Zanzibar Beaches

Whether you’re coming to Zanzibar as part of your honeymoon or heading there after a long Kilimanjaro climb, you’re probably looking forward to spending time on the beach. The beaches in Zanzibar are straight out of a fairytale. 

The water is so clear, you can see the ocean floor teeming with marine life. You can relax as you feel the soft sand beneath you, hearing the sound of the waves crashing in and out. 

While all of Zanzibar’s beaches are worth visiting, there are some that attract more visitors than others. Since most travellers have limited time on Zanzibar Island, they are always interested to know which beaches are the best. 

Most of the popular beaches are on the island's northern and eastern sides, with a few in the south. 

Try to beach hop while in Zanzibar so you can see different sides of the island. The different beaches also offer a variety of activities and luxury resorts you can choose from. 

Nungwi Beach 

Nungwi is often the first place people head to when they land in Zanzibar. It’s the most popular beach in Zanzibar, especially for those that are interested in all the nightlife that the island has to offer. 

It’s on the northern tip of the island with a beachfront full of restaurants and bars open until the early morning hours. If you’re travelling to Zanzibar solo, Nungwi is an amazing place to meet ex-pats and locals. 

Not a night owl? Don’t worry. There are plenty of resorts and hotels away from the nightlife scene. These quieter hotels are perfect for families and honeymooners. 

The sunsets at Nungwi Beach are not to be missed. The best way to see the orange and pink colors streaking across the sky is to book a sunset cruise. Seeing the sunset up close from the water is breathtaking. Many of the sunset cruises also offer dinner and open bars. 

Kendwa Beach 

Kendwa is also in the north but is much quieter and more relaxed than Nungwi. Kendwa is one of the only beaches in Zanzibar that does not experience drastic changes in the tide. You can swim, snorkel, and dive for most of the day since the water does not recede. 

And if you think the sunsets in Nungwi are incredible, they are even better in Kendwa. Most of the beach area has low-key parties (compared to Nungwi) once the sun goes down. So, sit back, relax, and have a few drinks. 

Matemwe Beach 

Matemwe is in the northeast and is the longest beach in Zanzibar. Unlike some of the other beaches around the island, Matemwe has less of a resort feeling. There are many locals living on and around the beach. 

If you’re coming to Zanzibar for scuba diving, Matemwe Beach should be on your list of places you plan to visit. It’s home to Mnemba Atoll; one of the best places to dive amongst the coral reefs and see all kinds of species of wildlife. 

The gentle water and wind also make it a prime beach for sailing and kitesurfing. Matemwe is the best place for adventure seekers who are coming to Zanzibar. 

Pongwe Beach 

Coming to Zanzibar to spend the entire day swimming? Pongwe Beach has calm and shallow water making it a perfect place for swimmers of all ages. There is an offshore reef that surrounds the beach creating a calm swimming pool close to the sand. 

If you’re interested in getting deeper into the water or seeing the reef, you can schedule a boat tour of the beach. You can also snorkel around the reef. 

Although Pongwe beach is small, it never gets very crowded. You can have a quiet day swimming or just walk along the beach while gazing up at the palm trees. 

Paje Beach 

Paje is one of the most famous and most visited beaches in Zanzibar. It’s on the southeast part of the island. Most people come here for kitesurfing or scuba diving, but there are plenty of other activities for those that want to do something with less adrenaline. 

Compared to the northern beaches, the towns around Paje are less developed. Although there might be fewer amenities, Paje Beach has more of a local vibe. It’s also quieter. You can still find plenty of bars and nightlife though if you’re interested. 

The conditions for kitesurfing are perfect during the dry season, so don’t be surprised if you see the beach full of professionals and newbies on the beach trying their hand at kitesurfing. 

It’s also a great place to come for those that are giving snorkeling a try for the first time. The water is gentle and clear; perfect for those that might not be confident swimmers. Under the water, you’ll find starfish, turtles, and hundreds of species of fish. 

Kizimkazi Beach 

Kizimkazi is worth visiting, but it doesn't have the typical beach vibe. Instead of long stretches of sand, there are small coves that empty into the water. Most people don’t come here to suntan or swim. 

Instead, they come to see the dolphins. Although you can spot dolphins all over Zanzibar, Kizimkazi is the top place to see these beautiful creatures. 

You can book a tour with a guide that knows all the best spots for dolphin sightings. The guides also know dolphin behaviour and can advise you on how to stay safe while being in the water near the dolphins. 

Michamvi Beach 

Michamvi only has a few resorts, so the beach has more of a remote feeling. The beach is long giving you plenty of space to stretch out alone without too many people disturbing you. 

The beach has two main areas called Michamvi Pingwe and Michamvi Kae. Michamvi attracts more visitors because of the stunning coral lagoon that is found here. The beaches are lined with tall palm trees perfect for stringing up a hammock. 

Bwejuu Beach 

This is one of the closest beaches to Stone Town. Most of the activities around the beach require an excursion booking since Bewjuu is more isolated compared to the other beaches. 

Despite the isolated feeling, you can still get to many popular attractions in an hour or less. You can hike through the Jozani Forest, tour the village of Bwejuu, or take a day trip to Stone Town. 

Since Bwejuu is private and secluded, it’s a popular place for those coming to Zanzibar for a retreat or their honeymoon. 

Visit Zanzibar’s Best Beaches 

While Zanzibar has endless beach options, staying at one of the eight mentioned here will give you the best experience while on the island. You can start the day with a snorkeling or diving excursion followed by a few hours of relaxing on the beach. 

In the afternoon, you can head to a local restaurant or make a reservation at the eateries inside the resorts. Make sure to book a sunset cruise for at least one of the evenings as there is nothing better than ending the day under Zanzibar’s colorful sky with a drink in hand. 

Not sure which beach to go to or what activities to book? We can help! Let us make your Zanzibar itinerary for you. Just let us know what activities you prefer and what kind of atmosphere you like. 

We will do all the planning and booking for you giving you more time to just enjoy all the best that Zanzibar has to offer.