Zanzibar's dhow cruises offer a glimpse into the island's rich maritime history, with traditional wooden sailing vessels having traversed the Indian Ocean for over a thousand years. Although the working dhow trade has largely been replaced by container shipping, tourists can still experience these iconic boats. The dhow cruises available include the full-day Safari Blue, sunset dhow cruises from Nungwi and Kendwa, and half-day trips to Nakupenda sandbank.
The Safari Blue experience is Zanzibar's most booked full-day water excursion, operating in the Menai Bay Conservation Area on the southwest coast. This conservation zone prohibits fishing, resulting in a unique underwater environment. The day-long tour includes snorkelling at multiple points, a BBQ lunch on a sandbank, and sailing back in the late afternoon. Prices vary, with the official website listing the experience at $85 per adult, while third-party operators offer sharing-boat options from $65 per person.
For those interested in sunset dhow cruises, Nungwi and Kendwa on the north tip of Zanzibar offer the best locations. These cruises typically depart around 17:00-17:30 and last 1.5-2 hours, sailing into open water west of the headland to watch the sunset. The boats used are smaller ngalawas and motorised wooden boats, similar to those used in local fisheries. Prices range from $35 per person for sharing-boat options to $180 per person for private charters.
Another option is the Nakupenda sandbank trip from Stone Town, which offers a half-day experience. The sandbank is a tidal island of white sand that appears in the turquoise water, making it one of Zanzibar's most photographed features. The trip includes round-trip boat transport from Stone Town for approximately $30-40 for a group and an entrance fee of $4 per person. Many operators combine the sandbank visit with snorkelling and a trip to Prison Island.
Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island, is a 5.6 km northwest of Stone Town and home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises. Built around 1893 as a prison, it was repurposed as a quarantine station. Since November 2024, visitors are no longer allowed to touch or feed the tortoises. The entrance fee is $22 per person, with the boat trip from Stone Town taking 20-30 minutes.
When choosing a dhow cruise, it's essential to consider the experience and price. Safari Blue is ideal for those seeking a full-day conservation-area experience with great food. In contrast, the sunset dhow cruise from Nungwi is better suited for those already visiting the north coast. The Nakupenda sandbank trip is a good option for travellers based in Stone Town or passing through.
Understanding the different types of boats and their histories can enhance the experience. The term "dhow" encompasses various boat types in the Indian Ocean tradition. By selecting the right dhow cruise, tourists can appreciate Zanzibar's rich maritime heritage while enjoying a unique experience.
Key points
- Safari Blue offers a full-day experience in a marine conservation area with snorkelling and a BBQ lunch.
- Sunset dhow cruises from Nungwi and Kendwa provide a 1.5-2 hour experience watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
- Nakupenda sandbank trips from Stone Town offer a half-day experience visiting a unique tidal sandbank and potentially Prison Island.
