Discover the best beaches in Zanzibar, scattered along the coastline of this East African paradise. Zanzibar is famous for its stunning coastal spots with soft white sands and clear blue waters full of sea life. In particular, honeymooners can enjoy these beaches on our 7-day Zanzibar honeymoon.
For example, among the top picks is Nungwi Beach, great for nightlife and water fun. Meanwhile, Kendwa Beach has beautiful sunsets, and Paje Beach is a hit with kite surfers. However, if you want a calm atmosphere, check out Bwejuu and Jambiani beaches.
You can also try snorkeling, scuba diving, or take a boat ride to explore colorful coral reefs. Besides the amazing beaches, Zanzibar’s cool mix of cultures makes the island experience even better.
In short, Zanzibar’s best beaches have something for everyone – adventure, relaxation, and a taste of local culture, making your island getaway unforgettable.
Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar
Kendwa Beach is located on Zanzibar’s northwest, specifically on Unguja Island. Stone Town is approximately 61.7 km away, and Zanzibar Airport is 66.2 km away. Considered the best beach in Tanzania and the Zanzibar Islands, Kendwa is also an ideal spot for various activities like diving, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. In addition, it is renowned for its stable tides, providing a unique experience. Above all, the Full Moon Party at Kendwa Beach, held at the Kendwa Rocks Hotel monthly, is famous worldwide.
How to get to Kendwa Beach?
To get there, you can reserve a ride from the airport to Kendwa Beach with us.
Budget lodging options at Kendwa Beach:
Budget options include Beachfront Kendwa, Tropicana Kendwa Beach Hotel and Dream Of Kendwa Beach Villa.
Luxury lodging:
On the other hand, luxury options include Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar, Zuri Zanzibar, Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa and Zanzibar’s Kendwa Rocks.
Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar
Situated in Zanzibar’s northern region, Nungwi Beach is around 62.9 kilometers from Stone Town and 67.4 km from Zanzibar Airport. Moreover, it’s listed as one of the top beaches in Africa by CNN Travel. In fact, Nungwi is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere, nightclubs, restaurants, and various activities like diving, horseback riding, and snorkeling. It’s also a great place to start making acquaintances, with the added attraction of beautiful sunsets. Nungwi beach is listed on Top Travelers Choice Beach in Africa – TripAdvisor 2023. It is also one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for nightlife, with good snorkeling spots nearby.
How to get to Nungwi Beach?
To get there, you can reserve a ride from the airport to Nungwi Beach with us.
Budget lodging options at Nungwi Beach:
Budget options include Magharibi House, Malaika House, Makofi Guest House, Cocobello Zanzibar, Kivulini Lodge & Restaurant, Cocoa Guest House and Greens Nungwi.
Luxury lodging:
On the other hand, luxury options include Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort, Essque Zalu Zanzibar and Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar.
Matemwe Beach, Zanzibar
Matemwe Beach, on Zanzibar’s northeastern shore, is about 48.7 kilometers from Stone Town and 53.2 km from Zanzibar Airport. Known for its excellent snorkeling, it’s a favorite spot, especially for tours to Mnemba Island. Because fishing is prohibited, it provides a chance to view marine life like green turtles, Titan triggerfish, and more.
How to get to Matemwe Beach?
To get there, you can reserve a ride from the airport to Matemwe Beach with us.
Budget lodging options at Matemwe Beach:
Budget options include Miramont Retreat Zanzibar, Mohammed Bungalows and Restaurant, Zanzibar House and Sele’s Bungalows.
Luxury lodging:
On the other hand, luxury options include Matemwe Lodge, Matemwe Retreat and Tamani Villas.
Kiwengwa Beach, Zanzibar
Kiwengwa Beach is located in Zanzibar’s Eastern region, with Zanzibar Airport 45.7 km away and Zanzibar City 43.3 km away. Known for its long and white sandy beach, it’s often referred to as “Little Italy” due to the Italian tourist presence. As a result, Kiwengwa is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and kiteboarding.
How to get to Kiwengwa Beach?
To get there, you can reserve a ride from the airport to Kiwengwa Beach with us.
Budget lodging options at Kiwengwa Beach:
Budget options include Baridi Villa, Mama Njoe Lodge and Blue Marlin Village.
Luxury lodging:
On the other hand, luxury options include Melia Zanzibar, Sultan Sands Island Resort, Kiwengwa Beach Resort and VOI Kiwengwa Resort.
Michamvi Beach, Zanzibar
Michamvi Beach, on the Michamvi peninsula’s East Coast, is approximately 63.7 km from Stone Town, and Zanzibar Airport is 64.6 km away. Divided into Michamvi Pingwe and Michamvi Kae, it also features the famous Rock Restaurant and offers activities like snorkeling, diving, and exploring the limestone cave, Cuza Cave.
How to get to Michamvi Beach?
To get there, you can reserve a ride from the airport to Michamvi Beach with us.
Budget lodging options at Michamvi Beach:
Budget options include Zeru Zeru Lodge, Michamvi Spirit Lodge, Milele Lodge, Mount Zion Lodge and Barefoot Zanzibar.
Luxury lodging:
On the other hand, luxury options include Konokono Beach Resort, Isaraya Water Villas, Michamvi Sunset Bay Resort, Qambani Luxury Resort and Ras Michamvi Beach Resort.
Pongwe Beach, Zanzibar
Pongwe Beach is located on the East coast of Zanzibar’s Unguja Island, with Stone Town 38.3 km away and Zanzibar Airport 40.7 km away. Because of its soothing winds and tranquil atmosphere, it’s an excellent option for those seeking a quieter beach experience.
How to get to Pongwe Beach?
To get there, you can reserve a ride from the airport to Pongwe Beach with us.
Budget lodging options at Pongwe Beach:
Budget options include Kaure Sand beach.
Luxury lodging:
On the other hand, luxury options include Uroa Bay Beach Resort, Palumboreef Beach Resort and Paradise Beach Resort.
Bwejuu Beach, Zanzibar
Bwejuu Beach is located on the east coast of Unguja Island, between Michamvi Beach and Paje Beach. Stone Town is 52.0 kilometers away, and Zanzibar Airport is 52.9 km away. Because it is so tranquil, it’s an ideal beach for relaxation, particularly for families, friends, or couples on honeymoon.
How to get to Bwejuu Beach?
To get there, you can reserve a ride from the airport to Bwejuu Beach with us.
Budget lodging options at Bwejuu Beach:
Budget options include The African Paradise Beach House, Mellow Moods Guest House, Fontaine Garden Village and Tsunami Village.
Luxury lodging:
On the other hand, luxury options include The Palms Zanzibar, Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar, Sahari Zanzibar and Indigo Beach Zanzibar.
Paje Beach, Zanzibar
Paje Beach is situated on Zanzibar Island’s South East coast, halfway between Jambiani and Bwejuu beaches. Stone Town is 49 km away, and Zanzibar Airport is 49.8 km away. It is especially renowned as the best beach in the Zanzibar Islands for kiteboarding and offers various other activities such as snorkeling, diving, and tours to Jozani Forest.
How to get to Paje Beach?
To get there, you can reserve a ride from the airport to Paje Beach with us.
Budget lodging options at Paje Beach:
Budget options include Amanda Beach House, Take It Easy, Summer Dream Lodge, New Jambo Beach Bungalows, Simba Garden Lodge and Nakupenda Paje Villa.
Luxury lodging:
On the other hand, luxury options include Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa and Kisiwa On The Beach Resort.
Jambiani Beach, Zanzibar
Jambiani Beach is situated on the southern shore of Zanzibar Island. Stone Town is 54.7 km away, and Zanzibar Airport is 55.6 km away. In addition, it offers a variety of nearby restaurants, clean white sand, and is an excellent spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. As a result, it is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar for a quiet stay.
How to get to Jambiani Beach?
To get there, you can reserve a ride from the airport to Jambiani Beach with us.
Budget lodging options at Jambiani Beach:
Budget options include Mbuyuni Beach Village, Kimte Beach Lodge, Vanilla House, Blue Earth Bungalows, Kacho Guest House and Mfombwi Lodge.
Luxury lodging:
On the other hand, luxury options include Reef and Beach Resort Zanzibar, Jambiani Villas, Fun Beach Hotel, Blue Moon Resort and Sharazad Boutique Hotel.
Kizimkazi Beach, Zanzibar
Kizimkazi Beach is located on the southern tip of Zanzibar Island, in the Kizimkazi Fishers community. Both the airport and Stone Town are roughly 60.2 kilometers away. Known for its boat rides to swim with dolphins and snorkeling, it’s also less crowded with tourists.
How to get to Kizimkazi Beach?
To get there, you can reserve a ride from the airport to Kizimkazi Beach with us.
Budget lodging options at Kizimkazi Beach:
Budget options include Caveman Lodge, Promised Land Lodge and Zanzibar Blue Dolphin Bay.
Luxury lodging:
On the other hand, luxury options include The Residence Zanzibar and Unguja Lodge.
Dongwe Beach, Zanzibar
Dongwe Beach is located in the southeast of Zanzibar, between Bwejuu and Michamvi beaches. It also offers a tranquil atmosphere with lined palm trees, making it an excellent place for various water activities.
Nakupenda Beach, Zanzibar
Nakupenda Beach is a 20-minute boat ride from Stone Town. It’s listed on TripAdvisor’s Top Travelers Choice Beach in Africa for 2020. It is also known for snorkeling and as a spot to unwind for friends, families, and couples.
Nakupenda beach is listed on Top Travelers Choice Beach in Africa – TripAdvisor 2020. This is one of the nearby snorkeling locations. Best spot to unwind for friends, families, and couples.
Mnemba Island Beach, Zanzibar
Mnemba Island, situated just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar Island, offers a private beach with fine, clear sand. It’s perfect for diving, snorkeling, fishing, and swimming with dolphins and whale sharks. Therefore, it ranks among the best beaches in Zanzibar for divers.
Prison Island Beach, Zanzibar
Prison Island, known for giant tortoises, also has a small yet ideal beach for sunbathing and various activities, including snorkeling.
Chumbe Island Beach, Zanzibar
Chumbe Island, just off Unguja Island’s southwest coast, is a natural coral park with a beach offering activities like snorkeling, diving, walking through the forest, and visiting historical landmarks.
Fumba Beach, Zanzibar
Fumba Beach, situated on the west coast of Zanzibar Island’s Fumba Peninsula, is especially well-known for the Safari Blue Trip, offering activities like snorkeling, swimming, and visiting Kwale Island.
Related guides: best beach resorts in Zanzibar.
Related reading: Enjoy Zanzibar’s best beaches on our 6-day Safari Blue Zanzibar island escape with a dhow cruise.
