The table to choose from
| Beach | Coast | Tide | For whom | Kitesurfing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nungwi | North | Mild, the sea draws back a little in places | Atmosphere, restaurants, sunset, diving | No |
| Kendwa | North-west | Mild, swimming almost at any hour | Couples, families, swimming, full-moon party | No |
| Matemwe | North-east | Pronounced | Quiet, departures to Mnemba | No |
| Kiwengwa | East | Noticeable | All-inclusive resorts | No |
| Michamvi Kae | South-east | Pronounced | Sunset, beach bars | No |
| Bwejuu | South-east | Strong | Quiet between Paje and Michamvi | Possible |
| Paje | South-east | Very strong | Young travellers, wind sports | Yes, the kitesurfing capital |
| Jambiani | South-east | Very strong | Quiet village, small hotels | Possible |
The north: swim at any hour
Nungwi and Kendwa are the simplest choice for a first visit: the sea is deep almost all day, there is food and nightlife, and boat departures to Mnemba are close. Nungwi is the liveliest, Kendwa the calmer one. The full comparison is in the Nungwi and Kendwa guide.
The east coast: tides, kitesurfing and lagoons
At Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu the tide decides the day: at low tide the sea is very far out and you walk on sand and past seaweed farms; at high tide swimming is lovely. This is also where the wind is steady: see kitesurfing in Paje and the Paje and Jambiani guide. If you want to swim every day without calculating, choose the north instead.
Resorts and quiet
Kiwengwa lines up big all-inclusive hotels on a white-sand beach; Matemwe is a discreet fishing village and a good starting point for Mnemba; Michamvi Kae is known for its sunset. For the comparison by budget and coast, see where to stay in Zanzibar.
When to go to the beach
The dry, cooler season runs from June to October, the hotter season from December to March; avoid April and May if possible. Details in when to go to Zanzibar.
A boat to enjoy the sea more
On the north coast, the morning of snorkelling at Mnemba with dolphins is the trip that comes up most, from Nungwi as well as Kendwa: see Mnemba. Check what the atoll tax covers and how many passengers board the boat.
Going further
To combine several beaches with Stone Town, read Zanzibar in 7 days and scams and safety on the beach.
