Zanzibar Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Zanzibar Shore Excursions
Zanzibar
Spice Tour + Stone Town Tour + Prison Island
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 7 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 165.00
Zanzibar
Zanibar Prison Island Boat Trip
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 85.00
Zanzibar
Stone Town and Prison Island from Zanzibar
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 100.00
Zanzibar
Mnemba Island, Monkey Tour, Kuza Cave Tour, Paje Beach, The Rock
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 150.00
Zanzibar
Skydive Zanzibar | Tandem Skydive
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 545.00
Zanzibar
4h Quad Adventures in Zanzibar: Nungwi / Kendwa
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 135.00
Zanzibar
Selous Luxury Day Safari with Photographer
Duration: 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 800.00
Zanzibar
Affordable and Reliable Taxi Services in Zanzibar Island
Duration: 0 - 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 17.00
Zanzibar
Stone Town Historical Walking Tour
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 23.00
Zanzibar
Zanzibar Adventure Quad with Sunset and Transfer Included
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 70.00
Zanzibar
Stone Town Walking Tour with Hassan
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 25.00
Zanzibar
Private/Sharing: Explore Mnemba Island with a dhow
Duration: 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 140.00
Zanzibar
Zanzibar Stone Town Walking Tour
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 20.00
Zanzibar
Walking City Tour in Zanzibar Island
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 25.00
Zanzibar
3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 18.80
Zanzibar
Stone Town Complete Guide: History, Spice Market and Local's life
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 18.00
Zanzibar
Day Safari tour to Selous Game Reserve from Zanzibar
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 511.88
Zanzibar
Stone town, Prison island, Nakupenda with Snorkelling &lunch
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 145.00
Zanzibar
Zanzibar Spice Tour & Cooking Class
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Unknown
Free cancellation
From USD 59.00
Zanzibar
4h-Quad Explore the Heart and Culture of Nungwi and Kendwa
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 67.00
Zanzibar
Private Historic Stone Town Tour
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 30.00
Zanzibar
Golden Walking Tour Of Stone Town (Private tour)
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 14.00
Zanzibar
Stone Town Secrets: A walking Tour Zanzibar
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 30.00
Zanzibar
A Private Full Day Tour To Stone Town & Spice Farm
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 90.00
Zanzibar
3 Days Selous (Nyerere National Park) Safari from Zanzibar & Back
Duration: 72 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 900.00
Zanzibar
Private Tour to Mnemba Island with Lunch
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 130.00
Zanzibar
Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 40.00
Zanzibar
Stone Town Secrets: Historical Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 25.00
Zanzibar
Zanzibar Spice Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 35.00
Related destinations to Zanzibar
What should first-time visitors expect on a cruise stop in Zanzibar?
A cruise stop in Zanzibar packs a lot into a day, making it an ideal introduction for first-time visitors. Expect to spend time in Stone Town, navigating its labyrinthine alleys, admiring carved doors and visiting the Old Fort and House of Wonders. Many itineraries combine a guided walk with a brief beach or marine stop for swimming or snorkelling. For practical planning, factor in tendering time, local transport and sun protection when choosing Zanzibar shore excursions.
Which attractions are considered the top highlights in Zanzibar?
Visitors prioritise a handful of highlights that capture Zanzibar’s character. Stone Town’s narrow lanes, the House of Wonders and the Old Fort showcase the archipelago’s Swahili and colonial past. Spice farms offer aromatic walks and demonstrations while Prison Island provides giant tortoises and shallow snorkelling opportunities. Coastal sandbanks, dhow cruises and the mangrove-fringed Jozani Forest add natural contrast to the cultural sights, and many operators include these on popular Zanzibar tours.
Should I choose a half-day or full-day shore excursion?
Choosing between half-day and full-day options depends on interests and ship schedule. Half-day excursions suit focused visits to Stone Town or a spice farm and allow more time on board, whereas full-day programmes add a beach, sandbank or Jozani Forest visit and typically include lunch. Logistics such as tendering and transfer times can make a half-day feel rushed if you want to see several sites. Consider personal pace, mobility and the specific itinerary before selecting a length for Zanzibar shore excursions.
How can I learn about Zanzibar’s culture and history during a short visit?
Zanzibar’s culture blends African, Arab, Persian and European influences, visible in language, architecture and cuisine. Museums and monuments in Stone Town illuminate the island’s role in trade and the legacy of the slave era, offering context for carved doors and Swahili houses. Local musicians, artisans and storytelling preserve traditions that enrich visits, especially when interpreted by knowledgeable guides. A balanced itinerary will respect cultural norms and enable meaningful encounters offered by many Zanzibar tours.
What natural scenery and wildlife can I expect to see?
Natural scenery ranges from powdery white beaches and turquoise lagoons to dense mangroves and red soil woodlands inland. Coral reefs teem with fish close to shore, making snorkelling and diving accessible from short boat rides, while Jozani Forest hosts the endemic red colobus monkey. Coastal boat trips can deliver birdwatching, dolphin sightings and secluded sandbanks for relaxation or picnics. Plan for sunscreen, reef-safe products and responsible wildlife etiquette when booking Zanzibar shore excursions.
What food and local cuisine should I try on a shore excursion?
Food in Zanzibar reflects its spice trade history, combining cloves, cinnamon and cardamom with fresh seafood and coconut. Street food stalls and Forodhani Gardens evening market showcase local favourites such as Zanzibar pizza, grilled fish and sugarcane juice, offering vibrant, affordable options. Dining at family-run cafés or on a spice farm visit provides insight into ingredient sourcing and traditional recipes. Sample dishes gradually and enquire about spice levels so the culinary side complements the sightseeing on organised Zanzibar tours.
What level of physical activity should I expect on typical excursions?
Activity levels vary widely, so choose excursions that match fitness and mobility. Walking tours through Stone Town involve uneven cobbles and narrow alleys with frequent stops, while boat-based snorkelling or sandbank trips require basic swimming ability and balance. Families with young children or those preferring less exertion can select relaxed beach days or short guided drives. Review the meeting point and total walking time before departing to ensure a comfortable experience on most Zanzibar shore excursions.
Are shore excursions in Zanzibar accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility in Zanzibar varies and some historic areas present challenges for mobility devices. Stone Town’s narrow alleys, thresholds and uneven paving limit wheelchair access to certain streets and attractions, though main sites sometimes offer step-free routes or alternative entrances. Transport options such as private transfers or small vans can be arranged to reduce walking, and some beaches have gentle slopes suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Confirm specific requirements with operators in advance when considering Zanzibar tours to avoid surprises on the day.
When is the best time of year for a shore excursion in Zanzibar?
Best times to visit favour the dry seasons from June to October and a warm, drier window in December to February. Visibility for snorkelling and diving is generally better during these months, with lower rainfall and calmer seas improving boat access to reefs and sandbanks. Shoulder periods can be less crowded and sometimes offer lower prices, though short rains in November and heavy rains from March to May may disrupt some activities. Plan tide times and cruise schedules carefully when arranging Zanzibar shore excursions to make the most of daylight and water conditions.
Should I take a guided excursion or explore independently?
Deciding between a guided experience and independent exploration hinges on time, interest and local knowledge. Guided options provide context, navigation through Stone Town’s maze and access to lesser-known sites with the convenience of pre-planned logistics, while independent visits allow flexibility, unhurried discovery and the chance to linger at favourite spots. Safety, language and cultural interpretation can favour hiring a local guide, especially on a tight cruise timetable. Balance personal preferences with practical constraints before selecting either approach for Zanzibar tours.
Which cruise lines visit Zanzibar?
Azamara will all visit Zanzibar this year.
What cruise ships will sail to Zanzibar in 2026?
Zanzibar will be visited by Azamara Onward and Azamara Journey.