is genuinely good, and the location is stunning. Depending on the tide, you either walk to the restaurant or take a short boat ride. Sunset here is pure magic.

💰 On the pricier side, but totally worth the splurge for the view and experience.

7. Stone Town

Culture, History, and Architecture

Stone Town is the historical and cultural heart of Zanzibar. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's known for its winding alleys, carved wooden doors, and mix of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences.

This is where Zanzibar’s soul lives. From the old fort and the Anglican Cathedral (built on the site of a former slave market) to the lively Darajani Market and buzzing cafes, there’s a lot to explore.

🍽️ Eat at Beach House Zanzibar for a more refined menu and great sea views.

8. Prison Island & Nakupenda Beach

History & Natural Beauty

A short boat trip from Stone Town will take you to:

Prison Island: Originally intended as a prison (but never used for that purpose), it's now home to giant Aldabra tortoises.
Nakupenda Beach: A sandbank that literally disappears with the tide.

You’ll get a mix of history, wildlife, and the surreal experience of standing on a sandbar that’s surrounded by water in every direction.

📸 It’s also one of the most Instagrammable spots in Zanzibar.

9. Jozani Forest

Red Colobus Monkeys & Mangroves

Located in the center of the island, Jozani is the only national park in Zanzibar and home to the endangered red colobus monkey, which is found nowhere else in the world.

You’ll walk through a peaceful forest with knowledgeable guides and visit a mangrove boardwalk. It’s a calm, educational escape into Zanzibar’s nature.

🎫 Entrance is about $10–12 USD and includes a guided tour.

10. Paje Beach

Surf, Kite, and Relax

Located on the southeast coast, Paje is known for its steady winds, making it one of the best kitesurfing spots in Africa. The beach is wide and flat, and the village itself has a chilled, backpacker-meets-boutique feel.

If you’re into watersports, this is your place. But even if not, it’s great for swimming during high tide, relaxing beach cafés, and a more low-key scene compared to Nungwi or Kendwa.

Practical Tips for Zanzibar

💳 Paying:

Many places accept cards, especially restaurants and hotels.
Taxis and local shops often don’t—carry cash in Tanzanian shillings.
USD is widely accepted, but prices are usually better when paying in the local currency.

🚖 Getting Around:

Renting a car is possible, but not recommended. Police stops are frequent and often arbitrary.
Taxis are more convenient and often cheaper in the long run. A transfer between major locations (like Nungwi to Stone Town or Paje) costs around $60 USD.
Within towns, expect to pay around $10 USD for a short ride.
Pro tip: Get one reliable driver’s WhatsApp and use them throughout your stay.

🛏️ Where to Stay:

Split your time: 3 days in Nungwi (for beaches), 2 in Stone Town (for culture).
If you have more time, add a few days in Paje to experience Zanzibar’s eastern coast.

Let me know if you’d like me to help format this into a blog post with headings, SEO descriptions, and internal links—or if you want help writing that Tides of Zanzibar post. This one’s gonna be a winner!

Zanzibar Travel Guide: 10 Essential Experiences You Can't Miss