Beaches in Tanzania

Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar's Nungwi village is famous for its pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. This makes Nungwi a major spot for water activities like swimming, diving, and snorkelling, with plenty of dive shops to explore. Local folks offer charming sunset cruises on traditional Dhow boats, and the beach comes alive at night with a lively atmosphere.

Activities: Swimming, diving, and snorkelling

Paje Beach on Zanzibar's east coast is famous for its beautiful scenery and exciting water sports. Known as Zanzibar's kitesurfing hub, Paje Beach also provides chances for scuba diving with turtles and a diverse range of colourful fish. The beach boasts white sand and turquoise waters, offering a picturesque backdrop for both daytime activities and lively nightlife.

Length: 20 kilometres
Popular Activities: Kitesurfing and scuba diving

Nakupenda Beach, also known as Zanzibar Sandbank or Nakupenda Island, is a stunning sandbank in the Zanzibar archipelago, just a 15-minute boat ride from Stone Town Harbour. It's celebrated for its beautiful sandbanks, vibrant birdlife, and crystal-clear waters, making it a favourite for beach lovers and romantic couples. The Swahili name "Nakupenda" means "I love you," adding a romantic touch to this picturesque destination.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Time Required: 3 hours
Best Time to Visit: Early morning 07:00 AM to 08:30 AM (Afternoon is crowded and the island sinks in the evening)
Combine With: Prison Island
Special Needs Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible

Kendwa Beach, situated on the northwest coast of Zanzibar, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, tranquil waters, and picturesque sunsets. Visitors can engage in various water sports and beach activities, especially snorkelling and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters. The beach is also famous for the vibrant Full Moon Parties hosted by Kendwa Rocks, lasting throughout the night of the full moon.

Activities: Snorkeling, diving, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing

Jambiani Beach in Zanzibar is a relaxed and picturesque destination located in the old fishing village of Jambiani. Its soft white sand, coconut trees, clear waters, and unique coral rocks make it perfect for a laidback beach retreat. The locals embrace a slow-paced life, known as the "pole pole," and rely on fishing and seaweed farming for their livelihoods.

Tidal Tip : For optimal swimming and stunning views, go to the beach during high tide. During low tide, the water pulls back, revealing expansive coral fields and kelp. During this, you can watch local women cultivating seaweed to learn about the local culture and the effort they put in.

Length: 7 kilometres
Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin tours, kiteboarding, kayaking, reef walks, dhow boat trips, and fishing
Facilities: Restrooms available
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Mnemba Island is a small private island owned by andBeyond, situated 3 kilometres off Zanzibar's northeast coast. It's renowned for its rich marine life and is surrounded by the Mnemba Atoll marine reserve, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving in Zanzibar. The island boasts white sandy beaches and coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can spot a variety of marine life along with green sea turtles and dolphins.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Size: 6.6 kilometres long, 500 meters in diameter, and 1.5 kilometres
Highlight: Snorkelling and Diving at Mnemba Atoll
Accommodation: andBeyond Mnemba Island

Pemba Island is a secluded and lesser-known spot, located 50 kilometres north of Zanzibar in Chake Chake town. This hilly island, 42 miles long and 14 miles wide, features dense forests, mangrove swamps, hidden beaches, lagoons, and tidal sandbanks. Pemba’s clear waters and vibrant coral gardens make it a great spot for diving, with the added attraction of an annual whale migration in July and August.

Mode of Transport: By ferry
Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, boat safari to Jambagome Ruins, dolphin safari, wakeboarding, knee boarding, kayaking through a mangrove forest, and sunset cruise.

Mafia Island, also known as Chole Shamba, is the third-largest island in Tanzania, situated 80 miles southeast of Dar-es-Salaam. It stands out as a premier dive spot, with the Mafia Island Marine Park protecting its southern coastline and waters, providing a habitat for diverse marine life, including whale sharks and sea turtles.

