Zanzibar is a place where the beach feels calm and the ocean never seems to rush. The water is clear and changes colour throughout the day. The sand is soft and white. The wind moves gently through the palm trees. Life on Zanzibar Beaches feels quiet and peaceful.
Visitors often enjoy simple things like:
- Walking barefoot on cool sand in the morning or evening
- Swimming in clear water that looks blue and green at different times
- Tasting local food with Swahili, Arab and Indian flavours
- Snorkelling and diving near coral reefs full of sea life
- Slowing down and enjoying time with family or just relaxing alone
This blog shares five Zanzibar Beaches with their detailed information. Each one has its charm and gives you a different way to enjoy your Zanzibar Beach Holiday.
1. Nungwi Beach
Nungwi Beach is one of the most famous places on Zanzibar. It is at the northern tip of the island. People love coming here because the water is clear, there are lots of people on the beach, and you can swim all day, which isn’t always the case in Zanzibar.
There are a lot of tourists and locals on the beach at sunset, when the light from the wooden dhows sails over the horizon. Nungwi is the beach to go to if you want to hear music, feel energy, and move around.
Nungwi at a glance:
- Location: Northern Zanzibar
- Highlights: Year-round swimming, golden sunsets, and a lively atmosphere
- Activities:
- Snorkelling near the coral reef
- Sunset dhow cruises
- Diving with local dive centres
- Visiting turtle conservation centres
If you want communal places, walkable streets near the beach, and easy access to both luxury and affordable Zanzibar Beach Resorts, Nungwi is the place for you.
View Our Package: 7 Days Best Zanzibar Beach Holiday
2. Kendwa Beach
Kendwa Beach is not too far from Nungwi, but it is less busy and more relaxed. The beach is very big and open, and there are no big waves. You don’t have to think about coral or algae that are too sharp while you swim all day. Even little kids can swim in peace and safety.
Kendwa at a glance:
- Location: Northwest Coast
- Highlights: No tidal shifts, powdery sand, and peaceful beach days
- Activities:
- Full-moon parties are hosted once a month
- Skydiving for adventure seekers
- Beach volleyball and quiet swims
- Candle-lit dinners along the shore
People like Kendwa because of its full-moon parties and quiet days. It’s a beach where time goes by slowly, and the sun seems to stay in the sky longer.
3. Paje Beach
Paje Beach is a long, breezy beach on the southeast coast that has become Zanzibar’s kite-surfing hotspot. The wind is just suitable for surfing at certain times of the year, which brings in surfers from all over the world.
Apart from that, Paje also features little cafes, relaxed guesthouses, and ways to get to nearby communities.
- Location: Southeast Coast
- Highlights: Strong wind for sports, relaxed backpacker vibe, and local Swahili life
- Activities:
- Kitesurfing and kite schools for beginners
- Scuba diving and reef exploration
- Walking tours in nearby villages
- Eating at local beach cafés
This beach is a great Zanzibar Vacation Idea for folks who like to move around, be around other people, and get a taste of the local culture with the sea breeze.
4. Matemwe Beach
If you want space and beautiful views of the water, go to Matemwe Beach on the northeast coast. Because it isn’t as busy as other beaches, you’ll often have a big stretch of sand all to yourself. Matemwe is adjacent to Mnemba Atoll, which is a protected marine region that is great for snorkelling and seeing marine life.
People who like quiet places and beautiful things under the ocean will love this beach.
- Location: Northeast Coast
- Highlights: Seclusion, coral reefs, and picture-perfect low-tide scenes
- Activities:
- Snorkeling trips to Mnemba Atoll
- Reef walks during low tide
- Reading under palm trees
- Photography of tidal patterns and fishing boats
This beach is great for couples and anyone who wants to do Romantic Things In Zanzibar without a lot of other people around.
5. Jambiani Beach
This beach is on the southeast coast and has a feel of both town life and coastal charm. Fisherman bring in their daily catch, kids play in the tide pools, and the town is busy but not loud. There are small cabins and guesthouses all along the long, beautiful beach.
- Location: Southeast Coast
- Highlights: Coral formations, cultural richness, and easy-going pace
- Activities:
- Village walks with local guides
- Swimming in the clear waters of Kuza Cave
- Tasting Swahili meals at beachfront restaurants
- Exploring the rocky tidepools during low tide
Take a Stroll along Zanzibar’s Beaches!
These five Zanzibar Beaches show how different the coast can be. Some are busy and social, while others are quiet and peaceful. But these aren’t the only nice places. There are many more on the island, such as Pongwe, Kiwengwa, Michamvi, and the sandbanks outside of Stone Town.
Great Image Expedition will keep you up to date on new ways to see more of the island. We’ll share more trip tips and ideas that don’t just stay on land. When you’re ready to plan your next Zanzibar Beach Holiday, our team is here to help you do it with care, depth, and real knowledge from people who live there.
