Activities to do around Zanzibar island : Zanzibar island is among the popular destinations which are found in Tanzania and it is located off the East African coast.
The activities which are carried out around Zanzibar island are a variety and mostly consist of water sports and also touring the different towns and destinations found on the island. The cost of the activities during tours on Zanzibar ranges from 10 USD to 150 USD.
Activities to do around Zanzibar island during a tour include the following;
- Taking part in Snorkelling
Snorkelling in Zanzibar is an exciting experience which is done during tours around the island and there are different places where the activity is carried out.
The snorkelling experience takes about 4 hours and the cost of the activity is 50 USD for each individual. During the activity, snacks, drinks and fruits are shared among the tourists as they enjoy the boat ride to the location where the snorkelling takes place.
The snorkelling guides provide the equipment which is needed for the activity which also involves seeing the beautiful marine life of Zanzibar and also different aquatic species like fish and dolphins can also be seen.
- Dolphin tours
Dolphin tours are also carried out around Zanzibar island and the types of dolphins include bottle nosed dolphins, humpback dolphins and also spinner dolphins.
The different places in Zanzibar where dolphin tours can be carried out include Kizimkazi, Mnemba island and these tours can be done at different times of the year. The dry season from June to October is considered the best time for the dolphin tours in Zanzibar.
After taking a traditional dhow on the Indian ocean, the tourists are taken to where the dolphins are and you can swim with the dolphins. This activity is best done in the morning hours and it takes about 4 hours. The cost of the dolphin tours is about 40 USD for each person.
- Spice tour
Spice tours are also carried out when visiting Zanzibar island which is known for the different exotic spices that are grown around the island.
The spices grown around the farms in Zanzibar include nutmeg, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, pepper among others and a variety of fruits are also found on the island such as coconut, mangoes, jackfruit among others.
The spice tour in Zanzibar involves visiting the spice farms and getting to know more about how the spices are grown and also taste the local food prepared using the spices. The spices can also be purchased after the spice tour and your local guide will tell you more about the different spices on the island. This tour costs about 15 USD to 20 USD per person.
- Prison island tour
The prison island in Zanzibar is another place to visit during a tour of the Island. The Prison island is also known and Changuu island.
The tour of the Prison island starts with a 30 minute boat ride from Stone town to the island which is home to the giant Aldabra tortoises which can be seen closely when visiting the island. These tortoises are old and their ages are written on the shells.
This tour of Prison island costs about 50 USD and you can take a private boat to the island or visit the island as part of a group.
- Dhow cruise experience
Dhow cruises on the Indian ocean are also carried out when visiting Zanzibar island during tours in Tanzania.
At different times of day you can take a dhow ride on the Indian ocean and enjoy the breeze and either take in the views of the sunset over the Indian ocean other sunrise. In the afternoon time, people also engage in dhow cruises during tours in Zanzibar.
The cost of the Dhow cruise during tours in Zanzibar s about 40 USD for each individual and it takes about 4 hours. Dhows in Zanzibar have for many years been used as means of transport on the Indian ocean.
- Swimming
Swimming is another activity to do when visiting Zanzibar whether it is swimming with dolphins or turtles or simply getting a feel of the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean, this activity is something to look forward to doing on the island.
There are also pools at the resorts and hotels where you can enjoy swimming and amazing views during your tour around Zanzibar island. Swimming is also done around the different beaches on Zanzibar island.
- Jozani forest tour
Jozani forest tours are carried out in the Jozani forest reserve when visiting Zanzibar island. The activity is carried out in the company of a guide.
When visiting the Jozani forest reserve, nature walks or mangrove walks are carried out around the reserve which is home to the rare red colobus monkeys. This walk takes about 2 hours and can be combined with tours to other destinations around Zanzibar.
- Beach walks
Beach walks can also be done on Zanzibar island and these walks can be done at different times of day.
The different beaches found around Zanzibar island including Nungwi beach, Kendwa beach, Paje beach, Jambiani beach, Kiwengwa beach, Matemwe beach, Bwejuu beach, Kizimkazi beach among others.
During the beach walks, it is recommended that tourists dress decently as a way of respecting the culture of the locals.
- Diving
Another activity which is carried out during tours around Zanzibar island is diving. Diving is best done during the months of July and August and throughout most of the year.
Different levels of divers can engage in scuba diving during their tours in Zanzibar and different marine species can also be seen during the activity. Some of the diving sites around Zanzibar include Mnemba island, Wattabomi dive site, aquarium dive site, magic reef dive site among others.
- Safari blue tour
The safari blue tour is another activity which is carried out during tours on Zanzibar island. This activity starts from Fumba village and is among the popular activities to do on the island.
There are more activities which can be done when visiting Zanzibar island at different months of the year.
