Zanzibar boat cruise snorkeling Bawe island & Nyange sandbank

Snorkel two islands and eat lunch on a sandbank without arranging the boat or the meal

A half-day boat cruise from Stone Town explores Zanzibar's coastline and two marine stops: snorkeling at Bawe island, then lunch on the Nyange sandbank. The boat departs around 10 a.m. and returns by early afternoon, with snorkeling gear, a grilled seafood or chicken BBQ, fresh fruit and soft drinks included. A guide speaks English throughout, and pickup from Stone Town hotels or anywhere on the island is available as an option at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zanzibar boat cruise and snorkeling

• Depart from Stone Town at 10:00 am
• Cruise along Stone Town coastline
• Snorkel at Bawe Island
• Visit Nyange sandbank for BBQ lunch
• Return to Stone Town by 2:00 pm

The Experience

The boat leaves Stone Town around 10 a.m. from either Cape Town Fish Market or Africa House, depending on the tide — the captain picks the departure point that gives the best sailing conditions. As you cruise out, Stone Town's UNESCO-listed buildings rise from the water; the ocean breeze and the quiet of the boat make the view different from the streets. The ride takes you past the shoreline without the noise of the town.

Bawe island is the first stop, and snorkeling gear is already on board. You get in the water to see what lives there — the reef, the fish, the movement below the surface — and stay as long as you want during the break. After snorkeling, the boat heads to the Nyange sandbank, a shallow stretch of sand that appears and disappears with the tide. This is where lunch happens: a grilled catch of fish and sea fruits, or chicken with fries if you prefer, plus a fresh fruit salad and a soft drink. You eat on the sandbank itself, sitting on the sand with the water around you and the boat nearby.

The return to Stone Town takes the same route back, arriving around 2 p.m. You can meet the boat at the departure point, arrange pickup from your Stone Town hotel, or request pickup from anywhere else on Zanzibar Island — the choice is yours at checkout. A life jacket is provided, and the captain and crew handle all the boat work; your job is to show up and step aboard.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and Bawe island entry.
• a grilled BBQ lunch of fish, sea fruits or chicken with fries.
• fresh fruit salad and soft drink.
• boat transportation with a professional captain and experienced guide speaking English.
• life jacket.
• Nyange sandbank entrance and the sandbank experience itself.
• bottled water.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Beach & Safari

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to snorkel and eat lunch without renting a boat or packing a cooler — everything floats with you, and the timing is already set so the day holds together. Choose the option with pickup if your hotel or location is far from Stone Town's waterfront, since the boat departs from the Fish Market or Africa House and you'll need to be there by 10 a.m.

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Top questions

What exactly is the snorkeling like at Bawe island?

Bawe island has a reef where you snorkel with the provided gear during a dedicated break in the itinerary. The water depth and marine life vary with the tide and season, and you can stay in the water as long as you want during the stop.

Is the Nyange sandbank always there, or does it disappear?

Nyange sandbank appears and disappears with the tide, which is why the boat departure time is set around 10 a.m. to catch the right conditions. The captain knows the tides and plans the route to reach it when it is exposed.

What's included in the BBQ lunch?

Lunch is a grilled tropical meal: either fresh fish and sea fruits or chicken with fries, plus a fresh fruit salad and a soft drink. You eat on the sandbank itself, and the meal is prepared on board.

Do I need to arrange my own pickup, or is it included?

Pickup is optional and depends on which option you choose at checkout. You can meet the boat directly at the departure point in Stone Town, arrange pickup from your Stone Town hotel, or request pickup from anywhere on Zanzibar Island.

How long is the whole trip from start to finish?

The cruise runs from around 10 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m., giving you about four to six hours on the water and at the two stops combined.

What happens if I get seasick or I'm not a strong swimmer?

A life jacket is provided and worn during the cruise. Snorkeling is optional — you can stay on the boat or in the shallows if you prefer. If seasickness is a concern, mention it when you book; the crew can advise on timing and medication.