Kayaking in Zanzibar: Sea turtles, Nungwi and Kendwa Beach

Sea turtles, a fishing village, and clear-water kayaking in one afternoon

A private seven-hour tour in Zanzibar that combines three distinct stops: the Natural Aquarium at Nungwi where you meet sea turtles with a guide, the working fishing village at Nungwi Beach where locals build dhows and sell fresh catch, and Kendwa Beach where you paddle a transparent kayak across shallow, clear water. Hotel pickup and a local lunch are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore aquarium and beaches in Zanzibar

• Hotel pick-up
• Visit Natural Aquarium and see sea turtles
• Explore Nungwi fishing village and beach
• Enjoy local lunch at Nungwi
• Relax and kayak at Kendwa Beach
• Transfer back to hotel

The experience

The day starts at the Natural Aquarium in Nungwi, where sea turtles live in their natural habitat. A guide walks you through their life cycle and the role they play in the ocean ecosystem, then you move to Nungwi Beach itself: the northern tip of the island where a traditional fishing village sits working the Indian Ocean. You'll see how locals build the wooden dhows that have sailed these waters for centuries, watch the daily catch come in, and sit under palm trees with a cold drink while the beach stretches out in front of you. Lunch is a local spread of fresh fish and island dishes.

Kendwa Beach is where the kayaking happens. The water there is shallow and transparent, which is why the clear kayak works. You're paddling over sand and small rocks you can see from above, not fighting current or depth. The beach itself is quieter than Nungwi, backed by palms and set up for the kind of afternoon where you can actually float and look around without noise. After the kayak time, the tour brings you back to your hotel.

The whole day is private, which means the guide, the pace, and the stops are yours alone. Hotel pickup is included, as is the kayak, bottled water, and fruit snacks. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and two other languages, so language is not a barrier.

What’s included

• Your private guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.
• hotel pickup and return transport.
• entry to the Natural Aquarium.
• a local lunch at Nungwi Beach.
• the clear kayak at Kendwa Beach.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• and fruit snacks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (24 to 73 years) · Senior (74 and older) · Youth (11 to 23 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Hungarian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Wise Tour Guide

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so the pace and stops are yours alone: ideal if you want to linger at the fishing village or spend extra time on the kayak without waiting for a group. The seven-hour span fits a full afternoon and early evening, so it works well if you have one free day or an afternoon after arrival.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Hungarian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 23 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What are the sea turtles like at the Natural Aquarium in Nungwi?

The Natural Aquarium is a shallow-water habitat where sea turtles live in their natural environment rather than in tanks. Your guide explains their life cycle and their role in the ocean ecosystem, and you get to observe them up close as they move through the water.

What do you actually do at Nungwi Beach in the fishing village?

Nungwi Beach is an active fishing village where you can watch locals build traditional wooden dhows and see the daily catch being brought in and sold. You'll have time to walk around, meet people, and sit on the sand with a drink under the palm trees while you take in the rhythms of island life.

How does the clear kayak work at Kendwa Beach?

The transparent kayak lets you paddle in shallow water and see straight down to the sand and rocks below you. Kendwa's waters are calm and clear, so you're not fighting waves or depth. You're gliding over the seafloor and looking at what's underneath as you go.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes, a local lunch is included. It features fresh fish and other island dishes prepared with ingredients from the region. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but bottled water and fruit snacks are provided throughout the day.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle the clear kayak?

No experience is required. The kayak is designed for calm, shallow water, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Children from age one are welcome, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.