Kayaking Zanzibar: Mangrove tunnels by SUP or kayak

Paddle your own way through mangrove tunnels and open water

A guided 3-hour kayak or SUP tour through the tidal forests of Chukwani, Zanzibar, where you choose your equipment and paddle through mangrove tunnels, estuaries and open ocean with a live guide. The tour includes a safety lesson before you start, time in the water learning about the mangrove ecosystem, and fresh fruit and local snacks when you return. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Options for this experience

3 options

From US$ 50 to US$ 60 per person, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Guided mangrove tour by SUP or kayak: unique and memorable 16 departure times: the first at 05:30, the last at 17:00 Guide in English

Happy hour at high tide 16:15 and 17:00 Guide in English Wine or beer (adults only): High Tide Happy Hour is a mangrove tour with a floating bar! Savor a few chilled drinks while you're out on the water.

Breakfast on Board 5 departure times: the first at 05:30, the last at 07:45 Guide in English Breakfast on board: Get your day off to a great start! Drop anchor in the middle of the mangroves to enjoy tea/coffee and breakfast on your board or kayak.

None of these options right for you? See 6 alternatives ›

What’s included

• A 3-hour guided paddle through mangrove tunnels, estuaries and open water with your choice of kayak or SUP equipment (board or kayak, paddle, life jacket and leash included).
• a safety lesson and briefing before you start.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• fresh fruit and local snacks when you return.
• access to washroom and shower facilities with toiletries.

Times

Looking for another day or time? ›

• Monday 06:00 06:30 13:30
• Tuesday 07:15 07:45 14:15
• Wednesday 08:45 09:00 14:45
• Thursday 10:00
• Friday 11:15 16:15
• Saturday 05:30 12:00 17:00
• Sunday 05:30 12:45

Information

Paddle through mangrove tunnels and estuaries in Chukwani, Zanzibar on a guided 3-hour kayak or SUP tour with lesson.

Group Up to 25 3 similar private tours ›

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 3 similar tours with pickup › See the exact address

Book up to 10h before

Ages Adult (13 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 10 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

The experience

The day starts on shore with a lesson and safety brief so you know how to handle the board or kayak before you push off. Then your guide leads you into the mangrove tunnels: narrow channels where the trees close in overhead and the water stays calm. You'll paddle through estuaries where freshwater meets salt, then out to open ocean if the tide allows. The whole route depends on the tidal cycle: low tide lets you walk parts of the forest floor between paddles, while high tide opens up channels you can't reach otherwise. Your guide points out the mangrove species around you and the animal life (birds, fish, crabs) that live in this habitat. The pace is yours. The guides work with almost any fitness level and will make sure you stay steady on the water.

When you come back to shore, you'll find washroom and shower facilities waiting, plus fresh fruit and local snacks: cassava crisps and coconut or peanut confections flavored with cinnamon and cardamom. The whole experience runs about three hours from start to finish. You choose between SUP (stand-up paddle board) and kayak at booking, and the operator provides all the equipment: board or kayak, paddle, leash and life jacket. Bottled water is included throughout.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I choose between kayak and SUP, or do I have to pick one before I book?

You choose your equipment at checkout (kayak or SUP), and the operator provides the full setup for whichever you pick, including paddle, life jacket and leash.

What's the difference between low tide and high tide on this tour?

Low tide lets you walk on the forest floor between paddles and explore parts of the mangrove you can't reach by water. High tide opens up channels deeper into the forest that you paddle through instead. The route changes based on when you go, so both offer different views of the ecosystem.

Is this tour suitable for someone who's never paddled before?

Yes, the tour starts with a lesson and safety brief on shore, and the guides work with all fitness levels to make sure you have a successful experience on the water. Children from age 4 are welcome.

What happens if the weather turns bad while we're out on the water?

The tour operates in the tidal forests of Chukwani, which are protected from rough ocean swells, so conditions are usually calm. Your guide will assess conditions before you start and adjust the route if needed to keep you safe.

Do I need to bring my own towel and toiletries?

No, washroom and shower facilities are available when you return, and toiletries are provided so you can rinse off before you leave.

Operated by 2 Winds Paddle Sports. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago