Beaches with fine white sand sandwiched between swaying palm trees and crystal-clear turquoise waters – this is what you probably expect Zanzibar Island to look like. And spoiler: Tanzania’s tropical paradise fulfils this expectation. Located in the Indian Ocean, just off the country’s east coast, Zanzibar combines picture-perfect beaches with fascinating history, colourful culture and plenty of adventures.
Spend your days snorkelling to make new fish friends, wandering through the historic streets of Stone Town or simply relaxing with your toes in the sand and a cocktail in your hand. Yes, Zanzibar Island is the perfect place to unwind, either during a beach holiday or after an unforgettable safari on the Tanzanian mainland. Whether you wish for some adventure, a romantic honeymoon or a wee bit of everything, this island has it all.
Discover Zanzibar’s beaches and marine life
Zanzibar Island is best known for its picture-perfect beaches, and rightly so. Find out which other islands wow you with their beauty and who you can meet in the warm Indian Ocean surrounding them.
The beautiful beaches of Zanzibar Island
From lively beach villages to peaceful stretches of white sand, Zanzibar has a beach for every taste. On Nungwi and Kendwa on the northern coast you can relax in dreamy beach resorts, take a swim in the sea and end the day watching magical sunsets. On the east coast, Paje and Jambiani offer a more laid-back atmosphere, with palm-lined beaches, local villages and excellent kitesurfing opportunities.
The east coast is also known for its dramatic tides. At low tide, the ocean can retreat a long way, revealing sandbanks and shallow lagoons.
What marine life can you see in Zanzibar?
Grab fins, snorkel and goggles and dive into Zanzibar’s underwater world (pun intended). The island’s reefs are home to colourful tropical fish, sea turtles and many more swimming cuties. Around the Mnemba Atoll, snorkellers and divers can explore coral gardens and enjoy the rich underwater biodiversity. Dolphins also play in the waters around Zanzibar, although sightings are never guaranteed.
Information and facts
No matter if architecture, food, or anything in between: on Zanzibar you find a fascinating mix of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. Add tropical forests, spice plantations and marine environments, and you’ve got yourself an island full of surprises.
Most common animals
- Tropical reef fish
- Sea turtles
- Dolphins
- Octopuses
- Colourful coral reef species
- Zanzibar red colobus monkeys
- Tropical birds
Facts about Zanzibar Island
- Located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania
- The main island is also known as Unguja
- Part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, together with Pemba and smaller islands
- Approximately 85 kilometres long
- Famous for its white-sand beaches, spice plantations and historic Stone Town
- Swahili is the main local language, while English is widely used in tourism
- The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling
