Zanzibar beaches are exactly what you imagine when you think of a postcard-perfect paradise — or maybe even better. When I first arrived, I was completely overwhelmed (in the best way) by the white sand, endless turquoise water, tropical breeze, and the peaceful, slow rhythm of island life.
In this blog post, I’m sharing the 10 best beaches in Zanzibar you absolutely need to visit at least once — based on my personal experience. My top favorites? Without a doubt, Nungwi and Kendwa, with their swimmable, crystal-clear waters and unforgettable sunsets. I’ve also snorkeled near Mnemba Island, stood on dreamy sandbanks like Nakupenda, and explored the dramatic tides of Kiwengwa Beach.
What truly makes Zanzibar’s beaches special is the clarity of the water, the stunning marine life, the golden sunsets, and the fact that you’ll never feel overwhelmed by crowds. Ready to discover the most breathtaking beaches in Zanzibar? Let’s dive in.
The 10 best beaches in Zanzibar
Kiwengwa beach
Bwejuu beach
Michamvi beach
Zanzibar beaches: Nungwi – My forever favorite
Nungwi Beach was the first place I went swimming in Zanzibar – and it quickly became my favorite. Imagine soft white sand, turquoise crystal-clear water, and peaceful vibes all around. We spent the day swimming, sunbathing, walking along the shore, and dining at oceanfront restaurants.
The atmosphere in Nungwi is relaxed and welcoming. The beach is wide and open, with plenty of space for everyone to relax, play beach games, or just enjoy the view. You’ll find local vendors, friendly Maasai men, and small beach bars. Prices are very fair and negotiable – for example, two sunbeds and an umbrella with Wi-Fi cost us around 20,000 TZS (~$8), and a freshly peeled pineapple was just 5,000 TZS (~$2). Don’t forget to bargain— it’s part of the experience!
I recommend Nungwi Beach for couples, families, and friend groups alike. Whether you want to swim, play, relax, or watch the sunset, this beach offers it all. One of my favorite moments was watching the sunset from MammaMia restaurant – a cozy Italian spot with unforgettable ocean views.
But what truly made this place special was the people. I met so many kind and open locals who showed us around, told us stories about their culture and the Maasai, and helped us feel at home. Their warmth and hospitality left a lasting impression, and it’s one of the reasons I’ll never forget Nungwi.
Why Kendwa is one of the most relaxing Zanzibar beaches
Kendwa Beach offers a slightly more luxurious and laid-back atmosphere compared to Nungwi. The water is just as crystal-clear, the sand is soft and powdery, and everything invites you to spend a full day relaxing by the ocean.
There are fewer restaurants and local vendors on this beach, which actually adds to its peaceful charm. One great thing about Kendwa Beach is the unspoken rule on the sunbed zones: once you rent a spot, the staff ensures that beach vendors don’t disturb you — perfect if you’re looking for uninterrupted beach time.
The beach also has modern jet skis available for rent, and there’s even a handmade outdoor gym built by locals right on the sand. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and a fun way to connect with the community.
One of the most magical parts of Kendwa? The starfish. You’ll find many of them near the shore, but please remember: do not take them out of the water. Starfish can’t breathe out of the ocean, and no photo is worth harming a living creature. Let’s respect marine life.
I would recommend Kendwa Beach especially for couples and younger travelers. It’s calm, clean, and wide open — even without private zones, the beach feels personal and inviting, with the perfect mix of comfort and nature.
Mnemba island – A day you’ll never forget
Visiting Mnemba Island was hands down one of the best days we had in Zanzibar. We booked a full-day private tour with a small boat — it was just four of us, our guide, and two local boatmen. The journey itself was part of the magic: we cruised across the open sea, spotted dolphins, and snorkeled in some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen.
Once we arrived near the famous sandbank, the real show began. At first, it looked like nothing but ocean, but we waited with 8–10 other boats around us, and slowly, as the tide receded, the sandbank started to rise from the sea. It felt surreal — like watching a secret island appear just for us.
