Sunset dhow cruise Stone Town: Sailing & live music

Traditional violin and oud music drifts across the water as the dhow glides into Zanzibar's sunset.

A sunset dhow cruise from Stone Town sails the Zanzibar coast on a traditional wooden vessel for three hours, with live musicians playing violin and oud, canapés and drinks served throughout. The boat leaves in the late afternoon and returns as darkness falls, letting the sounds of the city fade into memory while you watch the scenery drift by from cushioned seating on deck.

The experience

The dhow leaves Stone Town in the late afternoon and heads out along the coast, the bustle of the capital fading as you move into open water. The traditional wooden boat carries you through clear turquoise water, and if the wind allows, the crew will sail using the same methods as the fishing boats that have worked these waters for generations. Live musicians play violin and oud, performing traditional Zanzibar songs of love and loss that carry across the deck.

The crew keeps your glass topped up throughout the three hours (choose from beers, sodas or bottled water from the Zanzibar Serena Inn), while canapés arrive as you sink back into the cushions. The pace is built for watching: the light changes, the water shifts color, and the city recedes into the distance until it feels like something remembered rather than something left behind.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• canapés.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (30 to 40 years) · Senior (41 and older) · Youth (14 to 29 years) · Child (7 to 13 years): free · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Africa Experience Tours

Is this one for you?Three hours on the water means the cruise fits into an afternoon or early evening without consuming a full day, leaving time to explore Stone Town before or after, or to join other activities the same day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 29 years); Child (7 to 13 years): free. Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What kind of music plays on the dhow?

Live musicians perform traditional Zanzibar songs on violin and oud, playing pieces about love and loss as the boat sails.

Does the dhow actually sail, or does it motor?

The crew will sail using traditional methods if the wind allows, so the boat moves like the fishing vessels that work the coast. If conditions don't permit, the boat will motor instead.

What's included to eat and drink?

Canapés are served throughout the cruise, and you can choose from beers, sodas or bottled water, all kept flowing by the crew.