7-Hour Nakupenda Sandbank Beach Tour with Snorkeling and BBQ

7 Hours Round trip from Hotel lobby in Stone Town Easy pace

View all 6 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Relax on Nakupenda Sandbank, a dreamy stretch of white sand in the Indian Ocean
02 Enjoy a "private island" feel as the sandbank shifts with the tides
03 Swim and sunbathe in crystal-clear turquoise water
04 Snorkel with provided equipment to spot colorful tropical fish and coral
05 Savor a fresh seafood BBQ lunch on the sandbank, with a vegetarian option on request

Escape to Nakupenda Sandbank, Zanzibar's dreamy slice of white sand floating in the turquoise Indian Ocean. This 7-hour experience includes hotel pickup, a scenic private boat ride from Stone Town, and plenty of time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and relax in a true tropical paradise. As the tides change, the sandbank can feel like your own private island in the ocean. You'll also enjoy a freshly prepared seafood BBQ lunch served right on the sandbank before a final swim and a comfortable return to your hotel.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Zanzibar, Paje

Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Nakupenda Sandbank Escape with Snorkeling and Seafood BBQ

Experience the most beautiful sandbank in Zanzibar - a true tropical paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

09:00 AM - Hotel Pickup & Stone Town Boat Launch

Pickup from your hotel in Zanzibar.

Drive to Stone Town.

Board a private boat and start sailing to Nakupenda Sandbank (30 min).

Enjoy a great opportunity for photos and videos.

Arrival at Nakupenda Sandbank - Pure Paradise

Arrive at the stunning Nakupenda Sandbank - the name means "I Love You" in Swahili.

The sandbank disappears during high tide, so you will be on a private island in the ocean.

Activities:

Swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise water
Sunbathing on the white powder sand
Snorkeling with provided equipment - see colorful tropical fish and coral
Relaxing and taking amazing photos - one of the most Instagrammable places in Zanzibar
Walking around the entire sandbank, which is small enough to explore in 10 minutes

12:30 PM - Fresh Seafood BBQ Lunch on the Sandbank (1.5 Hours)

Enjoy a delicious fresh seafood BBQ prepared right on the sandbank by our local chefs.

Menu: grilled lobster, prawns, octopus, calamari, fish, chicken, chips, tropical fruits, and sauces.

A vegetarian option is available on request.

Cold drinks include water and sodas.

Enjoy lunch with your feet in the sand and an ocean view - unforgettable.

02:00 PM - Relax & Last Swim

Take some final time to swim and relax after lunch.

Pack up and enjoy the boat ride back.

03:00 PM - Return to Stone Town & Hotel Drop-off

Boat back to Stone Town (30 min).

Drive back to your hotel.

Duration: 7 Hours (09:00 AM - 04:00 PM)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Hotel lobby in Stone Town 2 cities · 7 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

What's Included for Nakupenda Sandbank 7-Hour Tour:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from any hotel in Zanzibar (Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani - all areas)
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle to Stone Town boat dock and back
- Private boat trip to Nakupenda Sandbank and back
- Professional English / German / French-speaking guide
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) - free to use
- Fresh seafood BBQ lunch cooked on the sandbank:
  - Lobster, king prawns, octopus, calamari, fish, chicken
  - Chips
  - Tropical fruits (mango, pineapple, watermelon, banana)
  - Sauces and salads
- Drinks: bottled water and sodas

What's Not Included

Tips and gratuities for the guide, boat crew, and driver (optional but appreciated)

Personal expenses and souvenirs

Towels

Anything not mentioned in "What's Included"

What to bring

Towel (we also provide a beach towel, but bring your own if you prefer)
Sunscreen
Camera - waterproof case recommended
Some cash for tips and souvenirs

Know before you go

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - NAKUPENDA SANDBANK 7 HOURS:
- Pickup: We pick up from any hotel in Zanzibar. Please share your hotel name and location 1 day before. Pickup time will be confirmed.
- Sandbank: Nakupenda is a sandbank in the middle of the ocean, not an island. It disappears during high tide, so timing is important. We check the tide table to give you the best experience with a big sandbank. At high tide, it becomes very small.
- Snorkeling: Snorkeling is near Nakupenda, with coral that is not very deep. The water is calm and safe for beginners. Equipment is provided, but you can bring your own.
- Seafood BBQ: Fresh seafood BBQ is cooked on the sandbank.
- Sun Protection: There is no shade on the sandbank.
- Language: The tour is available in English, German, and French. Your guide will speak your selected language.
Duration: 7 Hours (09:00 - 16:00), including transport and boat.

Logistics