Around midday, we stepped onto the newly revealed sandbank. Our guide cut up fresh tropical fruit while we swam, relaxed, and soaked up the views. It was just water in every direction — no buildings, no sounds but nature — and it was honestly one of the most peaceful, awe-inspiring moments of the whole trip.
If you’re planning a visit to Zanzibar, this is an absolute must. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or solo, you won’t want to miss this.
Here are my personal tips for making the most of your Mnemba Island day trip:
- Bring a waterproof phone pouch.
- Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and a light top to cover your shoulders.
- Take a towel, and if your tour doesn’t include it, a snorkel mask.
- And if you have one, bring a waterproof camera — I didn’t, and I still wish I had.
Nakupenda beach – A sandbank paradise in the heart of Zanzibar
If you’re looking for that dreamlike postcard setting in Zanzibar, Nakupenda Beach is exactly it. This picture-perfect sandbank emerges just off the coast of Stone Town and offers one of the most magical half-day experiences on the island. We joined an organized tour that took us out by boat — and everything from start to finish felt like a scene from a movie.
We swam in the shallow turquoise waters, enjoyed fresh tropical fruits, and watched local guides grill seafood right there on the sand while traditional Swahili music played in the background. The vibe? Absolutely serene. Everyone was smiling, chatting, and soaking up the sun.
But the moment I’ll never forget? Spotting a huge sea turtle swimming nearby — from the sandbank! It was surreal and reminded me of just how special Zanzibar’s marine life is.
Nakupenda is perfect for couples, solo travelers, or groups of friends. I wouldn’t recommend it for families with very small children due to the sun exposure and boat ride.
Matemwe beach – peace, tides, and solitude
Matemwe Beach offers a completely different vibe compared to Zanzibar’s more popular beaches — and that’s exactly its charm. We passed through Matemwe on the same day as our Mnemba Island trip, and I instantly felt like we had entered another world.
There were no beach vendors, no music, and not even a single restaurant in sight. Just a wide, open stretch of pristine coastline backed by a traditional fishing village. The beach was incredibly clean, and the tidal shifts here were far more dramatic — at one moment I was walking through ankle-deep water, and minutes later I was knee-deep, then suddenly standing on a dry sandbar that had just appeared.
It felt raw, authentic, and calm — like the Zanzibar of decades ago. We spent time sunbathing, walking, and even playing a bit of beach ball before continuing our boat ride.
Matemwe is perfect for solo travelers, photographers, or anyone seeking peace, solitude, and connection with nature. But don’t expect snorkeling or marine life sightings — this beach is about stillness, not activity.
Tip: Bring water, sunscreen, and your camera. It’s a spot where nature speaks loudest, and silence becomes the experience.
Paje & Jambiani – beautiful, but not for everyone
Originally, we had planned to stay five nights in Jambiani, but just before moving from Nungwi, we were warned that our booked accommodation didn’t quite match the online photos. So we decided to cancel and stay longer in Kendwa, which had completely won us over.
Still, we wanted to see what the southeast coast had to offer — so we took a day trip to explore both Paje and Jambiani. The verdict? Absolutely beautiful — no doubt — but very different from the north. The beaches are raw and breathtaking, but the large amount of seaweed and marine vegetation caught us by surprise.
The tides on this side of the island are dramatic. You only get a few hours a day for actual swimming, and at other times, the ocean pulls back hundreds of meters. That said, if you’re the kind of traveler who’s fascinated by what the sea leaves behind, you’ll love walking deep into the exposed seabed and discovering corals, shells, and tidal pools.
Paje is known for kite surfing, and there’s a more bohemian, laid-back vibe here — great for creatives, solo travelers, or digital nomads. Jambiani, on the other hand, feels even quieter, with tiny villages, long coastal walks, and the rhythm of local life.
