The 10 best beaches in Zanzibar
The best beaches in Zanzibar are some of the most beautiful on the planet.
Along the island’s 143 miles (230km) of coast, you will find soft white sand, clear blue water, and tall palm trees that make it feel like a true tropical paradise. Most beaches are protected by coral reefs, so the sea is usually calm and warm, though it can get very shallow when the tide is low.
Each beach has its own character. Some are lively, with hotels, bars, and music, while others are quiet places where local villages still shape daily life. A few remain wild and untouched, offering peace and space to escape. Together, these beaches show the many sides of Zanzibar—relaxed, cultural, and natural—all waiting to be explored.
1. Nungwi Beach
At the very northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach is the island’s most lively and popular stretch of sand. It curves around the rocky cape of Ras Nungwi, home to a 19th-century lighthouse that has long guided sailors through these waters. Despite being Zanzibar’s second-largest settlement, Nungwi has kept much of its charm. Its west-facing beach glows at sunset, where a mix of hotels, restaurants, and beach bars create a cosmopolitan atmosphere alongside the character of a traditional fishing village.
Insider tip: When the main beach feels busy, wander southeast from Ras Nungwi to discover a quieter stretch of sand.
How to get there: From Stone Town, take bus number 14 or hop on a dala-dala (public minibus) number 116.
2. Paje Beach
On Zanzibar’s southeast coast, Paje Beach is a paradise for both adventure and relaxation. At high tide, especially during kitesurfing season, the sky fills with colorful sails dancing above the turquoise water—an unforgettable sight that has made Paje the island’s kitesurfing capital. Beyond the action on the waves, Paje is also known for its relaxed atmosphere, a growing mix of beachside cafés and restaurants, and a wide stretch of soft sand perfect for long barefoot walks.
Insider tip: Stop by Mwani Zanzibar, where local women farm seaweed sustainably and turn it into organic skincare products you can take home.
How to get there: From Stone Town, catch bus number 9 or take dala-dala (public minibus) number 324.
3. Fumba Beach
For a taste of Zanzibar at its most untouched, head to Fumba Beach. Situated along the island’s southwest coast, this wild shoreline blends rocky headlands, hidden sandy coves, and towering baobab trees that shelter playful monkeys and colorful birdlife. The beach looks out over Menai Bay, a marine protected area teeming with dolphins, turtles, and thriving coral reefs—making it one of the best spots on the island for snorkeling and diving in pristine waters.
Insider tip: Stay at Fumba Beach Lodge, a secluded hideaway set in lush seaside gardens, perfect for nature lovers seeking peace and privacy.
How to get there: A taxi ride from Stone Town takes about 40 minutes.
4. Jambiani Beach
Stretching for miles along Zanzibar’s southeast coast, Jambiani Beach combines natural beauty with authentic village appeal. At high tide, the calm waters are perfect for swimming, while at low tide the sand seems to stretch endlessly toward the horizon.
What sets Jambiani apart is its close connection to the local Swahili fishing community. Guesthouses and restaurants blend seamlessly into village life, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want genuine cultural experiences alongside the beach’s natural appeal.
Insider tip: Don’t miss a guided visit to Kuza Cave, where you can swim in a crystal-clear underground pool surrounded by ancient rock formations.
How to get there: Many buses heading to Paje continue onward to Jambiani.
5. Kendwa Beach
Once famous mainly for its legendary full-moon parties, Kendwa Beach has grown into one of Zanzibar’s most popular resort areas. Its wide, golden sands and calm, swimmable waters set against dramatic coral cliffs make it a stunning place to spend the day.
Today, large all-inclusive hotels line much of the beach, giving it a polished, resort-style atmosphere, yet Kendwa still holds onto its festive spirit and undeniable natural beauty.
Insider tip: Kendwa Rocks, the beach’s original hotel, continues to host its famous all-night full-moon raves—a must for nightlife lovers.
How to get there: From Nungwi, you can walk along the beach at low tide in about an hour.
6. Kiwengwa Beach
Often called Zanzibar’s “all-rounder,” Kiwengwa is a long stretch of soft white sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and endless barefoot walks. The area has become a rising destination, blending the comfort of large resorts with the charm of smaller, owner-run lodges tucked between them. Its lively food scene—shaped in part by strong Italian influence—makes it a great choice for travelers who enjoy good dining as much as lazy afternoons by the sea.
Insider tip: Just inland, the little-visited Kiwengwa-Pongwe Forest Reserve hides an extensive cave system filled with striking dripstone formations—well worth exploring with a guide.
How to get there: From Stone Town, take bus number 15 or dala-dala (public minibus) number 117.
7. Nakupenda Beach
Just a short boat ride from Stone Town, Nakupenda is a breathtaking sandbar surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters. Its name means “I love you” in Swahili—and it’s easy to see why. By midday, the sandbar comes alive with day-trippers who arrive to enjoy lavish seafood barbecues, while the calm, shallow waters invite swimming and snorkeling among colorful marine life. At quieter times, though, it feels like your own private island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Insider tip: To experience Nakupenda at its most peaceful, avoid the lunchtime crowds and visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
How to get there: Reachable in just a few minutes by boat from Stone Town.
8. Michamvi Kae
Located on the west coast of the Michamvi Peninsula, Michamvi Kae is one of Zanzibar’s most peaceful and unspoiled beaches. With calm waters perfect for swimming and water sports, it offers a sense of seclusion that feels worlds apart from the island’s busier shores.
Facing west, it’s also a spectacular spot to watch the sun melt into the Indian Ocean. A cluster of rustic, budget-friendly lodges gives the area a laid-back, old-Zanzibar vibe—a refreshing reminder of the island before large-scale tourism arrived.
Insider tip: From here, set out on a breathtaking beach walk north to Ras Michamvi, the peninsula’s wild and scenic headland.
How to get there: Take dala-dala (public minibus) number 324 from Stone Town via Paje.
9. Mtende Beach
Near Zanzibar’s southernmost headland lies Mtende Beach, a small yet breathtaking stretch of sand set beneath a wooded coral cliff.
A protective reef runs just offshore, perfect for snorkeling right from the beach, while dolphins, monkeys, and other wildlife are often spotted nearby. Development here is minimal and eco-friendly, carefully managed in partnership with local communities to preserve the area’s natural beauty.
Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the ancient baobab trees that line the rugged road leading to Mtende—an unforgettable sight.
How to get there: There’s no public transport; most visitors reach Mtende via guided tours, often combined with a visit to nearby Jozani Forest.
10. Kizimkazi Beach
At Zanzibar’s southern tip lies Kizimkazi, the island’s oldest settlement, surrounded by two stunning and relatively untouched beaches. The southern beach stretches toward the island’s tip, while the northern one is framed by dramatic cliffs. Both offer calm swimming at high tide, long walks along soft sand at low tide, and breathtaking golden sunsets over Menai Bay.
Insider tip: Don’t miss Kizimkazi Mosque, Zanzibar’s oldest functional building, featuring original elements including an Arabic inscription from 1107 AD.
How to get there: Take dala-dala (public minibus) number 326 from Stone Town.
How We Choose
Each beach on this list has been carefully selected by our resident destination expert to offer an insider perspective on Zanzibar’s coastline. We showcase a variety of beaches—from lively city shores to quiet, hidden corners—so there’s something for every type of traveler. The list is updated regularly to reflect new openings and ensure our recommendations remain current and reliable.
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