Entry Fee: $23.60 per person
Activities: Diving, snorkelling, and safaris
Pet Friendly: Yes

Kizimkazi Beach is situated in a quiet fishing village of Kizimkazi, also known as Kizimkazi Mkunguni and Kizimkazi Mtendeni, on Zanzibar's southern coast. It's a popular place for Dolphin tours and snorkelling, offering a chance to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The beach is a peaceful spot with the highest tide in Zanzibar, making it good for swimming.

Activities: Dolphin watching, boat tours, snorkelling, diving, visiting the historic Kizimkazi Mosque, exploring the Dimbani Caves, fishing charters, eco tours, and safaris

Matemwe Beach in Zanzibar's northeast is the longest beach, known for its calm and friendly vibe. The white sand beaches and turquoise clear water are perfect for relaxing, and the area is famous for its stunning coral reefs, making it great for snorkelling and scuba diving. Matemwe is also the starting point for exploring the Mnemba Atoll, a protected marine area.

Activities : Swimming, snorkelling, diving, and dolphin watching

Bagamoyo Beach in Bagamoyo town is a serene getaway, free from large crowds, making it a popular alternative to busier destinations like Zanzibar. A highlight is the annual Bagamoyo Arts Festival held around late September or October, adding cultural vibrancy to this tranquil coastal spot.

Activities: Snorkeling, dance, drum classes, Bagamoyo Historical Town tour, boat trip, windsurfing, fishing, and diving
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Parking: Available

Pangani Beach in the historic town of Pangani combines rich history, Arab influence, and well-preserved colonial buildings. As an up-and-coming resort destination in Tanzania, it offers a unique blend of historical charm and seaside beauty along the Indian Ocean. Enjoy serene beaches with palm trees and mangrove forests, stunning coral reefs, and the presence of endangered turtle breeds.

Activities: Snorkelling, city tour, and cycling.

Saadani National Park Beach in Tanzania is the only park on the East African coast, that combines safari and beach experiences. Sange Beach is famous for its white sand beaches, rivers, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife, the park offers a unique blend of both worlds.

Timings: 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Entry Fee: $20 per adult
Activities: Game drives, guided walking, boat safaris, hiking, snorkelling, culture and historical tours
Parking: Available
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables.

Fanjove Island in Tanzania, the smallest in its archipelago, is a private tropical retreat with one lodge. Boasting 11 kilometres of preserved coral reef, the island is a sanctuary for green turtles and dolphins. With white sandy beaches, azure seas, and coconut palm trees, it offers a serene escape amidst nature.

Activities: Snorkeling, bird watching, kayaking, scuba diving, sunbathing, dhow sailing, sand bank excursions, dolphin excursions, fishing
Price: Starts from $800.

Kipepeo Beach, also known as South Beach or Kigamboni, near Dar es Salaam, is a top beach known for its clear waters and traditional Swahili charm. Ideal for relaxation with beach chairs, food, drinks, and a refreshing swim, it's a perfect escape from the city.

Activities: Kite surfing, dhow sailing, snorkelling

Ras Kutani Beach, located just 15 miles south of Dar es Salaam on the Swahili Coast, is a paradise with endless white sand and clear waters. Easily accessible for a day trip, it's a great spot to swim and explore a shipwreck for adventurous snorkelers.

Activities: Snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, and turtle nesting tours

Ushongo Beach on Tanzania's north coast is a tranquil fishing village, untouched by tourism. Friendly local fishermen line the palm-fringed shore next to the Maziwe Marine Reserve. With a vibrant coral reef ideal for snorkelling, this spot is accessible only at low tide. Ushongo is also famous as a nesting ground for sea turtles.

Activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, sailing, and beach walks
Facilities: Restrooms, shower rooms.
Pets Allowed: No.

Vumawimbi Beach on Pemba Island's east side is a natural beauty with smooth sand and clear blue water. Untouched and without nearby amenities, it's a clean and safe spot mainly frequented by locals. To fully enjoy this breathtaking beach, visitors should bring all their supplies for the day.

Mode of Transport: By ferry
Activities: Snorkeling, swimming.
Pets Allowed: No