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Dhow Cruises in Zanzibar

Our pick: Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Dhow Day Trip & Snorkeling Lunch — US$ 150 (9h, 4.94★ · 207). Best value: Zanzibar Dhow Sunset Cruise: Traditional Sailing at Nungwi — US$ 35 (4h, 4.04★ · 28).

4.8 6 experiences from US$ 35 ✓Free cancellation on most experiences

All 6 options, side by side

✓ 2026-09-29
OptionPricePer personLengthRatingCancellationExtra fee
Zanzibar Dhow Sunset Cruise: Traditional Sailing at NungwiBest valueUS$ 35 p.p.
US$ 35
4h4.04★ · 28free—
Tumbatu Island Snorkeling Tour: Two Reefs, Traditional DhowTop ratedUS$ 77 p.p.
US$ 77
4h5.00★ · 26free—
Zanzibar snorkeling day trip: BBQ seafood on Kwale IslandUS$ 90 p.p.
US$ 90
6h–7h5.00★ only 2 reviewsfree—
Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Dhow Day Trip & Snorkeling LunchOur pickUS$ 150 p.p.
US$ 150
9h4.94★ · 207free—
Zanzibar snorkeling & sandbank day trip: Dhow sailing with seafood lunchUS$ 160 p.p.
US$ 160
8h5.00★ only 2 reviewsfree—
Snorkeling Zanzibar: Private Dhow sail to Mnemba sandbankUS$ 180 p.p.
US$ 180
9h4.96★ · 27free—

Real price per person across the 6 options: US$ 35–US$ 180 (median US$ 90). With 100+ reviews: 1 of 6.

Default order: price per person.

Zanzibar Dhow Sunset Cruise: Traditional Sailing at Nungwi
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Zanzibar Dhow Sunset Cruise: Traditional Sailing at Nungwi★★★★★★★★★★ 4.04 (28)4hA four-hour dhow sailing tour departs from Nungwi Beach on Zanzibar's northern coast, taking you out on the water as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. You board a traditional wooden boat, sail past Kendwa Beach, and spend the evening watching the sky shift through colors while a live guide shares the rhythm of the coast. Tropical fruit and bottled water are included; the guide speaks English or French.Is it for me?Book this tour if you have a free late afternoon and want to spend the entire sunset on the water rather than watching it from the beach. The four-hour sail keeps you at sea long enough to see the full color change, which suits travelers who want to slow down and stay in one place instead of moving between multiple stops.Free cancellationTravelers' pickfromUS$ 35View ›
Tumbatu Island Snorkeling Tour: Two Reefs, Traditional Dhow
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Tumbatu Island Snorkeling Tour: Two Reefs, Traditional Dhow★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (26)4hA half-day snorkeling trip from Kendwa beach to Tumbatu Island on a traditional sailing dhow, with two guided reef stops, equipment, snacks and drinks included. The boat holds a maximum of 10 guests. Pickup from any Kendwa or Nungwi location is included, and the morning departs early enough to return before lunch.Is it for me?Book this trip if you want a small-group morning on the water with two reef stops and no crowds—the maximum of 10 guests and Tumbatu's quieter location mean you'll snorkel without the tourist boats that gather at the main island's sites.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −50%fromUS$ 77View ›
Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Dhow Day Trip & Snorkeling Lunch
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Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Dhow Day Trip & Snorkeling Lunch★★★★★★★★★★ 4.94 (207)9hYou’ll board a traditional dhow for a day trip to Mnemba Island from Zanzibar—swimming with dolphins if luck’s on your side, snorkeling coral reefs teeming with life, then sharing a fresh seafood BBQ lunch right on deck. With stops at hidden sandbanks and sunset sailing back home, it’s an easygoing day full of small surprises you’ll remember long after.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −100%fromUS$ 150View ›
Zanzibar snorkeling & sandbank day trip: Dhow sailing with seafood lunch
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Zanzibar snorkeling & sandbank day trip: Dhow sailing with seafood lunch★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (2)8hYou sail on a traditional dhow to three islands: Kwale for a walk past coral formations and a fallen baobab; a secluded sandbank for snorkeling and a seafood barbecue; and Niamembe for shallow swimming or beach time. Snorkeling equipment, lunch with tropical fruit and drinks, and hotel pickup are all included. The full day runs from early morning to late afternoon.Is it for me?Book this if you want a full day on the water without arranging a boat, finding a guide, or figuring out lunch logistics yourself—the dhow, the three stops, and the meal are all coordinated so you just show up at your hotel in the morning.Free cancellationKids −37%fromUS$ 160View ›
Zanzibar snorkeling day trip: BBQ seafood on Kwale Island
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Zanzibar snorkeling day trip: BBQ seafood on Kwale Island★★★★★★★★★★ 5.00 (2)6h–7hYou're picked up from central Zanzibar and driven to a traditional boat at Kikungwi, then sailed to Kwale Island's coral reefs for snorkeling with full gear provided. Between the water, you rest under a tent, eat fresh tropical fruit, and watch the crew grill seafood lunch on the beach. Soft drinks stay available all day, and the boat brings you back to your starting point by early evening.Is it for me?A good choice if you want snorkeling and a full beach day without arranging your own boat, gear or lunch—the private pickup and all-inclusive meal take the logistics off your hands and leave you free to swim and rest.Free cancellationKids −33%fromUS$ 90View ›
Snorkeling Zanzibar: Private Dhow sail to Mnemba sandbank
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Snorkeling Zanzibar: Private Dhow sail to Mnemba sandbank★★★★★★★★★★ 4.96 (27)9hA full-day private Dhow sailing trip from Kendwa beach to Mnemba sandbank in Zanzibar, with snorkeling at a nearby reef, fresh-cooked seafood lunch on board, and a high chance of spotting dolphins in their natural habitat. The boat is traditional East African sailing vessel, the guide speaks English, and all snorkeling gear, drinks and meals are included. Mnemba Marine Park access fees are separate.Is it for me?Book this trip if you want to snorkel without renting gear separately or organizing a boat yourself—the Dhow, the crew, the meals and the route are all arranged, so you show up at Kendwa and the day unfolds on the water. The private boat means your group sets the pace and the stops, and the traditional sailing style is slower and quieter than a motorized tour, which is what makes spotting dolphins and watching the island from offshore feel less rushed.Free cancellationTravelers' pickKids −52%fromUS$ 180View ›

Frequently asked questions

Can I book with free cancellation?

Yes: 6 of the 6 options offer free cancellation, so you can book now and confirm your plans later.

How long do these experiences last?

Most options last half a day or longer. There are also shorter and longer formats to fit your itinerary.

Which one is the travelers' favorite?

Zanzibar: Mnemba Island Dhow Day Trip & Snorkeling Lunch is the travelers' favorite, rated 4.94 out of 5 across 207 reviews.

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