6 Day Zanzibar Beach Holidays with Top Marine Adventures
This 6-day Zanzibar beach holiday combines cultural heritage, marine exploration, and coastal relaxation. From Stone Town’s historic charm to dolphin swims, spice tours, and canopy walks, each day offers a fresh experience. It’s a well-balanced itinerary designed for travelers seeking top marine adventures in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar is a destination where history, nature, and ocean life come together in a seamless rhythm. This 6-day itinerary is designed for travelers who appreciate variety and want to experience the island’s cultural depth alongside its coastal beauty. From the winding alleys of Stone Town to the coral reefs of Mnemba Atoll, each day offers a new perspective on Zanzibar’s rich heritage and marine environment. Whether sailing on a traditional dhow, swimming with wild dolphins, or walking through spice plantations, the journey is paced to balance activity with relaxation, allowing time to enjoy the island’s atmosphere without rush.
What makes this itinerary stand out is its thoughtful combination of inland and ocean-based experiences. You’ll visit historical landmarks, snorkel in protected waters, and relax on beaches known for their calm tides and soft sands. The inclusion of canopy walks and sunset cruises adds texture to the holiday, offering moments of quiet connection to nature. Accommodations are selected for comfort and proximity to key sites, ensuring smooth transitions and restful evenings. This Zanzibar beach holiday is ideal for those seeking meaningful travel, where each day brings a fresh setting and a deeper appreciation of the island’s culture, coastline, and natural charm
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Zanzibar Transfer for Stone Town Tour
Day 2: Traditional Dhow to Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach
Day 3: Swim with Wild Dolphins and Paje Adventures
Day 4: Spice Tour with Snorkeling at Mnemba Toll
Day 5: Nungwi Beach Relaxation with Sunset Dhow Cruise with Flying Fish
Day 6: Zanzibar Canopy Adventures and Departure
Price Includes:
- All airport pick up and transfers in private car
- Transport and wildlife drives in modified 4 x 4 Land Cruiser
- Services of a professional English speaking safari guide
- Drinking water
- Value Added Tax by Tanzania Revenue Authority
Price Excludes:
- International Flights
- All items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for safari guide and lodge staff ( please tip separately)
- Travel insurance if needed
- Visa fee ( 50 US$ /100 US$ for American or Irish Passport holders – to be paid upon arrival)
- Drinks and beverages in lodges
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Zanzibar Transfer for Stone Town Tour
Begin your Zanzibar beach holidays with a warm welcome at Zanzibar International Airport, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Stone Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rich blend of Swahili, Arab, and European influences. A guided walking tour reveals historic landmarks like the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and the vibrant Darajani Market. Wander through narrow alleys lined with carved wooden doors and spice-scented shops. The tour provides cultural depth and sets the tone for the days ahead. As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean. This first day of your Zanzibar beach holidays combines history, architecture, and local flavor in one unforgettable introduction
- Day2Traditional Dhow to Prison Island and Nakupenda Beach
Sail into the second day of your Zanzibar beach holidays aboard a traditional wooden dhow. Your first stop is Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and colonial-era ruins. After exploring the island, continue to Nakupenda Beach, a pristine sandbank surrounded by turquoise waters. Swim, snorkel, and relax while enjoying a freshly prepared seafood lunch on the boat. The calm shallows are ideal for spotting colorful fish and soaking up the sun. This day blends marine beauty with historical intrigue, offering a perfect balance of activity and leisure. It’s a signature experience of Zanzibar beach holidays, where ocean and heritage meet
- Day3Swim with Wild Dolphins and Paje Adventures
Start early with a drive to Kizimkazi village for a boat trip to swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Local guides help you approach respectfully, ensuring a safe and ethical experience. After the dolphin swim, head to Paje Beach for a full afternoon of coastal adventure. Try kite surfing, explore tidal lagoons, or simply unwind on the white sands. Paje’s laid-back vibe and stunning scenery make it a favorite stop during Zanzibar beach holidays. Enjoy fresh seafood at a beach café and watch the waves roll in. This day offers both excitement and relaxation, showcasing the island’s southern charm
- Day4Spice Tour with Snorkeling at Mnemba Toll
Begin with a guided spice tour through lush plantations where cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg grow. Learn about their uses and sample tropical fruits fresh from the trees. After lunch, transfer to the northeast coast for a boat ride to Mnemba Atoll, one of Zanzibar’s top snorkeling destinations. Dive into clear waters to explore coral reefs filled with vibrant marine life, including reef fish and sea turtles. The combination of inland flavors and underwater exploration makes this day a sensory highlight of Zanzibar beach holidays. Return to your lodge with salty skin and sweet memories of the reef
- Day5Nungwi Beach Relaxation with Sunset Dhow Cruise with Flying Fish
Spend the day relaxing on Nungwi Beach, known for its calm waters and powdery white sand. Swim, sunbathe, or enjoy optional spa treatments at your beachfront resort. In the late afternoon, board a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise along the northern coast. Watch the sky turn gold as flying fish skim the surface and gentle waves carry you past fishing villages. Light refreshments are served on board, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. This day of Zanzibar beach holidays is all about slowing down and savoring the island’s natural beauty. Return to shore for a candlelit dinner by the sea
- Day6Zanzibar Canopy Adventures and Departure
Wrap up your Zanzibar beach holidays with a morning visit to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park. Walk along elevated platforms through the forest canopy, spotting red colobus monkeys and rare birds. The canopy adventure offers a unique perspective on Zanzibar’s inland biodiversity. After the tour, return to your hotel for lunch and prepare for your airport transfer. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or a final stroll along the beach. This final day blends eco-exploration with smooth travel logistics, closing your Zanzibar beach holidays with a sense of connection to both land and sea