10 Beaches in Zanzibar For A Perfect Sunny Getaway 2024

Zanzibar Beaches

Nungwi Beach, Kendwa Beach, Paje Beach, Jambiani Beach, Kiwengwa Beach, Matemwe Beach, Bwejuu Beach and many more.

For those looking for a fairy-tale-like beach holiday with white sand, blue waters, abundant sun, coconut trees, serene shore with sun loungers and hammocks, Zanzibar beaches are the places to be! Blessed abundantly by Nature, the beaches in the Zanzibar island of Tanzania are hidden tropical destinations that brim with untamed beauty! The welcoming native people at the beach even take fishing and kitesurfing lessons for tourists.

Kiwengwa Beach, Matemwe Beach, and Pongwe beach are the most significant beaches in Zanzibar for fun-filled water sports like surfing, kayaking, motorboat rides, snorkeling, and diving. Sailing in Dhow boat cruises over the crystal clear waters of Nungwi Beach is a sheer delight.

Bottlenose Dolphins thrive in the waters of Kizimkazi Beach and the early morning dolphin spotting tour and swimming with dolphin tours will definitely give you an out-of-the-world experience. At Kendwa Beach, adventure-loving people can even go for guided swimming with the Humpback whales right in the mammal’s own territory.

Here are some of the best Zanzibar beaches:

01

Nungwi Beach

Deemed as one of the best beaches in Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach looks postcard-like beautiful with clean and white powdery sand that glistens in the sun and clear, crystal blue waters. Native dhow boats sail through the waters and tourists can enjoy amazing sunset views here.

During low tides, tourists can walk through the shallow waters of the Nungwi Beach and collect shells of various colors and sizes. You can ask local fishermen to help you spot the endangered hawksbill and green turtle species and learn basic Dhow boat building techniques.

Location: Northernmost tip of Zanzibar

Highlights: Swimming, sunbathing, nature walks, Dhow boat cruises, Mnarani Natural Aquarium

02

Kendwa Beach

Kendwa Beach tops the list of cleanest Zanzibar beaches for its long stretch of white sands and emerald blue waters. The low waves and absence of sea urchins make swimming here pleasurable.

The beach has abundant fish species and one can even spot starfish here. Many cafes with beach umbrellas, luxury hotels with private beaches, and bars line the coastline of Kendwa and serve a good rendition of beverages. The beach gets vibrant at night with late-night parties, amazing food, and friendly tribals.

Location: Northern edge of Zanzibar

Highlights: Snorkeling, Diving, Swimming, sunbathing, nature walks, Dhow boat cruises

03

Paje Beach

Paje Beach is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for beach sports. The tides at the beach vary drastically and swimming at Paje Beach is not possible during the low tides. But the clean powdery beach sand and the tropical climate is ideal for a fun-filled game of frisbee or beach volleyball.

The constant wind at the beach makes it ideal for kiteboard surfing here. From the months of June to September, tourists can spot humpback whales easily along the coast.

Location: East coast of Unguja

Highlights: Kite surfing, Humpback whale spotting, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and sunbathing

04

Jambiani Beach

This scenic beach in the fishing village of Jambiani lies on the southeastern coast of Zanzibar. This is one of the least explored Zanzibar beaches and the various shades of ocean waters, fisherman going into the sea in speedboats, white shores, and the warm waters welcome tourists for a primitive tropical beach vacation.

The beach has several eateries around to get a quick bite and some cool sips of soft drinks. In the evening, one can revel in the beauty of the sun setting down behind the waves.

Location: Southeast coast of Zanzibar

Highlights: Sunbathing

05

Kiwengwa Beach

Famous for the posh oceanfront resorts, Kiwengwa Beach is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for a relaxing getaway. The wind and waves at Kiwengwa beach are perfect for kitesurfing and beach sports. Sea urchins here make swimming not a recommendable activity here and always wear shoes while at the waters to avoid stepping on them.

You will find friendly local people traditionally dressed with whom you can catch up for a selfie. The array of Italian-run resort hotels along the Kiwengwa Beach have made this place to be known as "Little Italy of Zanzibar".

Location: Kiwengwa Tanzania

Highlights: Sunbathing, kitesurfing

06

Matemwe Beach

Brimming with rustic village charm, Matemwe Beach is one of the most relaxing Zanzibar beaches. The abundant sun, kids playing around in the beach sand, palm and coconut fringed coastline, and warm ocean waters make Matemwe Beach an idyllic place to get sun-kissed and go on for long romantic beach walks.

The reef structures inside the waters make the place a great spot for beach photography. Alternatively, you can also visit fish markets or relish delicious seafood at the stalls around the beach.

Location: Northeast coast

Highlights: Aromatic spice tours, scenery, swimming, sunbathing

07

Bwejuu Beach

Located in the seaweed fishing village, Bwejuu Beach bustles with seaweed fishing activities by the native fishing community people. Winds at this beach are a constant affair and the melody of the swaying palm trees soothes the ears. The beach looks stunning with virgin natural beauty and is a great place to laze around on the shores listening to the rumbling waves.

Location: North of Paje

Highlights: Sunbathing

08

Pongwe Beach

Pongwe Beach is distinguished from all other Zanzibar beaches as it is protected by a natural offshore reef structure. The reef structure ensures that the waters near the shore remain calm and placid making it a great place for swimming.

Tourists can also dive and snorkel near the reefs and explore the underwater kingdom. There are also motorboat rides happening until the reef barrier. Spending a day reveling in the beauty of the various shades of the Indian Ocean and the white-sanded beach sipping a fresh tender coconut drink gives you a chance to live a day of Moana.

Highlights: Natural scenery, snorkeling, diving, motorboat rides, swimming

09

Kizimkazi Beach

Kizimkazi Beach has evolved itself into a popular destination in Tanzania for its mesmerizing beauty and dolphin spotting. Many bottlenose dolphins and humpback dolphins have made Kazimkazi their homes and spotting them in their natural habitat is a true delight.

Local tour operators organize boat tours all through the year to let you watch and swim with dolphins. To watch these humongous creatures from the boat and swim with them promises a cherishable Tanzania holiday memory.

Location: Southern coast of Zanzibar

Highlights: Bottlenose dolphin spotting, swimming with dolphins, motorboat rides

10

Michamvi Beach

Lauded as one of the world-class beach honeymoon destinations, this pristine beach looks spectacular with white sand and deep blue waters. The beach has vibrant marine life that includes starfish, many colorful species, and exotic reefs.

During low tides, tourists can walk along the shallower beach floor and marvel at the exposed coral reefs. Water activities at the beach like snorkeling, kayaking, surfing standup paddle boarding, and diving make this place a paradise for watersport lovers.

Location: Eastern coast of Tanzania

Highlights: Swimming, snorkeling, diving, surfing, kayaking

11

Dongwe Beach

Known for its enthralling beauty and tranquil environment, Dongwe Beach looks splendid with the blue water of the waves billowing on the white sanded coast. Tourists can go for silent walks in the clean shores of the beach and spend a relaxed day getting their skin tanned while reading your favourite book or just doing nothing. There are several upscale resorts around Dongwe Beach for a luxurious stay here.

Location: East coast of Zanzibar

Highlights: Sunbathing, beach walks