Zanzibar beach tip:
If you plan to explore the southeast coast, check the tide charts ahead of time and bring water shoes — the seafloor can get rocky or slippery with seaweed. Also, don’t expect classic beach bars or swimming spots like in the north. It’s raw nature — and that’s the beauty of it.
Zanzibar beach tips – real advice from personal experience
There are a few things I wish I had known before exploring Zanzibar’s beaches, and if you’re planning your trip, these might save you time, money, and even a little sunburn. First of all, bring a snorkel mask – the marine life is breathtaking in so many places, and seeing it up close is an experience you don’t want to miss. I also highly recommend packing a waterproof phone pouch and a light towel, because chances are, you’ll end up on a boat or sandbank where both will come in handy.
Always carry small cash in Tanzanian shillings, because most local vendors won’t take cards, and cash is essential for little things like renting a sunbed, buying fresh fruit, or hopping on a jet ski.
Oh, and don’t be afraid to bargain – it’s completely normal here, and often you’ll get a much better deal, especially on the beach. While restaurants have fixed prices, things like pineapples cut right in front of you or handmade souvenirs are usually negotiable — sometimes even down to half price.
One thing that truly surprised us was the intensity of the tides, especially in places like Nungwi or along the east coast. On our very first day, we found ourselves completely cut off from the main beach when the tide came in quickly — no one warned us, and we could only get back by walking through a nearby hotel. So I’d say: always check the tide chart, especially if you’re exploring non-official beach zones or rocky private coves.
I also recommend wearing reef-safe sunscreen and bringing a lightweight top to cover your shoulders, because the tropical sun can get brutal — even if you don’t feel it right away. And finally, if you have a waterproof camera, take it. I didn’t, and I still regret not capturing some of the underwater magic we saw while snorkeling.
If you’re planning to explore Zanzibar beaches, these simple tips will help. These small details made a huge difference in our experience. I hope they help you fall in love with Zanzibar’s beaches as much as I did.
Top 5 beach activities to try in Zanzibar (that aren’t just sunbathing)
Sure, Zanzibar is made for relaxing — but there’s so much more to do than just lying on the beach. Whether you’re chasing adventure, cultural connection, or peaceful ocean moments, here are five unforgettable activities I personally experienced during my time on the island.
1. Snorkeling in Mnemba & Nakupenda – An Underwater Wonderland
If you’re wondering where to snorkel in Zanzibar, look no further than Mnemba Island. On a private day tour, I swam through crystal-clear waters surrounded by vibrant marine life — easily one of the best snorkeling experiences I’ve ever had. Nakupenda also offered shallow waters perfect for a relaxed swim before enjoying a fresh grilled lunch on the sandbank.
2. Sunset watching from Mamma Mia, Nungwi
There’s something magical about a Zanzibari sunset — especially when viewed from a beachfront restaurant. My favorite? The cozy Italian Mamma Mia in Nungwi, where we watched the sky turn gold while sipping cocktails just steps from the ocean.
Kendwa offers a more luxurious beach vibe — and with that comes some amazing water sports. I tried jetskiing and even kayaking in a transparent boat, where I could see the sea life beneath me. Perfect for couples or solo travelers looking to add excitement to their beach day.
4. Local food & beachside fruit in NungwiNothing beats fresh pineapple, peeled right in front of you, or sipping coconut water while your toes are in the sand. In Nungwi, we snacked on fruit, explored local markets, and ate at oceanfront restaurants — the flavors of Zanzibar made the beach experience even better.
One of my favorite memories? Playing a casual game of football with local guys on the beach just as the sun began to set. No tourist activity or tour can compare to moments like these — spontaneous, real, and heartwarming.
Planning your trip to Zanzibar? Before heading to the beach, check out my Zanzibar travel tips to prepare like a pro.
Have a favorite beach I didn’t mention, or any questions? Feel free to drop a comment below – I’d love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more tropical travel ideas and beach inspiration. For official travel updates and practical info, visit the Zanzibar Tourism website
Have you visited any Zanzibar beaches I didn’t mention?
