Stone Town or the north: the table
| Stone Town | Nungwi and Kendwa | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | about 2 hours | 2.5 to 3 hours (some offers 5 hours) |
| Prices seen | from US$70 with drinks and music | about US$13 to 20 |
| Included | hotel transfer, snacks and soft drinks | transfer depending on the offer, sometimes a swim |
| What you see | House of Wonders, Old Dispensary, Custom House | Nungwi or Kendwa beach at sunset |
| Who it suits | couples, those staying in town | those staying in the north, small budgets |
The Stone Town route
The Stone Town cruise follows the seafront: the House of Wonders, the Old Dispensary and the Custom House, seen from the water. It lasts about 2 hours, with hotel pickup, snacks and soft drinks in the main offer. Guides speak English, with Swahili, French, Italian or German depending on the offers: ask about the language if it matters (one traveller reported no French-speaking guide). Alcohol is limited in town: see alcohol in Zanzibar. For the rest of the evening: Stone Town in one day.
In the north: Nungwi and Kendwa
From the northern beaches this is the most accessible evening outing: prices are the lowest, departures are close to the hotels and some offers include a dip in the warm water. One Kendwa offer adds a traditional dance. For the area and evenings, see Nungwi and Kendwa and Zanzibar nightlife.
Before you book
- Check the departure port, pickup time and real duration (2 to 5 hours depending on the offer).
- See what is included: drinks, snacks, swimming, dance.
- A full boat is noisier: ask the number of passengers or a private option.
- Avoid April and May, the rainy season: see when to visit Zanzibar.
If you want a day at sea
The evening cruise is a complement. For a full day on the water, compare Safari Blue or Mnemba.
