Zanzibar · On the Water
An Island That Appears for a Few Hours
Off Zanzibar’s coast, the falling tide uncovers sandbanks — pure white spits of sand in the middle of open turquoise water, with no shade, no buildings and nothing on them at all. They exist for a few hours, then vanish under the sea again.
A sandbank trip is the classic Zanzibar day out: sail there by dhow, snorkel the surrounding reef, then eat a grilled seafood lunch laid out on the sand while the tide slowly takes the island back.
- Picnic lunch on a sandbank that disappears at high tide
- Snorkelling on the reefs around Mnemba and the Menai Bay
- Traditional dhow sailing rather than a speedboat
- Dolphin spotting on the southern routes
Good to Know
Sandbank & Reef Trips at a Glance
What You'll Find
Best Time to Visit
Year-round, though seas are calmest from June to October and December to March.
Timing
Trips run to the tide table, not the clock — departure times shift daily.
Snorkelling
Mnemba Atoll in the north-east has the richest reef life close to the island.
The Boat
Most trips use traditional wooden dhows; motorboats are available if you prefer speed.
- Sandbank Picnic
- Snorkelling
- Mnemba Atoll
- Dhow Sailing
- Dolphins
- Seafood BBQ
- Coral Gardens
- Menai Bay
- Swimming
- Photography
Things to Do
A Day on the Water
Most trips leave mid-morning and return late afternoon, with snorkelling either side of lunch. Boats depart from Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and Fumba depending on where you are staying.
- Half-day or full-day sandbank and snorkelling trips
- Mnemba Atoll snorkelling from the north-east coast
- Menai Bay dolphin and sandbank trips from the south
- Private dhow charter for families or couples
Get Out on the Water
Tell us where you’re staying and we’ll book the right boat and the right tide.